Skip to main content

Full text of "The history of the town and country of the town of Galway : from the earliest period to the present time..."

See other formats 


Gc  Ma  L: 

941.7402 

G183h 

1823739 


GENEALOGY  COLLECTrON 


hRO 


ALLEN  COUNTY  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


3  1833  00674  1653 


HISTORY 


TOWN  AND  COUNTY  OF  THE  TOWN 


^alliia^^  Xr 


re. 

FROM    THE   EARLIEST   PERIOD    TO    THE    PRESENT   TIME, 

€mbeIli]5|)cD  toitlj  ficDeral  OBngrabingsf. 

TO    WHICH    IS    A3aDED, 

A  COPIOUS  APPENDIX, 

COXTAINIXG    THE    PRIXCIPAL    CHARTERS    AND    OTHER   ORIGINAL  DOCUMENTS. 


BY    JAMES    HARD  IM^N,    Esq. 

■JEJIIER   or   THE    nOYAL   lllISU    ACADEMY   AND    SUB-COMMISSIONER   ON   THE    PUBLIC    RECORDS, 


-Uhloricc  jilaccant  nosiratcs. 


DUBLIN  : 
S'RINTED    BY    W.    FOLDS    AND    SONS,    38,    CT.    STRAND-STREET. 

^ 

1820. 


^^^^^^t 
2^^^^^^^ 


^^1^    ^> 


■ji;.'    ZJitv/m. . 


'i^sp'i'Tm^^ 


B»-%,tk.» 


^llfftfe^  \ 


fe- 


^ 
-ll^ 


,^^ 


18;e3739 


f  r  II;ir(liman,  James,  1700?-1S:j5. 

42935         ""'riic  liistory  of  the  lown  ami  coimly  of  (lie  town  of  Cal- 
.33  ^yi\y,  fi'oni  the  o;u-l'K-.t  pci-iod  to  the  present  time,  einhellisheil 

witli  several  eii^i'a  viii^^'s.  To  wliieh  is  mlileil,  a  ('oi^imis  ai>iH'n- 
dix,  (•oiilainiii;^-  (he  jJi-iiKipal  cliiirtPrs  anil  other  original 
docnnients.  By  James  Ilardiinan  ...  Dublin,  Printed  by  \V. 
Folds  and  sons^lS-20. 

xvl,  :rJO,  Ivl,  [1]  I).     I'loiit.,  illiis.,  C  III.,  2  miiiis,  2  iilaiis.     2S'". 


3G4426 


1.  {.'nhvay,  Iio.— Hist. 

r^,  .       -1-2  .:-3 

T.IIirary  nf  Coi^'ioss  '    r)A09n.(MSn2 


L 


JAMES    DALY,   Esq. 

OF    DUNSJXDLE, 

ONE   01"  THE   RErRESENTATIVES  IX  PARLIAMENT   FOR  THE   COUNTY  OF  CALWAY. 

>^^■^<^'* 

SIR, 

The  measures  now  in  progress,  under  your  sanction,  to' 
improve  the  town  of  Galway  and  promote  the  conveni- 
ence of  its  inhabitants,  afford  me  much  additional  pleasure 
in  dedicating  to  you  a  Work,  undertaken  with  a  hope  of 
benefiting  that  ancient  and  respectable  town,  with  whose 
prosperity  your  interest  is  so  intimately  connected.  Inde- 
pendently of  this  consideration,  there  were  others  which 
would  have  equally  induced  me  to  come  to  the  same  deter-* 
mination.  I  felt  that  I  should  have  to  address  the  descendant 
of  a  family  to  which  Galway  had  been  indebted  for 
emancipation  from  the  long-borne  thraldom  of  former 
corporation  influence, — an  individual  wdio,  with  conscious 
pride,  could  look  back  on  a  line  of  ancestry,  many  of 
them  eminently  conspicuous  in  the  history  of  their 
'country.  Whose  venerable  forefather,  Denis  Daly,  Esq. 
(the  counsellor  and  stedfast  friend  of  the  ill-fated  James  II.) 
suaacsted  those  measures  which  w^ould  have  led  to  the 
general  pacification  of  this  part  of  the  kingdom,  and, 
perhaps,  have  prevented  the  sanguinary  battle  of  Aughrim, 
unless  frustrated  by  the  prevalence  of  that  party  which  led 
Ireland  into  danger,  and  then  abandoned  her  to  her  fate. 
Whose  paternal  grandfather,  James  Daly,  Esq.    first  over- 


IV 


turned  corporation  tyranny  in  Galway,  and  declined  the 
dignity  of  the  Peerage  to  remain  the  vigilant  parliamentary 
guardian  of  the  people's  rights,  the  champion  of  toleration, 
and  the  firm  and  early  advocate  of  the  Catholics  of  Ireland. 
Whose  distinouished  father,  the  Rio-ht  Honorable  Dexis 
Daly,  (a  name  with  which  the  mind  involuntarily  associates 
the  idea  of  all  that  is  worthy  and  dignified  in  human 
nature,)  to  use  the  words  of  his  bosom  friend  and  immor- 
tal fellow-patriot,  Henjiy  Gkattan,  "  was  one  of  the  best 
and  brightest  characters  that  Ireland  ever  produced." — The 
language  of  adulation,  I  well  know%  but  too  generally 
pervades  addresses  of  this  kind,  but  that  of  the  present  is 
the  language  of  truth  ;  for  I  feel  myself  as  much  above 
resorting-  to  any  other,  as  I  have  been  removed  from  the 
necessity  of  doing  so.  From  you,  how^ever,  I  may  anti- 
cipate the  declaration  of  the  celebrated  O'Nial,  on  some 
similar  occasion :  "  I  ambition  not,"  said  that  illustrious 
Irishman,  "  so  much  to  derive  honor  from  my  ancestors,  as 
to  reflect  back  upon  them  the  lustre  that  they  have  shed 
upon  me." — Sincerely  wishing  that  you  may  long  enjoy 
those  exalted  feelings,  which  are  inseparable  from  the 
observance  of  so  noble  a  sentiment,  and  still  continue  the 
friend  and  supporter  of  the  town  of  Galway  and  its 
interests, 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 

Sir, 
Your  obedient,    luunble  servant, 

j)uba„,  ut^xov.  18.0.  JJ3IES  HARDIMAN. 


PREFACE. 


J_  IIAT  Ireland  Is  not  so  well  known  to  Great  Britain  as  the  interest 
of  both  countries  requires,  is  fully  evinced  by  the  numerous  errors 
into  which  some  of  the  best-infoi^med  English  writers  fall  when  treatin"-of 
this  island  ;  but  that  it  is  not,  even  yet,  sufficiently  acquainted  with  itself, 
is  a  truth,  which,  though  equally  incontestible,  appears  not  to  be  so  Gene- 
rally felt  or  considered.  These  defects,  which  must  be  evidently  prejudicial 
to  the  empire  at  large,  have  been  ascribed  to  many  causes  :  the  only  one, 
however,  deemed  necessary  to  be  mentioned  here,  is,  that  scarcity  of 
useful  topographical  information,  winch  may  be  pronounced  as  f^reat  an 
obstacle  to  the  improvement  of  this  country,  as  it  is  an  unquestionable 
reflection  upon  its  literature.  While  every  city  and  town,  nay  almost 
every  village  and  liamlet,  in  Great  Britain,  can  boast  of  its  history,  or 
illustrative  description,  the  efforts  of  the  pen  or  the  pencil,  in  a  similar 
way,  in  Ireland,  may  be  enumerated  in  a  summary  note  ;'  and  to  this 
deficiency  it  is  that  the  imperfect  knowledge  of  this  part  of  the  empire, 
above  alluded  to,  may  be  principally  attributed. — To  elucidate  this  by  a 
single  example :  the  whole  of  the  western  province,  in  which  the  subject 
of  the  following  attempt  at  topographical  delineation  is  situate,  its  natural 
advantages,  former  transactions,  numerous  and  respectable  families,  &c. 

"Doctor  Smith's  Histories  of  NVatei-ford,  1716;  Cork,  1750;  and  Kerry,  17JG — Limerick,  by 
rcrriir,  1767,  I7S7 — The  County  of  Down,  by  Harris,  1744- — County  of  Dublin,  by  Itutty,  1772 — 
Carrlckfcrgus,  by  Mr.  M'Skimin,  ISll— Armagh,  by  Mr.  Stewart,  18'20.  City  of  Dubhn,  "by  Harris, 
1766;  by  Fcrrar,  1796  ;  aral  by  Messrs.  Whitelaw  and  Walsh,  1810 — Mr.  Monck  Mason's  History  of 
St.  Patrick's  Cathedral,  Dublin,  1819,  (being  part  only  of  a  greater  work,  entitled  Ilibcrnia  Antiqua 
et  Hodierna,  undertaken  by  that  learned  gentleman) — A  brief  Descrlpti^on  of  Irislitowu  and 
Kilkenny,  l)y  doctor  Ledwich,  (first  published  in  Vallancey's  Collectanea,  and  afterwards  in  the  doctor's 
Antiquities  of  Ireland) — and  an  old  Account  of  Westmeath,  by  Sir  Henry  Piers,  (also  published  in  the 
Collectanea),  comprise  all  the  city  or  county  history  of  this  country  worth  noticing  that  has  ever 
appeared.  After  this  enumeration,  it  is  almost  unnecessary  to  add,  that  many  a  single  shire  in  England 
has  been  more  copiously  described  and  better  illustrated  than  the  whole  of  Ireland!  To  the 
several  statistical  or  county  agricultural  surveys  no  allusion  is  here  made,  tlicsc  publications  being 
very  different  in  their  nature  from  those  in  the  contemplation  of  the  author. 


vi  PREFACE. 

have  liitlierto  remained  almost  unnoticed  and  unknown  ;  insomucli 
that  it  is  a  fact,  no  less  singular  than  certain,  that  the  public  in  o-eneral 
is  better  acquainted  with  every  ])articu]ar  relating  to  the  most  obscure 
district  in  the  East  Indies,  or  the  most  insignificant  island  in  the  southern 
Archipelago,  than  with  the  affliirs  of  this  extensive  and  populous  province. 
An  inclination,  in  some  measure,  to  remedy  this  defect,  has  induced  the 
compilation  of  the  following  History  of  Gahvay,  the  ancient,  and  formerly 
celebrated,  capital  of  the  West  of  Ireland,  which  is  now,  with  every 
degree  of  deference  and  respect,  submitted  to  the  impartial  judn-ment 
of  an    enlightened  public. 

Amidst  the  avocations  of  professional  and  official  duty,  the  author  has 
spared    neither   labor   nor    expense  to   render    the  work   which    he   had. 
undertaken  as  perfect  as  possible.     A  desire  to  become  acquainted  with 
the   past    state   and    transactions   of  a  place,    which    presents    so    many 
monuments  of  former  opulence  and  respectability,  originally  led  to  the 
idea,  and  the  intention  was  afterwards  promoted  by  an  incident  that  could 
not  have  been  previously  anticipated.     His  JMajesty's  Commissioners  lor 
the  regulation  of  the  Public  Records  of  Ireland  were  pleased  to  appoint 
the   author   one    of  their   Sub-commissioners:    this  circumstance,  which 
threw    open    many    valuable    sources    of  national    information,    at    once 
determined  and   enabled    him   to  investigate  with  greater    accuracy    the 
history  and  antiquities    of  this  ancient   and  respectable   town,    and    the 
leisure   hours    that  could    be    spared   from    other   more    immediate   and 
necessary  pursuits  have  been  devoted  to  the  purpose.    Alter  gleanino-  consi- 
derably  IVom    the  invaluable  archives  of  Trinity  College,    the    Record 
Tower,  (now  comprising  the  former  contents  of  Rirmin"ham  Tower    the 
parHamentary  papers,   and   those  of   some    of  the  offices  of   State,)  the 
Rolls,  Auditor-general's,  Cliief-remembrancer's,  andother  offices  in  Dublin 
including,  through  the  kindness  of  Sir  William  Betham,  that  of  the  Herald 
at  Arms,  he  personally  visited  and  carefully  explored  the  principal  record 
repositories  in  England  ;    and   the   rich  and   inexhaustible  stores  of  the 
Bodlein.n  Library  at  Oxford,  the  British  J\Jiiseum,  and  theTower  of  London 
have  largely  contributed  to  complete  his  undertaking.   The  town  records  of 
Galway,  (including  the  venerable  volume  which  contains  the  early  acts 
of  the  corporation,    and   which  the  present  possessor  values  at   several  ■ 
hundred  pounds,)  with  the  most  authentic  annals  in  the  Irish  lano'ua"-e 
and   many   private  manuscripts   of  an   interesting  nature,  have   likewise 
been  procured  ;  and  every  ])rinted  work   has  been  perused   which   was 


rilEFACE.  vii 

known  or  supposed  to  throw  any  light  on  the  present  or  former  state  of 
the  town  and  provhice.  From  the  documents  thus  collected  the  following 
work  has  been  compiled  ;  and,  whatever  may  be  the  opinion  formed  of  its 
arrangement  or  execution,  it  will  be  found  to  contain  the  only  embodied 
portion  of  local  and  historical  information  ever  given  to  tlie  public  con- 
cerning any  part  of  the  West  of  Ireland. 

However  curious  or  interesting  works  of  this  nature  may  appear  to 
resident  individuals,  they  can  seldom  be  expected  to  excite  general 
attention.  Instances  might,  notwithstanding,  be  adduced,  in  which 
the  histories  of  particular  places  have  been  deservedly  held  in  liigh 
estimation ;  and,  although  the  author  has  no  expectation  that  the 
following  work  will  ever  be  numbered  among  such  instances,  yet  he 
cannot  help  thinking  that  many  matters  interspersed  throughout  its 
pages  may  be  found  worthy  of  consideration,  even  beyond  the  narrow 
limits  of  the  place  that  gave  them  birth.  While  the  descendants  of  those, 
whose  actions  are  here  recorded,  will  dwell  over  the  memorials  of  former 
days,  with  that  lively  desire  of  kno^wing  their  ancestors,  which,  according 
to  the  historian,  must  depend  on  the  influence  of  some  common  principle 
in  our  nature  ;  every  Irishman,  concerned  for  the  honor  and  prosperity  of 
his  native  land,  may  perhaps  feel  a  more  general  interest  in  the  annals 
of  an  Irish  city  of  an:;ient  celebrity,  in  which  so  many  affairs  of  public 
importance  had  formerly  been  transacted.  If  taken  in  a  commercial  point 
of  view,  it  will  be  found  that  the  former  inhabitants  of  Galway,  (availing 
themselves  of  those  natural  advantages  Avhich  their  situation  afforded,  and 
with  which  this  neglected  island,  in  every  direction,  so  ami)ly  abounds,) 
gradually  rose  from  a  state  of  comparative  insignificance  to  a  high  degree 
of  national  consideration,  and  that  the  town,  however  extraordinary  it  may 
now  appear,  arrived  to  a  pitch  of  mercantile  greatness  superior,  with  the 
single  exception  of  London,  to  any  other  port  in  the  British  dominions." 
E\en  to  an  English  reader,  the  progress  of  so  flourishing  a  colony  of  his 
own  nation,  or,  as  described  by  itself,  "an  ancient  colonic  of  English, 
planted  in  this  nook  ol  tfie  country^"  '  among  a  people  then  considered 
as    "English  enemies,"    may    not    be    altogether    unacceptable.     To  the 

I"  "  We  m;!}'  be  bold  to  say,  that  for  the  situation  thereof,  voisenagc,  ami  commerce  it  hath  with 
Spain,  the  Strayts,  West  Indies,  and  other  places,  noe  town  or  port  in  the  tln-ee  nations  (London  ex- 
cepted) was  more  considerable." — Original  letter  Jioin  Hcnrij  Croiinvcll  and  the  Irish  privij  cuuncil  con- 
cerning Gnlzvnij,  dated  7th  April,  1657.— Vide  p.  138. 

■^  Vide  p.  135 — note. 


viii  PREFACE. 

politician  and  philosopher  it  may  be  useful  to  detail  the  various 
circumstances  which  led  to  the  decline  of  a  town  formerly  so  celebrated. 
At  the  present  crisis,  also,  when  so  many  of  his  majesty's  subjects  are 
ondcavorino;,  by  constitutional  means,  to  become  emancipated  from 
those  penal  inflictions  under  which  they  have  so  long  and  so  patiently 
labored,  the  following  pages  will  demonstrate,  by  many  examples,  that 
the  principles  of  Catholics  are  not  incompatible  with  the  strictest  obser- 
vance of  loyalty  to  monarchs  of  a  different  persuasion.  They  will  also  shew 
that  no  diversity  of  religious  opinion,  or  even  severity  of  treatment  under 
the  most  rigid  enforcement  of  the  penal  laws,  could  ever  weaken  the  al- 
legiance of  the  Catholics  of  Ireland  as  subjects,  or  influence  their  demqanor 
as  peaceable  citizens,  Several  most  honorable  proofs  will  likewise  be 
found  of  their  unalterable  attachment  to  the  Protestant  monarchs  of 
Great  Britain,  and  their  representative  rulers  in  this  country. — For  these, 
and  other  reasons,  the  author  has  ventured  to  hope  that  his  labors 
may  not  be  altogether  useless,  and  even  that  they  may  be  attended  with 
results  superior  to  those  of  satisfying  mere  antiquarian  research,  or 
gratifying  the   impulse  of  fruitless  curiosity. 

From  the  golden  rule,  Ne  quid  falsi  diccre  audecd,  ne  quid  veri  non  audeat, 
laid  down  by  Cicero  as  indispensible  for  every  writer  who  interferes  in 
any  of  the  provinces  of  history,  the  author  has  not  intentionally  departed; 
it  has  been  his  constant  guide ;  and  the  anxiety  to  adhere  to  it  rigidly 
has,  perhaps,  extended  even  to  a  fault,  by  the  too  frequent  introduction 
of  the  very  words  of  the  author  or  authority,  and  in  many  places  by  en- 
cumbering the  pages  with  entire  documents  ;  but  for  this  the  best  apology 
that  can  be  offered  is,  the  information  which  these  documents  will  be 
found  to  contain.  The  author's  highest  expectation  was,  that  of  being 
classed  amongst  tliose  writers  approved  of  by  Montaigne,  who  have 
jiothing  of  their  own  to  insert,  and  who  only  take  the  care  and  pains  to 
collect  every  thing  thnt  comes  to  their  notice,  and  to  make  a  faithfid 
register  of  all  things,  without  choice  or  distinction,  leaving  the  discovery 
of  the  truth  entirely  to  the  judgment  of  their  readers.  "  He  therefore 
considered  that  a  narrative,  whose  real  value  thus  depended  on  its  truth, 
could  dispense  with  the  labored  ornaments  of  style :  and  hence  no  fact, 

''  J'aynie  les  Ilistoriens,  ou  fort  simples,  ou  exccllens.  Les  simples,  qui  n'ont  point  dequoy  y  niesler 
quclque  chose  lUi  leur,  et  qui  u'y  appovtcnt  que  le  soin,  et  la  diligence  de  r'amasser  tout  ce  qui  vient  a 
leur  notice,  et  d'enregistrer  a  la  bonne  foy  toutes  choscs,  sans  chois  et  sans  triage,  nous  laissent  le 
jugement  entier,  pour  la  cognoissance  de  la  verite. — Essais  de  Montaigne)  liv.  II.  chap.  X. 


PREFACE.  ix 

however  apparently  trifling,  luis  been  sacrificed  to  brilliancy  of  sentiment 
or  elegance  of  diction.  The  incipient  efforts  of  an  individual,  but  liltle 
versed  in  tlie  art  of  elaborate  composition,  must  betray  defects;  Ijut  the 
labor  of  investigating  ancient  records,  decyphering  the  rude  and 
mutilated  remnants  of  former  times,  and  the  abstracting,  arranging  and 
connecting  of  events,  collected  with  much  toil,  through  the  dark  periods 
of  antifjuity,  will,  it  is  ho})ed,  induce  the  reflecting'  reader  to  over- 
look such  inaccuracies,  and  even  entitle  this  work  to  a  portion  of  that 
indulo-ence,  which  the  most  finished  productions  of  human  industry  are 
often  ibund  to  require. 

To  few  only  of  the  living  does  the  author  lie  under  any  obligation  ; 
but  to  those  few  he  is  largely  indebted.  The  zeal  and  persevering 
industry  with  which  his  highly  respected  and  valuable  friend,  Edmund 
Costello,  esq.  assisted  in  obtaining  information,  particularly  concerning 
the  modern  state  of  Galway,  can  never  be  forgotten.  John  Lynch 
Alexander,  esq.  with  the  kind  disposition  wliich  always  marks  his 
character,  obliirinolv  communicated^several  curious  documents  concerning 
the  ecclesiastical  history  of  the  town.  From  his  lamented  friend,  tlie 
late  William  Nash,  esq.  of  the  Rolls  Office,  Dublin  wliose  goodness  of 
heart  was  only  equalled  by  the  extent  of  his  knowledge,  the  author 
received  much  valuable  information.  The  friendship  of  William  Shaw 
Mason,  esq.  (to  Avhom  Ireland  is  much  indebteil  for  the  measures 
taken  to  preserve  its  ancient  legal  records,  and  for  (he  first  pervasive 
effort  to  develope  the  actual  state  of  the  country,)  has  also  aided  his 
researches.  To  Charles  Blake,  esq.  of  Merlin  Park,  near  (ialway,  he  is 
obliged  for  the  use  of  the  old  corporation-I^ook,  before  alluded  to,  which 
contains  many  curious  entries  concerning  the  town  tor  a  period  of  nearly 
one  hundred  and  seventy  years.  To  the  Provost,  ';'ice  Provost,  and  Seifior 
Fellows  of  Trinity  College,  he  returns  his  sincere  thanks  for  the  am- 
descending  attention  which  he  has  experienced  from  t'lat  learneil  body; 
and  to  the  Reverend  Doctors  Xash  and  Wilson  he  is  pa:'ticidarly  indebted. 
l"o  those  friends,  also,  who  kindly  wished  to  provide  against  (he  heavy 
expenses  attending  this  work,  by  promoting  a  subscri[)tion,  he  is  like- 
wise thankful ;  and,  although  he  declined  their  offers,  he  feels  grateful 
for  the  motives  which  dictated  them.  Finally,  the  autli|fc'  b.egs  leave 
here  to  repeat,  what  he  once  before  expressed  at  a  most  respectable 
meeting  in  Galway,  "  that  he  had  voluntarily  undertaken  the  task,  without 
any  other  view  than  a  hope  that  it  might  tend  to  the  honor,  and  perhaps: 

b 


X  PREFACE. 

to  the  benefit,  of  their  native  town  ;  and  that,  if  his  work  slioiild  not 
possess  sufficient  merit  to  support  itself,  it  would,  and  ought  to  full  into 
oblivion ;  but  if  otherwise,  he  entertained  no  doubt  of  its  favorable 
reception  by  a  discerning  public." 


Ipo0t.0cnpt  conccrnins  tljc  €no;ral3ing.s(. 

With  respect  to  the  Engravings,  no  pains  have  been  spared  that  they 
sliould  be  properly  executed,  and  that  the  drawings  should  be  correct. 
The  distant  prospect  of  Galway,  and  the  views  of  the  church,  Lynch's 
castle,  the  county  court-house,  bridge,  and  prison,  were  taken  by  an 
ingenious  artist,  brought  from  Dublin  solely  for  the  purpose.  The 
armorial  bearings,  contained  in  plate  II.  have  been  extracted  partly  from 
the  old  map  oi'tlie  town.  This  latter  document,  whicii  the  author,  after 
mucli  trouble,  has  been  enabled  to  lay  before  the  reader,  affords  incontes- 
tible  proof  of  the  former  respectable  state  of  Galway,  and  is  deservedly 
admired  as  one  of  the  principal  topographical  curiosities  relating  to 
Ireland. "  A  drawing  of  Lynch's  castle,  situate  in  the  centre  of  the 
town,  is  given,  as  it  presents  a  beautiful  specimen  of  ancient  architecture, 
and  had  formerly  been  the  residence  of  some  of  the  chief  magistrates. 
The  modern  plan  of  the  town  and  suburbs  has  been  made  from  actual 
survc}',  and  will,  it  is  hoped,  be  found  generally  correct.  The  mis- 
cellaneous plate  also  contains  an  assemblage  possessing  some  local 
interest;  and,  although  the  different  objects  are  reduced  to  a  small 
scale,  yet  care  has  been  taken  that  they  should  all  be  exactly  delineated. 
The  principal  engravings  have  been  executed  by  some  of  the  best 
engravers  wiiich  Dublin  could  afford. 

'  'I'lic  author  had,  for  a  long  time,  despaired  of  obtaining  this  curious  document.  The  only  copy, 
whicli,  ui'.til  hitely,  was  known  to  be  extant  in  Ireland,  was  preserved  at  Castleniagarrett,  in 
the  county  of  Mayo,  and  the  proprietor,  very  properly,  esteeming  it  as  an  unique  of  consi- 
derable value,  appeared  disinclined  to  hazard  its  safety  by  transmitting  it  to  Dublin.  An  ingenious 
surveyor  of  that  county  declared  that  he  could  not  furnish  a  copy  of  it  for  less  than  100/.  In  the 
mean  time  a  duplicate  was  discovered  in  the  valuable  library  of  Trinity  College.  Here  the  author  met 
with  no  diHicuIty  ;  his  artist  was  allowed  to  tal<e  a  fac-siiiiile,  which,  omitting  some  of  the  extra 
ornaments,  has  been  reduced,  and  engraved  on  as  large  a  scale  as  possible  for  this  work :  and  thus 
he  has  been  enabled,  though  at  some  expense,  to  indulge  his  own  wish,  and  gratify  the  public  curiosity, 
by  introducing  (and  perhaps  rescuing  from  oblivion)  this  interesting  relic  of  former  times. 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 

CHAP.  I. 


'J'lie  origin  and  signltication  of  tlie  name  of  Galvvay — Opinions  of  Camden,  Ware,  Lynch, 
O'Flaherty,  De  Burgo  and  Vallancey— The  name  derived  from  commerce — Security  of 
the  Iiarbour— Supposed  origin  of  the  bay  — Derivation  of  its  name — Inhabitants  of  the  town 
before  Henry  H. — Subsequent  colonics,  viz.  Athy,  Blake,  Bodkin,  Browne,  Darcy,  Deane, 
Ffont,   Ffrench,  Joyce,   Kirwan,   Lynch,    Martin,    Morris   and    Skerrett — Affiliated  families 

— Former   manners   and    character — Former    state    and    topography — Speed — Heylyn Sir 

Oliver    St.  John — Ancient   map    and   ichnography — References— Concluding  observations 

CHAP.  IL 
fhom  the  earliest  accounts  to  the  invasion  of  iien'uy  ii. 
Early  history  and  antiquities  of  Ireland  disputed — Intemperate  feelings  of  writers  on  the  subject 
— Come  but  little  within  the  scope  of  this  work— The  ancient  town  of  Galway  made  a  chief 
point  of  division  in  the  various  partitions  of  Ireland — In  that  by  Heber  and  Heremon — By 
Eognn  More  and  Con-cead-Cathach,  in  the  second  century — War  between  these  princes  for 
an  equal  dividend  of  the  revenues  of  Dublin  and  Galway— The  latter  then  a  place  of  note  — 
Destruction  of  Irish  records— Accounts  of  Ireland  by  Tacitus  and  Ptolemy — Those  of  the 
latter  doubted  —  Opinions  of  Camden,  Ware,  Baxter,  and  others,  that  Galway  was  the 
Nagnata  of  Ptolemy --Its  origin  uncertain —  Destruction  of  tlie  town  by  the  Danes  —  Rebuilt 
by  the  Conaclans — Ravaged  by  the  Monionians — and  revived  in  1170 

CHAP.  HI. 

FROM    THE    ANGLO-NORMAN     INVASION    TO    THE    YEAR     11-Sl'. 

Arrival  of  Strongbow,  accompanied  by  William  Fitz-Andelni  De  Burgo,  ancestor  of  the  family 
of  Cl.mricarde —Landing  of  Henry  II, — Submission  and  subsc(iuent  revolt  of  the  Irish 
])rinccs — Unsuccessful  attempt  of  Roderick  O'Conor,  the  nionarcli,  on  Dublin — Treat)' 
between  him  and  Henry  II. — First  hostile  incursion  of  the  invaders  into  Connaught,  and 
their  defeat — Grant  of  the  province  to  De  Burgo  — Deposition  and  death  of  Roderick  — 
Connor,  his  successor,  defeats  De  Courcy — Catlial,  who  succeeds,  joins  with  Meiler  Fitz- 
Henry,  the  justiciary,  and  subdues  De  Burgo — Treaty  between  him  and  King  John — Cathal 
dies,  and  Henry  HI.  orders  the  lord  justice  to  seize  on  all  Connaught,  and  deliver  it  to 
Richard  De  Burgo — Fedhlim,  who  succeeded  Cathal,  visits  Henry  in  England,  and  obtains 
iin  order  to  be  restored  to  his  territory—  The  castle  of  Galway  fortified  by  O'Flaherty — Taken 
by  De  Burgo,  who  strengthens  the  castle,  and  protects  and  encourages  the  town — Walls, 
groat  gate,  and  tower  erected — Increase  of  trade  and  commerce — Church  of  St.  Nichohis 


Pii" 


xii  C  O  N  T  E  N  T  S. 

built  — Dispute  between  tlie  families  of  Blake  and  Atliy— Death  of  William  earl  of  Ulster 
and  seizure  of  Gahvay  by  Mac  William  Eiglitcr— Charters  of  murage  and  of  the  staple 
granted    by   Edward  III.— Removal    of  the   staple-  Merchants   of  Limerick  jealous  of  the 

increasing    trade   and   prosperity   of  GaKvay— Revolt    and   submission    of  the    town Two 

charters  granted  by  Richard  II.  — Charter  of  Henry  IV. — Mercantile  regulations— Esta- 
blishment of  a  mint — Charter  of  Edward  IV.- and  conflagration  in  the  town.  43 

CHAP.  IV. 

FROM     MSI-    TO    THE    COMMENXEM  ENT    ON     THE     IIUSII    llEBELLION    IN     16H. 

^^■ardcllship  of  Cralway  instituted  by  the  archbishop  of  Tuam,  and  confirmed  by  pope  Innocent 
VIII. — Charter  of  Richard  III.  — Remarkable  instance  of  inflexible  justice — Eortilicatluns 
built — Great  fire  in  the  town — Battle  of  Knoc-Tuadh — Hospital  built,  and  several  improve- 
ments made — Disputes  between  Cialway  and  Limerick — Prisage    of  wines  claimed Orders 

of  Henry  VIII.  to  the  inhabitants — The  lord  deputy,  Grey,  honorably  received  in  the  town, 
and  several  Irish  chiefs  come  in,  and  submit — Sir  William  De  Burgh  created  earl  of  Clan- 
ricardc,  and  deprived  of  all  ])ower  in  Galway — Charter  of  Henry  VIII. — Mercan  tile  by- 
laws— Charters  of  Edward  \'I.  — The  earl  of  Sussex,  chief  governor,  arrives  in  Galway, 
and  is  splendidly  received — Sir  Henry  Sidney,  his  successor,  arrives  in  town — Insurrection 
of  the  iMac-an-Ear!as— Their  defeat— Charter  of  Elizabeth— The  lord  justice,  Sir  William 
Pelham,  arrives  in  town,  and  confirms  the  charter—  Sir  John  Perrot,  lord  deputy,  comes  to 
Galway — Prisage  of  wines  in  the  town,  established  by  the  earl  of  Orniond — One  of  the 
vcspels  of  the  Spanish  armada  wrecked  in  the  bay—  The  lord  deputy.  Sir  William  Fitz- 
williams,  arrives  in  town,  and  puts  several  of  the  Spaniards  to  death — Sir  William  Uussel, 
lord  deputy,    arrives,    and    investigates  the   state    of    tlie    town   and   province — The    town 

besieged   by  Hugh  Ruadh  O'Donncl — Licentiousness   of  the  inhabitants  of  the   country 

The  chief  governor,  lord  INIountjoy,  visits  the  town  — St.  Augustine's  fort  built — Charter  of 
James  I.  -The  town  erected  into  a  separate  jurisdiction — The  lord  deputy,  viscount 
Falkland,  arrives  in  Galway—  His  munificence — Fort  of  Ballymanagh  built  — Several  forti- 
fications erected  —  Splendid  entry  into  Galwaj',  and  reception  of  viscount  Wentworth,  lord 
deputy — His  oppressive  proceedings  against  a  jury  of  the  county — Concluding  observations  67 

CHAP.    V. 

I'HOM     IGll     TO    THE    IlESTOnATION    OF    CHARLES   II.     1660. 

Opulence  of  Galway  at  the  commencement  of  the  Irish  rebellion,  2'M  October,  161-1  — Report 
of  Sir  Francis  Willoughby,  governor  of  St.  Augustine's  fort,  near  Galwaj',  on  tliat  event 
— The  care  of  the  earl  of  Clanricarde  to  secure  the  peace  of  the  country — Loyal  resolutions 
of  the  town  —  Disputes  with  the  fort — iMassacre  at  Shruel — Revolt  of  the  town,  and  siege  of 
the  fort — The  fort  relieved,  and  the  town  submits  to  the  carl  of  Clanricarde — \'iolent 
proceedings  of  the  governor  of  the  fort  -  He  bombards  he  town — Lord  Forbes  arrives  with 
a  fl'jct  in  the  bay — Besieges  the  town — His  barbarous  conduct — The  fort  besieged,  taken 

and  demolished — The  town  declares  in  favor  of   the  Irish,   and  against  the  parliament 

Persists  in  loyalty  to  the  king  — Several  fortifications  built — Tumults  iji  the  town,  occasioned 
by  the  pope's  nuncio  on  the  question  ef  the  cessation — Compelled  at  length  to  proclaim  it  — 
The  nuncio  departs  from  Galway — The  town  advances  money  to  the  state^ — (jrateful 
acknowledgments  of  Charles  II. — Dreadful  plague  in  the  town — Marquis  of  Ormond  takes 
shipping  in  tlalway,  and  leaves  the  kingdom  — Xegociations  willi   the  duke  of  Lorrain — His 


CONTENTS.  xiii 

Paoe 

ambassador  arrives  in  Galway — The  town  besieged  by  the  parliamentary  forces  under  Sir 
Cliarlcs  Coote — Its  strenuous  defence  and  final  surrender — The  plague  rages — Cruel 
proceedings  against  the  inhabitants — Licentiousness  of  the  soldiery — Unjust  measures  of 
the  rulers  in  Dublin,  contrary  to  the  articles  of  surrender — The  corporation  new  modelled  — 
Tlie  ancient  inhabitants  turned  out  of  the  towTi,  and  the  houses  destroyed — Plans  of  the 
'     governnicut  relative  to  Galwa}' — Lands   and  houses  valued  and  sold — Total   decay  of  tlie 

town  at  tlie  time  of  the  Restoration      -  -  -  -  -  -         108 

CHAP.   VL  _    ■ 

FROM     16G0    TO    THE    SURRENDER    OF    GALWAY    TO    KING    WILLIAm's    FORCES,     1691. 

On  the  restoration  of  Charles  H.  many  of  the  new  settlers  disappear,  and  the  old  natives  and 
former  inhabitants  return — Letters  of  the  king  to  the  lords  justices,  to  restore  them  to  their 
freedoms  and  estates — Animosities  and  disputes  between  them  and  the  new  settlers — An 
instance  of  one  of  these  contentions — Prej,udice  of  the  lords  justices  against  the  old  natives 
— Opposition  given  to  their  claims  —  Excluded  from  corporate  privileges,  and  finally  expelled 
the  town  -  New  rules  established — The  corporation  lands,  with  the  charter  and  market 
duties,  granted  to  i\Irs.  Elizabeth  Hamilton — The  earl  of  Essex,  lord  lieutenant,  opposes 
the  grant — His  description  of  the  decayed  state  of  the  town — Colonel  Tlieodore  Russell 
purchases  the  charter  and  market  duties,  and  is  elected  mayor — The  king  grants  a  new 
charter,  containing  many  ample  privileges — Population  of  the  town  considerably  diminished, 
and  the  houses  falling  to  ruin — INIany  of  the  old  natives  give  security,  and  are  permitted 
to  return  to  the  town — They  arc  soon  after  obliged  to  depart,  owing  to  the  clamours  and 
discontent  of  some  members  of  the  corporation — Address  to  the  king,  on  his  escape  from  the 
Rye-house  conspiracy — Accession  of  James  H.  to  the  throne — The  Catholic  inhabitants 
return  to  the  town,  and  made  free  of  the  corporation — Catholic  clergy  established  in  the 
town  — New  charter  granted— Troubles  begin,  and  the  fortifications  of  the  town  repaired — 
Resolutions  to  adhere  to  king  James  and  his  government — Protestant  inhabitants  removed 
cut  of  the  town — Battle  of  Aughrim — Siege  of  the  town — It  surrenders  on  articles — 
Treatment  of  the  Roman  Catholics — Fortifications  built,  to  secure  the  coiujuest  of  the  town 
and  the  islands  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  HO 

CHAP.    VH. 

PltONf    THE    YEAR    1691     TO    THE    PRESENT    TIME. 

After  tlie  surrender,  the  greater  part  of  the  old  natives  and  Catholic  inhabitants  are  obliged 
to  quit  the  town — Measures  taken  to  prevent  their  departure — Articles  of  Uahvay  respected 
during  the  reign  of  William  III. — Accession  of  (iueen  Anne — Commission  of  array  issues  — 
Town  militia  raised,  and  the  fortifications  repaired—  Act  to  prevent  the  further  growth  of 
poiicry— Roman  Catholics  prevented  from  purchasing  houses  or  tenements  in  the  town  or 
suburbs — Those  already  residing  give  security  pursuant  to  tlie  act — On  the  rumour  of  an 
invasion  by  the  pretender,  they  are  turned  out  of  the  town — Afterwards  admitted — Again 
turned  out  during  the  rebellion  in  Scotland  —  Disputes  between  the  members  of  the 
corporation — Galway  act  passes — Commerce  of  the  town — Clandestine  trade — Penal 
visitation  in  1731 — Town  militia  newly  arrayed,  and  o.'iicers  appointed — Arms  delivered  out, 
and  state  of  the  ordnance  returned  to  government  —  Strict  discipline  observed  in  the  town 
during  the  Scottish  rebellion  of  1 74-5— Particular  account  of  the  fortifications  and  their 
decayed  state  reported  to  government — They  are  suffered  gradually  to  decay — Disputes 
between   the   governor,  the   corporation  and    the  merchants,    about   shutting    the   gates — 


CONTENTS. 


Description  of  the  town  at  the  time — Trade  declines — The  merchants  petition  parh'amcnt 
against  the  corporation — Resolutions  of  the  house — New  schedule  of  duties  and  customs 
agreed  upon  —  Corporation  disputes — Volunteers — Non  importation  resolutions — East  India 
fleet  arrives  in  the  bay — Town  yeomanry- -Union  -  Population  of  the  tawn  and  liberties — 
Disputes  and  proceedings  concerning  non-resident  freemen,  the,  independence  and 
parliamentary  representation  of  the  town. 


1G6 


PART  11. 

JIAGISTRATES  AND  CORPORATE  OFFICERS,  Viz.  PROVOSTS,  PORTREVES,  SOVEREIGNS, 
MAYORS,  BAILIFFS,  SHERIFFS,  RECORDERS,  TOWN-CLERKS,  &c.  SINCE  l'J74  ;  WITH 
SEVERAL  CURIOUS  BY-LAWS,  AND  A  LIST  OF  THE  PARLIAMENTARY  REPRE- 
SENTATIVES OF  THE  TOWN  -  -  -  -  -  -       lot 


,PART  III. 

ECCLESIASTICAL   HISTORY. 

1    Collegiate  Church  of  St.  Nicholas 
2 Chapel  of  St.  Nicliolas 

3  Franciscan  Friary  .  -  -  - 

4  Dominican     do.    -  -  -  -  - 

5  Augustinian  do.    .  -  -  -  - 

6  Carmelite       do.    .  -  -  -  - 

7  Capuchin  Friars    -  -  -  -  - 

8  Knights  Templars  .... 

9  Franciscan  Nunnery,  or  Convent  of  St.  Clare 

10  Dominican  Nunnery  -  -  -  " 

11  Augustinian     do.  .  .  .  - 

12  Presentation  Convent  .  .  -  - 


2^3 
25 1 
2G-1. 
270 
272 
273 

ib. 
27 1 

ib. 
277 
278 

ib. 


PART  IV. 

THE  MODERN  STATE  AND  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  TOWN. 
I.  Topography. 

1  Situation  and  Natural  Advantages         -  ,      - 

2  Climate  and  Salubrity  .  -  -  -  - 

3  Extent,   Streets  and  Buildings — Improvements  suggested     - 

4  Population  ...--- 

II.  Constitution  and  Goveunment. 

1  Corporation  ..---- 

2  Courts — Municipal  Regulations  necessary  ... 

III.  Commerce,  Trade  and  Manufactures. 

1  Decline  of  Conmierce — Causes              -                 -  -                 " 

2  Exporti  and  Imports               -                  -                  -  "                  " 

3  Corn  Trade,  Linen  IManulacture,  Breweries,  &c. 

4  Cliamber  of  Commerce          -                 -                 -  "                 " 


279 
280 
2S1 
283 


285 
286 


ib. 
287 
289 
290 


CONTENTS,  XV 

IV,  Fisheries  of  the  River  and  Bay.  fage 

1  Salmon  Fishery     -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -                  •                 -  291 

2  Fishings  of  the  Buy                -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -  292 

3  Herring  Fishery                       -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -  296 

4  Sun-fisli,  Cod  and  Turhot  Fishery — Oyster  Banks                   ....  297 

V.  Public  Buildings. 

1  Bridges                     -                   -                   -                   -                   -                   -                   -                   -  ib. 

2  I!iirracl<s                   -                   -                    •                   -                   -                   -     '               -                   -  298 

3  Exchange  or  Tholsel               -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -  ib. 

4  County  Court-house                ...----  300 

5  Town  Gaol  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -ib. 

C  County  Gaol           -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -  302 

VI.  Charitable  Institutions. 

1  County  Infirmary                     ..-----  304 

2  Fever  Hospital       -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 ■                 -                 -  305 

3  Charter  School      -                  -                  -                  -                   -                  -                  -                  -  ib. 

■i  Charity   School      -                  -                  -                   -                  -                  -                  -                  -  306 

5  Female  Orphan  Asylum          -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -  ib. 

6  Charitable  Funds  and  Donations              ...---  307 

7  INIendicants,  Work-house  or  General  Asylum        -                 -                 •                 -                 -  ib. 

VII,  Public  Markets. 

1  Corn  Market         ...-----  SOS 

2  Meat  Market          -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  "                  -                  -  ib. 

3  Fish  Market            -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                   -                  -  ib. 

4  Butter  Market       -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -  309 

5  Vegetable  Market                  -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -  ib. 

6  Fuel       -                 ••                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -  310 

VIII.  Education,  Mansers,  Sec. 

1  Erasmus  Smith's  Free-school                    -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  '  ib. 

2  Other  Seminaries  of  Education  -  -  -  -  -  -312 

3  Amicable  Society                   -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 ■                 -  ib. 

4'  Mercantile  Coffee  room  -  -  -  -  -  -  -313 

5  Character,  Manners,  Customs,  &c.       -                 -                 -                 -                 -                 -  ib. 

G  Public  Amusements                 .......  31o 

7  Country  Seats  -  -  -  -  -  -  -316 


ADDENDA. 

I.  ?vlcn  of  Learning  and  Genius,  Natives  of  Galway  and  its  Vicinity      .  -  -     317 

11.   A  short  Historical  Account  of  the  Islands  of  Arran  ....     319 


xvi  CONTENTS. 

APPENDIX. 

'~  Pug' 

I.  Deed  instiniting  tlie  College  of  St.  Nicholas,   Gahvay,  dated  2Sth  Sept.  A.D.  11-81     -  i 

II.  Hull   or  diploma   of  pope  Innocent  Vlll.  establishing  tlie  wardensliip  of  Galvvay,   dated 

the  6th  of  the  Ides  of  February,  A.D.   1484-,  with   a  translation                  -                  -  ii 

III.  Charter  of  (lucen  Elizabeth,  dated  14th  July,  A.D.  1578,  with   a  translation                 -  vi 

IV.  ChiirtL"  of  r.dw.  VI.   founding   the    College  of  Galway,   dated  29th  April,    A.D.  1551  xxvi 
\'.  Articles   of  Surrender  to    Croniwell's   forces,  dated  5th  April,   A.  D.  1652,   with  a  list 

oi"  the  tounsnien  who  signed,  and  also   of  those  who  refused  to  sign  the    certificate 

of  assent  to  the  qualifications  made  by  the  commissioners  of  Parliament  to  the  articles  xxix 

VI.   An  abstract  of  forfeited  lands  in  tlie  liberties  of  Galway,   A.  D.  1657          -                  -  xxxir 
VII.  A   survey    of  the   lands   and   a   schedule   and  valuation   of  the   houses  in  the  town  and 
county  of  tlie  town  of  Galway,  set  out  under  the  Gloucester  act,  with    the  names  of 

the  old  and  new  proprietors  of  tlie  houses,  and  their  yearly  value,   A.D.  1657              -  xxxvi 

VIII.   Charter  of  Charles  II.     --.....  xliii 

IX.   Articles  of  surrender  to  general  Ginckle,  2 1st  July,   A.D.  1691-                  -                  -  liv 

X.   Schedule  of  tolls  and  customs,   13th  March,   A.D.  1762                  -                  -                  -  Ivi 


List  Of  piatrsf. 

1    S.  V\'.  View  of  the  Town  of  Galway,  frontispiece. 

'I  Armorial  Bearings  of  the  fourteen  ancient  Families  of  the  Town        -                  lojace  page  7 

3  Map  of  the  Town  in  1610                       -                  -                  -                  -                  -                   -  22 

■t 1651    -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -  30 

5  St.  Au^'ustine's  Fort,  near  Galway        -                  -                  -                  -                  .                  -  97 

6  Siege  of  the  Town  in  1G91                     -                  -                  -                  -                  .                  -  160 

7  LVnch's  Castle,  the  residence  of  the  mayor  in  1651  ....  197 
cS  Collegiate  Church  of  St.  Nicholas  ..--..  23f! 
■J   Plan  of  the 'foun  and  Suburbs  of  Galway,  1820                    ....  279 

10  County  Court-house,   New  Bridge  and  Gaol          -                  .                  .                  .                  .  300 

11  Miscellaueons  Plate               -                  -                  -                  -                  -                   -                  -  316 

Three  'v'iguettcs,   viz.   the  old  Seal  of  the  Corporation  —  the  Collegiate  Seal,  and  a  View  of 

the    A\'ood-([uay    and    N.  K.    Suburbs   of  the   Town. 


KRRAT.\. 

f'..;-"  ."l,  >i.-;o,  !■!  lol.  linr  I,  rt-.n.-l  na  i/n.iM...p.  10,  ol.sorve  lliat  fi'iiii  line  J  to  11!  is  (liiubtrul...ncito,  1st  c-ol.  line  1",  for  Kalljrancaiii  read  iluHra'u-ain... 
p.  17,  I  i;.'t  JanJ  1,  I.T  sliL-ll-draki  .,  n-ail  .l:ii<.'S...^.:.\  line  |n,  rfail  f./r/i/ A.->(jry...[).  f,  liiicil,  di-lo  io/i/iA...p.  17,  line  17,  fur  viiws,  read  rioi/nj,..;..  l-f, 
\u'v  ;',  .!.le  truvj'ir,L..\>.  7.7,  l.iti  l.iic,  dele  !-j<jul...\K  il'J,  note,  1st  eol.  lines  4  and  9,  for  premises,  read  I'lisc-whi.-s.,.^,  9:1,  line  7,  fer  one,  read  Rubtrl... 
p.  S",  •.  -u,  2.1  .01.  1  nv  1,  fnr  e\teu.ie,l,  re.cj  fx(,-«i/,.//i..,p.  1U2,  note,  1st  col.  line  -1,  for  for  1816,  reiid  lU10...1ast  line,  same  col.  lor  Car.  II.  read  Cor.  /. 
...:,ii.'  ■Ji'o;.  line  CI,  lor  loJl,  reai  l::i;i...i..  Vli,  note,  &1  col.  line  :C,  for  lUW,  read  n04...p.  IW,  note,  1st  col.  line  1,  for  VI 1.  read  I7//...p.  U7,  note, 
i;.:.e.-l.  line  S,  !.^r  ^nl,,  re.'i.l  £/i/fx?...p.  !.':>J,  '2d  coli  line  7,  rc.ul  1771. ..line  8,  for  Cily,  read  DH/2/...samc  page,  supply  uliiler  lmperi:d  rarliinent,  1.SUI 
.SV.    Oi'uri^r'  ItMy,  c^q.  1*1'-  John  Jira')ciium   Poiiso.i'-i/j  (sr/....;i.  iliij,  I^t  eo!.  note,  Inie   M,  read  /wrrc.p.  -7-1,  line  6,  fur  conTcnt,  read  precvptory. 


THE 


HISTORY 


I.  W  A  Y. 


PAKT    I. 


THE  ANCIENT  STATE  OF  THE  TOWN,    AND  ITS  CIVIL  AND  MILITARY 
HISTORY,    TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 

CHAP.   I. 

The  origin  and  sigiiificatioJi  of  the  name  of  Gal-way — Opinions  of  Camden — 
jVaj^e — Lyyich — O'Flahertij — De  Burgo  and  Vallancey — Tlic  name  derived  from 
commerce — Security  of  the  harbour — Supposed  origin  of  the  hay — Derivation  of 
its  name — Inliabitants  of  the  toxcn  before  Henry  II. — Subsequent  colonies,  viz. 
A  thy,  Blake,  Bodkin,  Brornie,  D'Arcy,  Deane,  Ffont,  Ifrench,  Joyes,  Kirwan, 
Lynch,  Martin,  Morris  and  Skerrett— Affiliated  families — Former  manners  and 
character — Former  state  and  topography — Speed — Ileylyn — Sir  Oliver  St.  John 
— Aricient  map  and  Ichnography — References — Concluding  observations. 

The  general  opinion  concerning  etymological  inquiries  seems  to  be,  that 
they  are  rather  curious  than  useful ;  at  the  same  time  it  stands  confessed, 
that,  in  many  instances,  such  disquisitions  may  become  material  and  interesting, 
particularly  should  they  lead  to  tlie  establishment  or  corroboration  of  historical 
iacts,  or  tend  to  illustrate  the  ancient  state  of  the  places  under  investigation. 
AVith  these  objects  in  view,  an  attempt  shall  here  be  made  to  elucidate  the  origin 
and  signification  of  the  name  of  Galway,  a  point  which,  though  often  touched 
upon  by  many  writers,  has  hitherto  been  left  undecided. 


Z  IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 

It  is  well  known  that  amongst  the  ancient  Irish,  all  foreigners  were  indis- 
criminately termed  Galls,  *  hence,  arose  a  supposition,  that  Galway  took  its 
name  from  a  foreign  colony  alledged  to  have  settled  there  at  an  early  period. 
Tradition  informs  ns,  that  previously  to  the  arrival  of  Henry  II,  Galway  was 
hut  an  inconsiderable  fishing  village,  under  the  protection  of  an  Irish  dune  or 
fortress,  and  that  it  was  then  called  BalUnshruane,  or  the  tuxai  of  the  little 
streams  ;  because,  when  the  winter  floods  were  high  in  the  river,  the  water 
flowed  through  the  present  scite  of  the  town,  and  formed  it  into  small  islands ; 
in  one  of  which,  (where  the  church  of  St.  Nicholas  was  afterwards  built,)  this 
l)rimitivc  hamlet  was  situate.  We  are  further  informed,  from  the  same  source, 
that  when  the  English  settlers  afterwards  came  hither,  they  were  called  by  the 
native  Irish  Clan-na-Gall,  the  Foreipi  clan,  sept,  or  colony,  (an  appellation,  which 
however  originating,  their  descendants  still  retain,)  and  that  the  place  was  from 
thenceforth  named  Ballinagall,  or  GalUbli,  the  Foreigners  totcv,  or  Jortificatiun. 
These  traditionary  relations,  though  to  many  they  might  appear  probable  and 
satisfactory,  are  not  borne  out,  but  seem  rather  controverted  by  written  authorit}'. 
In  the  life  of  Hugh  Ruadh  O'Donnell,  hereditary  prince  of  Tyrconnell,  written 
by  Cucoigcriche  O'Clery,  one  of  the  four  masters,  after  relating  the  sacrilegious 
burning  of  the  convent  of  St.  Bridget,  near  Galway,  in  15<)Q,  by  that  chieftain, 
the  v/ritcr  adds,  "  that  the  city  took  its  name  from  the  river,  in  whicli  was 
drowned  GailUmh,  tlie  daughter  of  Breasail."  "  This  derivation  receives  support 
from  the  old  map  of  Galway,  (of  which  a  full  description  will  be  found  in  anotlier 
part  of  this  volume ;)  it  is  there  stated,  that  a  woman,  named  Galva,  was 
drowned,  near  a  great  rock,  in  the  river,  (which  is  delineated  on  the  map,) 
and  that  from  this  circumstance  the  town  originally  took  its  name. 

Other  antiquaries  have,  however,  given  significations  widely  difFercnt. 
Camden  is  of  opinion  that  Galway  was  derived  from  the  Gallaeci  of  Spain,  a 
country  with  which  the  town  carried  on  a  very  early  and  extensive  commerce. 
Ware,  a  much  better  authority,  so  far  as  relates  to  Ireland,  says,  that  the  river 
Gallia^  or  Galiva,  mentioned  in  the  annals  of  Roscommon,  under  the  years 
1177  and  liyO,  seems  to  have  given  name  to  the  town;  but  he  leaves  it  to 
others  to  discover  its  meaning. "  Geoffry  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick,  a  native  of 
Galway,    in  his  MS.    "remarks   drawn  from   antiquity,"    and  written   in    I66I, 


'  "  Aril  lastly  the  Gmth,  pouring  out  of  Gallia  itself,  Spencer ; — and  Dcrniott  Mac  Miirrough,   who  brought 

from  all  iho  sea  coast  of  Jlclgia  and  Ce/licn,  into  all  the  in  the  English,  was  surnanied  Ni-Gall,   as  being  their 

southern   coasts  of  Ireland,   which   they  possessed    and  frieiul. —  Ware. 

inhabited,   whereupon   it  is,    at   this    day,    amongst   the  "   Anno.   1599.       ^\o  lo]rj;e(»'6   leo   CtVn   reag 

Irish     a  common  use  to   call   any   etranper   inhabitant  h]^z,^e    r]\    roM    loncj-li    n*    caf«ac    T]r\,     .]. 

Gahl,   that  IS,    descended  Ironi   the   CJauls." — Spencer.  —    ^    ,     r '      '^    '     !  .                ,          „     L         I  J    '       J- 

Thus  Z)««ogrt//,  the  fortress  of  the  Gauls;  J)»M-G«//,  feArlp'.  _»]Timnib~e.>t'     on     «ba)n     p)]l|-     )lo 

black  foreigners;   Pi^^n//,  near  Dublin,  so  named  from  bnoCiio    i..il!lliTi    ingertn     b|ieaj-a)l. 

the  Danes,  or  white  foreigners,  who  were  generally  fiiir  '   Flunicn    Gah-iam,    urbem    noniini    suo    adoptasse 

oc  rod  b.aired;   Giill-Ogia  signifies  an  English  yeoman,  vidctur,  bed  nominis  rationem  venentur  alii.— Jl'n/c. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  3 

aj:;rec.s  with  Ware ; "  and  O'Flalicrty,  in  his  Ogygia,  says  expressly  that  the 
town  takes  its  name  from  the  river.  De  Burgo  asserts,  that  Gaillimh,  the 
iKunc  of'  tlie  town  in  Irish,  is  the  same  as  locifs  angloriitn,  i.  e.  residence  of 
the  Eni^Usli,  and  says,  it  was  very  properly  so  called,  because  the  town  was  built 
by  a  colony  which  came  thitlicr  from  EngUuid  about  the  year  1300;  "  but  this 
writer  appears  mistaken  as  well  in  his  assertion,  as  in  the  truth  of  the  fact 
aLlduced  in  its  siip{)ort.  The  learned  VaUancey,  who  was  fond  of  investigations 
of  this  nature,  gave  several  ingenious  derivations  of  the  word;  at  one  time  he 
supposes  it  to  be  Gahnliaith,  an  Irish  com})ound,  which  he  translates  Gahvaj/, 
and  says,  signifies  a  rocky  barren  country  ;  '  at  another  time  he  deduces  it 
from  Furt-na-Gall,  Gallorum  partus ;  and  again,  from  Gall-amJian,  Amnis  Gallurum  ; 
but  lie  was  finally  of  opinion,  that  the  town  received  its  name  from  a  company 
of  merchants  that  settled  there  ;  Gael,  derived,  according  to  him,  from  Gaelis, 
or  Gc/Hs,  traffick  or  commerce,  signifying  a  merdiant,  and  iblt,  in  Irish,  signifying 
trilies  or  Jamilies,  whence  Gailihli,  tribes  of  mcrcliants.^  Of  all  these  conjectures, 
the  latter,  being  the  result  of  more  mature  deliberation,  appears  most  entitled 
to  attention,  as  having  approached  nearest  to  the  truth,  which  a  brief  illustration 
will  sufficiently  demonstrate. 

From  a  very  early  period,  and  until  after  the  invasion  of  Henry  II.  the 
territory  in  which  the  town  stands  was  called  Clanjirgail,  the  hind  or  habilatiuu 
(f  the  Gail  or  merchants. "  This  circumstance,  though  unobserved  by  Vailancey, 
\ery  fbrceably  corroborates  his  opinion,  both  names  evidently  agreeing  in 
meaning  and  derivation,  and  each  serving  to  illustrate,  and  very  satisfactorily 
to  ex])lain,  the  origin  and  signification  of  the  other :  when,  therefore,  we 
consider  the  weak  foundation  of  traditional  report,  and  the  fabulous  complexion 
of  the  story,  attributing  the  name  to  the  woman,  Gaillimh,  or  Galva,  mentioned 
by  the  writer  of  Donegal,  and  alluded  to  on  the  old  map,  '  it  seems  most 
reasonable  to  conclude,   that  the  town  and  river  of  Galway  both  dcri^"ed  their 


*  H'k  words  are,  "  It  borrows  its  name  from  the  river         ^  Essay  on  the  primitive  inhabitants  of  Great  Britain 

that  s'.iiics  by  it,  for  it  was  anciently  called   '  Diinciun-  and  Ireland. 

na-Gai/!v:-,'   that  is,  Dune  of  Ga'llvcs  mouth  ;   for  the  "  The  chief  of  Muintir   Murchada,  witli  the  consent 

river  was  called  (Trt/V/cc;  nntXIJiiiu;  amongst  the  ancient  of  Cathal,    king   of  Connau'ilit,  made  a   present  of  the 

Gaids,  Welch,  and  Irish,  signifyin;;  a  fortified  place  or  town    of   LisKaciinn,    in    C/otifcrg,    to    the    abbot   and 

town,    the   same    as    the    tason   word   ^u/'o//gA -thus,  convent  of  Knockmoy. — Ogiig. — Chmfcrg,  or  Clanfrgail, 

JJu'i.-J'p.w^^  cnWi^A  Edin'ooruugh." — Lijnc'i's  MS.  h\y   on   the    cast  side  of   Luni,diorbsen,    or   Corrib;    it 

'  •'Jalvia    a'lis    Gc:ll:va,    anjlice    Gclmi!/,     Hibernice  consisted  of  21  villages,    in  which   Galway,  Clare  and 

(!ntiti!>!i,  i.e.  hwtix  tinil  t-jpi,  apposite  lic  dictus,  cjiiia  a  Koscam,  are  now  situate,  and  was  the  lord^hij)  or  dominion 

C'oloni-,  p\  anjiia  in  conaciam  profectis,  aedifioatus  circa  of  the  O'llallorans,   until  after  the  anivid  of  Henry  II. 
aiii-i'ii  Ci.ri-,ti  I  )00. — Hill.  Dim.  ji.  3-2-2. — In  this  curious         '  Svich  catastrophes  as  that  related  on  this  occasion, 

work    tlicie   is   abundance    of    original    and   interesting  were,  if  true,  anciently  very  connuon,  and  were  frequently 

information;    but  there  are,    at  tlie  same   time,    many  assigned,  by  vague  tradition,  as  giving  names  to  celebrated 

anachro'iisais,  ai:d  other  errors,  wiiich  should  Lie  carefully  places,    which   were   adopted   by   ignorant   or   indolent 

avoided.  chroniclers  without   further   ex;unination — thus,    in    the 

'  To  illustrate  this,  he  in.tances  the  Syriack  Galmiiha,  annals   of  Dublin,  \\e  are  told,   that  the  City  took  the 

and  the  Cliahliick  Galmodh,  durus  silc.\,  figurative,  pro  name  of  Auliana,  from   the   daughter   of  Alpiniis,  who 

SlciUitr.le,  Hvl'dudiuc.  '  was  drowned   in  the   Lilil-y ;    that   it  was   cha.nged   by. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


name  from  the  territory  in  wliich  they  were  situate,  and  that  the  district  itself 
was  originally  denominated  from  the  Gael,  or  merchants,  by  whom  it  was 
inhabited;  to  strengthen  this  conclusion,  might  be  adduced  the  authorities  of 
Tacitus  and  Ptolemy ;  add  to  which,  that  in  the  annals  of  lloscommon,  already 
mentioned,  the  name  of  the  river  Galiva  is  nearly  similar  in  orthoi-raphy, 
and  entirely  so  in  pronunciation,  to  Gailibh,  pronounced  GaUive,  and  throu"hout 
the  most  ancient  documents,  wherein  the  name  of  the  town  appears,  down  to 
tlie  year  1400,  it  is  invariably  written  Gah'j/,  in  which,  the  transposition  of  the 
two  final  letters,  is  the  only  deviation  from  the  Irish.  In  process  of  time  the 
word  Gal-iva,  was  altered  into  Gal-via,  the  literal  translation  of  which,  Gal-xvaii, 
first  occurs  about  the  year  1440,  and  from  that  time,  it  has  remained  uniform 
and  unchanged,    by  any  variation  to  the  present  day. 

Having  thus  far  dwelt  on  the  etymology  and  orthography  of  the  name  of 
Galway,  it  is  now  time  to  conclude  a  disquisition  which  has  already  become 
tedious,  leaving  the  reader  fully  at  liberty  to  form  or  retain  his  own  opinion  on 
the  subject.  What  has  been  collected,  however,  appears  strongly  to  support  the 
position,  that  the  town  of  Galway  and  the  district  in  whicli  it  is  situate,  were 
from  an  early  period,  distinguished  for  trade  and  connnerce,  a  circumstance 
from  which  they  derive  their  name  ;  and,  when  in  addition  to  these,  the  excellent 
situation  of  the  place,  its  local  advantages,  and  many  capabilities  for  fbreio-n 
commerce,  and  inland  traffick  and  navigation,  "  its  noble  bay,  the  finest  perhaps 
in  the  kingdom,  and  the  natural  security  of  its  harbour,  shall  be  taken  into 
consideration,  powerfully  corroborative  reasons  will  be  found  in  favor  of  the 
same  conclusion. 

A  curious  supposition  has  been  entertained  relative  to  the  original  formation 
of  the  bay  of  Galway,  it  is  related,  in  one  of  the  old  Irish  annals,  that  in  the 
year  of  the  world  1969,  there  were  but  three  lakes  of  any  consequence  in  the 
whole  island,  namely,  LocJi-Foirdream^  said  to  have  been  at  Slievmis,  near 
Tralee,  in  the  County  of  Kerry,  Finlodi,  the  present  Loughcarra,  in  the  Comity 
of  Mayo,  and  Loch-LiirgaHy  which  is  described  as  a  spacious  lake  between  the 
County  of  Clare  and  West  Connaught,  to  the  south  of  Galway,  and  extending  a 
considerable  distance  towards  l\\e  east.  This  lake  is  supposed  to  have  been  the 
present  bay  of  Galway,  which  was  once,  say  the  aimnalists,   separated  from  the 


Ptolemy   into   Eblana,    and   afterwards   corrupted  into  might  be  easily  rcmlercd  of  extremely  important  advan- 

Dublana,  that  she  might  be  held  in  remembrance  !  tage  to  this  part  of  the  kingdom  ;   it  si)reads  its  waters 

'  To  open   a  communication    between   Killalla   and  over  50700  acres,  and  disembogues  its  surplus  into'  the 

Calway,    by    means    of     the    Moj-,    Luughniask,     and  bay,  from  which  it  is  but  three  nViles  distant.-  Newenham. 

Loughcorrib,  was  one  of  the  practicable  projects  of  those  Had  these  great  national  plans  been  executed  at  the  time' 

who  were  employed  to   survey  the   navigable  rivers   of  they  were  projected,  Galway  might  now,  notwithstandin" 

Ireland  in  the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  and,  the  many  political  disabilit'ies  under  which  it  has  since 

if  carried  into  effect,  would  have  proved  a  most  iniport<int  laboured,  be  one  of  the   most  considerable   mercantile 

atidition  to  the  internal  navigation  of  this  country.     They  towns  ill  this  kingdom,  instead  of  which,  it  remains   with 

aUo  intended  to  make  the  Colgan  navigable,  or  extend  its  all  its  natural  advantages,  a  melancholv  monument  of  the 

navigation  from  Galway  to  the  Shannon.     Lough -Corrib  sad  effects  of  bigotry,"prcjudice  and  persecution. 


HISTORY    OF    GALAVAY.  5 

t)ceaii  by  strong  banks,  until  the  Atlantic  bursting  over  them  and  uniting  with 
tiie  water  within,  formed  the  bay,  leaving  the  three  islands  of  Arran,  the 
towering  remnants  of  the  chain  or  bari'ier,  which  were  too  high  to  be  overflown 
by  tlie  billows.  Tiie  position  of  these  islands,  with  relation  to  the  main  land, 
as  it  favours,  seems  also  to  have  given  rise  to  this  idea.  O'Flaherty  says  that  in 
his  time,  a  lough  in  a  neighbouring  inlet  of  the  sea,  was  called  Lough  Lurgan, 
but  liow  far  the  entire  circumstance  is  deserving  of  credit,  is  left,  without  any 
comment,   to  the  judgment  of  the  reader. 

It  has  been  generally  agreed  that  this  bay  was  the  Ausoba  of  Ptolemy. 
Camden  and  Baxter  are  however  of  opinion  that  Lough  Corrib  was  the  place. 
Ware  tliinks  it  the  river  Galvia  which  takes  its  rise  out  of  that  lough,  and 
wasiiing  the  town,  falls  into  the  bay. '  Richard  of  Cirencester  makes  it  Clew 
Bay  in  the  County  of  Mayo,  but  Beauford,  with  more  accuracy,  thinks  it  the 
bay  of  Galway,  which,  he  says,  was  the  Ablisidhe  or  Abliansidlie^^  of  the  Irish, 
and  as  such,  it  has  been  almost  universally  taken.  The  writer,  last  mentioned, 
states,  tliat  the  word  signifies  Oestuarium,  derived  from  the  Irish,  AuscobJia,  a 
projection  of  water,  and  although  this  might  very  properly  have  been  classed 
amongst  the  other  visionary  derivatives  of  the  same  author,  yet  it  remained 
uncontroverted,  until  Vallancey  advanced  another  conjecture,  and  apparently 
discovered  the  signification  of  this  obscure  word.  In  his  essay  on  the  ])rimitive 
inhabitants  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  he  says  "  commerce,  with  the 
Irish  and  Arabs,  was  esteemed  honorable,  and  hence,  in  both  countries,  the 
adjective  asob,  noble,  was  prefixed  to  the  word  implying  commerce,  to  signify  a 
merchant. — Asob  GaclibJi,  tlie  merchants  of  Galway,  and  hence  Ptolemy  names 
the  bay  of  Galway  sinifs  asobit.s."  Were  this  far  fetched  tliough  ingenious  suppo- 
sition correct,  it  would  add  considerable  weight  to  the  preceding  conclusions, 
concerning  the  former  name  and  commerce  of  Galway ;  but  being  equally  fanciful 
with  the  other,  it  must  be  abandoned,  as  one  of  the  etymological  reveries  of  the 
veteran  antiquary,  in  his  endeavours  to  give  an  oriental  cast  to  the  antiquities 
of  Ireland  ;  nor  shall  the  reader  be  longer  detained  on  the  elucidation  of  a  subject 
more  difficult  than  impoTtant,  at  the  ])resent  day,  and  whicli  shall  therefore  be 
consigned  to  the  conjectural  inquiries  of  some  abler  etymologist. 

Of  the  inhabitants  of  Galway,  ])reviously  to  the  invasion  of  Henry  II,  there 
arerno  accounts  remaining,  except  by  tradition,  but  some  time  after  that  event 
took  place,  the  town  appears  to  have  been  inhabited  by  a  number  of  families. 


'  O'FIalicrty,  after  combating  the  assertions  of  Ptolemy  "  Windy  or  stormy  hay,  or  river,  from  "  Ahhan"  a 

•M  to  tlie  tribes  summed  np  by  him,  says,  tliat  tlie  river  river,    and    "  Sid/ica//i,    or   Sig/ic,"   a  blast   of    wind. — 

was  never  known  by  the  name  of  yf/isoio,  or  y/«iOHn,  bnt  O'Brien. — Althongh  there   can  be  doubt,  but  that  tlie 

by    the    name   of    GaUtimh,    "  from    which,"    he   adds,  bay  of  Galway   was   the  Ausoba  of  Ptolemy,    there  are- 

(;;!lway,   a  celebrated  town,   the  capital  of  Connaught,  many   reasons   against    supposing   it   to    have    been   the 

situate    at    the   mouth    of   it,    has   taken    its    niuue," —  Ahhrinsidhe  of  the  Irish,   and  i>artieularly  if  the  ancient 

<).i'i;g.  meaning  of  this  compound  word  be  correctly  understood; 


6 


msTOUY  or  galway. 


^vho  were  principally  occupied  on  the  fishings  of  the  lake  and  bay,  and  in 
making  short  voyages  along  the  coast,  their  names  are  given  as  follow :  "  Aihy, 
Branegan, "  BhindcU,  Brioit,  Burdov,  Cak,  Calf, ''  Coppiiier  or  Coppiuger,  Develin 
or  D'din, ''  Ffarty,  FfrUiiii,  Ic  Fickhill,  KcUerie,  Kerxvick,  Lang,  Laxvles, '  Moi/Iin, 
Mnneghan,  Fciirise, '  Sage,  Kancaorach,  Vallcij  or  JValUn, '  Verdov,  TJ 'eider  and 
White, "  there  were  many  others,  whose  names  are  now  buried  in  oblivion, 
but  who  are  recorded  as  having  been  burgesses  of  the  town.  To  these  early 
inhabitants  and  their  successors,  Lynch  in  his  MS.  remarks,  before  referred  to, 
alludes  in  the  following  words,  "  it  was  not  they  who  gave  any  name  of 
credit  or  fame  to  the  town  of  Galway,  but  the  colony  next  after  mentioned, 
for  until  the  latter  came  hither,  this  town  was  but  an  ordinary  place,  with 
only  thatched  houses  and  some  castles,  but  it  was  by  the  new  colonies  and 
septs,  made  famous  to  the,  world,  for  their  trading  fiuthfully,  discharging 
their  credit,  good  education,  charity  and  hospitality  both  at  home  and 
abroad."  That  this  plain  but  honorable  description,  though  given  by  a 
native  of  tlie  town,  was  neither  the  result  of  partiality  nor  the  effect  of 
prejudice,  the  reader  will  find  fully  illustrated  by  various  examples  throughout 
the  course  of  this  work. 

The  new  colonies,  here  alluded  to,  consisted  of  several  families,  whose 
descendants,  are  known  to  this  day,  under  the  general  appellation  of  the 
"  tribes  of  Gakcay,"  an  expression,  first  invented  by  Cromwell's  forces,  as  a 
term  of  reproacli  against  the  natives  of  the  town,  for  their  singular  friendship 
and  attachment  to  each  other  during  the  time  of  their  unparallelled  troubles 
and  persecutions,    but  which,    the  latter  afterwards  adopted,    as  an  honorable 


for,  so  far  from  the  bay  being  more  exposed  tlian  otliers 
to  ^vind  or  storms,  as  this  name  would  seem  to  imply, 
it  is,  perhaps,  the  best  sheltered  and  most  secure  of  any 
other  on  the  extensive  coast  of  the  west  of  Ireland. 

"  Several  of  th.cse  names  are  still  to  be  found  here, 
\iz.  Athy,  Ffarty,  Ffrihin,  Killery,  Kenvick,  (if,  as 
supposed,  it  be  the  same  as  Kirwan,)  and  White :  but 
the  remainder  arc  long  since  extinct. 

"  Sir  Henry  Branegan  was  warden  in  1497. 

''  1375,  August  16,  the  Lord  Jnstice  of  Ireland,  being 
lit  Limcryk,  constituted  Clemens  Laveragh  ;uul  John 
Bandekyn,  clerks  to  infpiire  ami  dcttrminc  concerning 
a  certain  transgression  on  Nicholas  Calf,  burgess  of 
Galvy,  by  Thomas  Martjn;  and  also  to  take  assize  of 
novel  desscizen,  which  said  Nicholas  arraied  against  said 
Thomas  and  Margaret  his  wife,  concerning  tenements 
in  Gi\\\y.—liot.  Pal.  49  Kdw.  III. 

■^  James  Develin  was  portreve  of  Galway  in  H31  ; 
lie  is  the  last  of  the  name  on  record.  This  family  was 
sncceeded  by  that  of  D'Arcy. 

'  Thomas  Laghles  and  Thomas  le  Botillor,  were  eonsta- 
l)les  of  Connaiight,  in  1285. — Rut.  Pi]i.  ITt  liarm.  Tur. 

'  This  ancient  family,  which  is  long  since  extinct,  was 
descended  from  Rise,  one  of  the  Welch  princes,  after 
>vhointhcy  were  called  Rhesi,  Risi,  or  Ap-cn-Hise.    Their 


sepulchre,  until  lately,  remaining  in  the  church  of  the 
friars-minors  of  Galway,  ])ointed  out  their  former 
consequence.  Particular  mention  is  made  of  Thomas 
Ap-cn-Rise,  and  his  wife,  Eleanor,  before  the  year  1280. 
Stephen  Penrise  was  provost  of  tlie  town  in  1313,  he  was 
afterwards  bailiil'  and  collector  of  the  new  customs,  and 
died  1383.  Thomas  Penrise,  who  lived  until  about  the 
end  of  the  fourteenth  century,  was  the  last  male  heir  of 
his  family ;  he  was  succeeded  by  Joan  Penrise,  who 
intermarried  with  Stephen  Lynch  Pitz-Thomas,  of  Bridge 
Gate. — Molt/ttevx  Col. 

'  This,  as  well  as  the  last  family,  was  from  Wales.  In 
the  account  of  the  County  of  Connaught,  from  1279 
to  1281,  by  Henry  dc  Rupe  (Roche,)  then  shcriti;  it 
appears  that  the  king's  peace  was  granted  to  IIovcl,  son 
of  Crannow  le  Waleis. — llvl.  Pip.  f)  B.  T. 

There  are  strong  reasons  to  conclude  that  a  colony 
from  Wales  settled  in  this  part  of  Ireland  about  tf.e 
end  of  the  reign  of  Henry  III,  many  original  Welcli 
names  frequently  occur  in  old  records  about,  and  long 
after,  that  period,  viz.  Brecknockc,  Llewellyn,  Ho\>ei, 
and  several  others. —  Vide  the  rolls  in  llervi.  Tuwii; 
passim. 

"  Nicholas  White  was  provost  of  the  town  in  1517. — 
Jiot.  Placit  Edw.  III.  B.  T. 


.,  1  1/ 


Dr.n^„   ,nul  Elirjr,,,;,/  /!;     ll,.r,/„n.,„.,  Jl.yl.  rv  ri' (^..Inm 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  7 

mark  of  distinction  between  themselves  and  those  cruel  oppressors.  These 
families  were  thirteen'  in  number,  viz.  Athy,  Blake,  Bodkin,  Browne,  D'Arcj/, 
Fjd/il,  Ffrcnch,  Joijes,  Kirwan,  Lynch,  Martin,  Morris  and  Skerrett.  They  did  not 
settle  in  the  town  at  one  time,  or  on  the  same  occasion,  as  is  generally  supposed ; 
but  came  hitlier,  at  different  periods,  and  under  various  circumstances,  as  may 
api)ear  from  the  following  concise  account  of  each  of  the  families  composing 
this  peculiar  community,  which  has  been  compiled  from  the  most  authentic 
ilocuments. 


AN  ALPHABETICAL  LIST  AND  CONCISE  ACCOUNT  OF  THE 
ANCIENT  FAMILIES  OF  GALWAY. 

This  family  is  of  great  antiquity  in  Galway ;  tradition  relates  that  one  of 
the  name  erected  the  first  stone  house  or  castle  within  the  town.  They  were 
from  the  earliest  times  highly  respectable,  William  de  Athy  was  appointed 
treasurer  of  Connaught,  8th  December,  1388,  with  the  fee  of  £\0  yearly — 
Rot.  Pat.  Cane. — the  name  was  also  of  consequence  in  other  parts  of  Ireland. 
John  dc  Athy  was  sheriff  of  Kerry,  7th  Edw.  II. — Rot.  Mem.  Scac. — on  3d  March, 
17th  of  the  same  King,  he  was  appointed  marshall  of  Ireland — Eod.  de  aii.  18° — 
and  the  20th  year,  he  was  sheriff  of  the  counties  of  Carrickfergus  and  Antrim. — 
Rot.  Pat. — Philip  Lynch  Athy,  Esq.  of  Renville,  is  the  present  representative 
of  this  family. 

Arms.  Cliecky,  argent  and  gules,  on  a  chevron  of  the  last,  three  etoiles,  or. 
Crest.    A  denii  lion  rampant.       Motto.    Ductus  non  coactus. 


This  famil}'  is  of  British  extraction,  and,  though  the  name  seems  derived 
from  the  Saxon,  Blac,  a  colour ;  yet,  Debrett,  in  his  Baronetage  says,  "  they 
are  traditionally  descended  from  Ap-lake,  one  of  the  knights  of  king  Arthur's 
round  table,"    and  adds,    "  that  in  the  reign  of  Henry  II,   one  of  this  family 


'  According  to  tliose  who  include  the  ancient  name  of  Athy,  Blake,  Bodkin,  Browne,  Deanc,  Darcy,  Lynch, 

Dcane,   there  were  fourteen  families,   it  is  accordingly  Joyes,  Kirwaii,  Maiiin,  Murris,  Skerrett,  Frcnc/i. 

insorlt  J  in  the  accomits  above  givtu,  and  is  albo  fomid 
in  the  following  verso  : 


8  HISTORY    OF    GALWAT. 

accompanied  Strongbow,  and  after  many  exploits  built  himsolf  a  castle,  at 
Menlo,  near  Galvvay." — Richard  Caddell  "  surnamcd  Blake,  (from  wi.om, 
according  to  Lynch's  MS.  the  Blakes  of  Gahvay  are  descended,)  -was  sheriiF  of 
Connaught,  Vkecoines  Conncia',  S^l  and  3S  Edw.  I.  "  he  was  also  sherilF  in  1306, 
and  in  7  Edw.  II.  the  king's  writ  issued,  for  arrearages  of  his  account. — Rot. 
Mem. — The  arms  of  this  family  were  first  borne  by  him  and  descended  to  his 
posterity.  Tlie  family  of  Ardfry,  descended  from  Sir  Richard  Rlake,  who  was 
speaker,  or  chairman,  of  the  assembly  of  the  confederate  catholics  of  Ireland, 
at  Kilkenny,  in  161-7,  was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  the  peerage,  in  the  year 
1800,  in  the  person  of  Joseph  Henry  Blake,  Esq.  who  was  then  created  Lord 
Baron  of  Wallscourt,  in  the  kingdom  of  Ireland.  This  widely  extended  name 
is,  at  present,  divided  into  the  opulent  and  respectable  families,  of  Ardfry, 
Ballyglunin,  Belmont,  Castlegrove,  Corbally,  Forbough,  Frenchfbrt,  Hol!y])ark, 
Killeencastle,  Mace,  Menlo,  Merlinpark,  Moorfield,  Orancastle,  Rahara  or 
Annbally,  Renville,  (formerly  of  Lehinch,  in  Mayo,)  Tully,  Waterdale  and 
Windfield,  in  the  County  of  Galway;  and  Ballinafad,  Brookhill,  Garracloone, 
Milltown  and  Towerhill,    in  the  County  of  Mayo. 

Anm.    Argent,    a   fret,    gules.        Crest.    A    cut    passant,     gardant,    proper. 
Motto.    Virtus  .sola  Nobilitat. 


The  Bodkins  of  Galway,  and  the  Earls  of  Desmond  and  Kildare,  were 
descended  from  the  same  common  ancestor,  Maurice  FitzGerald,  Lord  of 
Windsor,  and  one  of  the  first  invaders  of  Ireland,  under  Strongbow.  His  son, 
Thomas  FitzMauricc,  acquired  ample  possessions  in  Munstcr,  where  his  descen- 
dants became  Earls  of  Desmond.  Ricliard,  the  son  of  Thomas,  about  the  year 
1212,  held  considerable  properties  in  Connaught,  under  Richard  dc  Burgo,  and 
Thomas,  his  son,  was  the  ancestor  of  the  Bodkin  fiunily.  This  family  name 
originated,  according  to  tradition,  from  a  victory  gained  by  their  great 
progenitor,    Thomas  Fitz  Ricliard  (about  the  year  1300,)    over  a  valiant  Irish 


"  Caddell  seems  to  have  been  the  original  name,  anil  it  Galway ;  Init  lias  been  retained  by  the  family  of  Cadells- 

continncd  indiscriminately  in  use  with  the  other  for  many  town  in  the  County  of  Meath. 

centuries.     On  20th  January,  1 504,  Nicholas  Blake  alias  "    Fing/as    Breciatc — 'J'he    followiiij;    entry    of     his 

Caddell,  of   Ballymacro,  died.      Nicholas  Caddell,  alias  appointment  has  heen  lately  fonnd  : — JJcm.  that  on  the 

Blake,  of  GaUvav,   merchant,   died   in   January,    1620,  2"lst  October,  ,31  Edw,  1.  Richard  Blake  was  appointe<l 

seized    of    Kiltm-Voge,     (mortgaged   to    David    Bodkin,)  Sheriff  of  Connaught,  by  letters  patent  of  this  exchequer, 

Kiltullagh,   and   several   bouses  and  lands  in  and  about  which  the  treasurer  and  barons  delivered  to  Richard  de 

Atiicnrv.     Walter  Blake  alias  Caildell,  of  Ballymacroe,  Bermingliam,   late    sheriff  of   the    said   Count)',    to    lie 

died  in  January,  IC'Jo;  he  vesteil  his  property  in  Thomas  brought'    to    Connaught,    and    delivered     to    the    said 

Lvnch,  M.  D.    Nicholas  French   and   oth-Ts"  as  trustees,  Richard  Blake;   afterwards  on  the   IJth  day  of  Novem- 

lor  the  use  of  his  son,  John  Blake  alias  Caddell. — Iiiq.  her,  came  here,   the  said  Richard,  and  was  duly  sworn, 

Jiulls   Of. — This  nam.c  has  since  fallen  into  disvise   in  tvrc. — Rol.  dc  cod.  anno. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


9 


kni;;lit,  whom  he  encountered  in  single  combat,  and  having-,  in  the  conflict, 
nuide  use  of  a  short  spear  or  weapon,  in  Irish  called,  a  Bauclckin,  he  was,  from 
that  circumstance,  surnamed,  Buaidh  Baiidekin,  of  the  vkiorij  of  the  Bodkin, 
wliicli  name  was  afterwards  retained  by  his  descendants.  Whatever  doubt  may 
attend  this  traditionary  relation,  none  can  exist  as  to  the  origin  and  descent  of 
the  family,  which  are  fully  ascertained  by  the  testimony  of  antiquaries,  by 
ancient  stone  sculptures  and  monuments,  still  remaining,  and  from  the  <Tene- 
alogies  of  the  Geraldines,  whose  arms  tlie  Bodkin  family  bore  for  many 
generations,  and  whose  motto,  Crom  ahoo,  they  retain  to  this  day. '  Henry 
IJodkin,  the  son  of  Thomas,  was  Clericus  ville  in  the  reign  of  Ricliard  II.  at 
whicli  time,  tliere  was  a  street  or  lane  in  Galway,  called  Baudeki/n's  lane.  They 
were  then  possessed  of  large  properties  in  and  about  the  town,  particularly  at 
Newcastle,   near  the  river  "^ ;    and  at<  Athenry,  ^   Toberskehine,  Ballynameata<Th, 


'  In  a  curious  MS.  collection  of  genealogies,  written 
principally  in  Irish,  but,  in  some  instances  in  Englisli, 
Iranscribctl  in  Irish  character,  ami  now  in  the  possession 
of  the  author,  there  are  a  few  interesting  details  of  some 
of  the  Galway  names,  which  have  been  abstracted  for 
tliis  work. — Of  the  Bodkin  family,  it  appears,  that  the 
name  was  originally  Pmlicin  ;  but  no  clue  is  given,  which 
might  lead  to  its  meaning  or  derivation.  They  are  then 
stated  to  have  descended,  "  from  the  true  stock  of 
Maiwicc  FitzGerald,  who  was  lineally  descended  from 
Otho,  a  noble  prince  of  Italy.-^That  Leo,  the  first  who 
took  tlie  surname  of  Poiticin,  (which  lie  did  in  consc- 
fjucnce  of  a  niisunderstanding  with  his  nephew,  Maurice 
I'MtzGcraUl,  who  intermarried  with  Agnes,  the  daughter 
of  Kichard  Mor,'  Prince  of  Wales,  then  Governor  of 
the  castle  of  Pembroke,)  was  son  of  Walter,  who  was 
great  grandson  of  Otho,  an  Italian  nobleman,  from 
whom  descended  the  the  most  honorable  family  of  the 
FitzGcralds  of  Desmond  and  Kildare,  and  the  Fitz 
Geralds  of  Ireland  in  general,  as  our  ancient  and  authen- 
tic annals  give  account." — Augustiuus  Poiticin,  the  son 
of  Leo,  intermarried  with  Anne,  daughter  and  co-heiress 
of  Sir  Robert  Laweliin,  alias  Dcwellin ;  (which  family  is 
originally  descended  from  Diwillin,  who  was  proprietor 
of  Kiltullach,  Doughasc  and  medan,  anno  1270,) 

whose  >on,  John  Poiticin,  or  Bodikin,  intermarried  with 
Caitilin,  daughter  of  Maurice  Lynch,  the  son  of  John, 
from  whom  descended,  Sir  Henry  Lynch,  and  nnmy  other 
noblemen  of  that  name. — Andrew  Mor  Boilkin,  intermar- 
ried with  Margaret,  daughter  of  Sir  William  Burc  of 
Anach-caoin,  whose  son,  John  JNIor  Bodkin,  intermarried 
»ith  Caitilin,  daughter  of  John  Mor  Darcy  of  Partry,  by 
Amic,  daiightcr  of  O'Flalierty,  whose  son,  Austin  Bodkin, 
intermarried  with  Celia,  daughter  of  Sir  GeoHVy  Browne 
of  Galw;iy,  whose  son,  John  Mor  Bodkin,  intermarried 
with  Mar\',  daughter  of  Gregory  French,  whose  son, 
Leo  Bodkin,  intermarried  with  Caitilin,  daughter  of 
Thomas  Lynche,  Lord  of  Ballygarrain.  whose  son, 
Marcus  Boilkin,  intermarried  with  Caitilin,  daughter  of 
Robert  Mor  Blake  of  Ardfry,  whose  son,  Andrew  I5odkin, 
iuteruiiu'ricd  with  Elis,  daughter  and  co-lieiress  of  John 


Dathi,(J/%,)  lineally  descended  of  the  true  stock  of  Daithi 
mac  Fiochrach,  from  whom  are  also  sprung  O'Seachnasy 

of  Gort,  and  many  other  nobles,  not  here  mentioned. 

John  Mor  Bodkin,  his  son,  had  by  Anna  French,  daugh- 
ter of  Geoffi-y  French,  Andrew"  Bodkin,  who  married 
Anastasia,  daughter  of  John  Mor  Meariek,  whose  son, 
Leo  Bodkin,  intermarried  with  Caitilin,  daughter  of 
Richard  Martin,  whose  son,  Marcus  Bodkin,  intermarried 
with  Celia,  daughter  of  Peter  French,  whose  son,  Austin 
Bodkin,  intermarried  with  Mary  Blake,  daughter  of  John, 
son  of  Walter  Blake,  whose  son,  James  Boilkin,  inter- 
married with  Caitilin,  daughter  of  Thomas  rcnbhnch 
Darcy,  whose  son,  Marcus,  intermarried  with  Sheela, 
daughter  of  James  Lynch,  Mayor  of  Galway  in  H<)3,  by 
whom  he  had  issue,  Leo,  ^iarcus,  John,  Austin  and 
Andrew  Bodkin,  with  whom  the  account  of  the  family 
closes. 

The  MS.  from  which  the  foregoing  extract  was  taken, 
appears  to  have  been  written,  at  intervals,  from  some 
time  previous  to  1500,  down  to  1671,  by  the  family  of 
O'Lninin,  Lynegar,  or  Linacre,  who  are  frequently  stvlcd 
throughout,  hcj-editary  Ard-Ollanihs,  chief  doctors,'  or 
antiquaries  of  Ulster  and  of  Ireland.  In  a  certificate  signed 
Patrick  O'Lninin,  alias  Lynegar,  and  dated  from  his 
residence,  at  Ard  O^Luiuhi,  in  Inismore,  or  the  great 
Island,  in  Lough-Erne,  2d  Oct.  I(ij2,  he  states  that  he 
received,  "  these  genealogies,  from  his  ancestors,  chief 
antiquaries  of  Ireland."  The  Irish  descents,  contained  in 
this  collection,  have  been  found  correct ;  but  the  authen- 
ticity of  the  Anglo-Norman  pedigrees,  (amongst  which 
are  those  abstracted  for  this  work,)  is  questioned  by  the 
present  Deputy  Ulster  King  of  Anns,  whose  opinion  is 
entitled  to  every  attention,  from  his  extensive  knowledge 
on  these  subjects. 

"  A  grant  to  "  \Valter,  son  and  lieir  of  Richard,  Clerk 
of  Galvy,  otherwise  called  Richard  Bawdekjn  of  Gaivy, 
of  the  custody  of  the  Islands  calleil  Bushe-yland  and 
Gote-yland  of  the  town  of  Galvy."  Dated  at  Drogheda, 
nth  September,   1-121. — Rut.  o' Hen.  v. 

"  Richard  Bodkin,  Burgess  of  Galway,  was  Provost  of 
Athenry,  in  M54. 


B 


10 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Kilcornan  and  Parke.     At  present  the  principal  families  of  the  name,   are  those 
of  Annagh,    Carrowbeg,  '^    Castletown,    Kilcloony  and  Thomastown. 

Arms.  Ermine,  on  a  saltire,  gnles,  a  leopard's  face,  or.  Crest.  A  leopard's 
face,   or.      JJutto.     Crom  aboo. 

rinli]ip\is  de  Browne,  is  said  to  have  come  to  Ireland  in  II70,  and,  in  117'2, 
was  a])pointcd  Governor  of  Wexford.  In  II78  he  went  to  England,  and  soon 
after  returned  with  60  armed  knights,  and  was  a  leader  at  the  sieo-e  of 
Limerick. '  He  had  three  sons,  William,  wlio  settled  in  the  territory  of 
Clanmorris,  in  the  County  of  Kerry,  and  Walter,  who  settled  in  the  County 
of  Galway,  where  his  posterity  still  remain  ;  the  destination  of  the  third  son  is 
not  mentioned.  Another  account  states,  that  "  Sir  DaAid  Browne,  was  cotem- 
porary  with  Ilichard  de  Burgo,  the  Red  Earl  of  Ulster,  that  he  died  in  1303, 
and  had  a  son,  named  Stephen,  who  settled  at  Killpatricke,  near  Dublin,  from 
whence,  after  a  time,  a  branch  of  that  house  settled  at  Brownstown,  near 
Loughrea,  and  thence  branched  forth  to  Athenry  and  Galway."  ''  The  principal 
families  of  the  name,  at  present  in  the  province,  are  tliose  of  Ardskea,  Gloves, 
Kilskeagh,  Mounthazle,  Moyne,  Rockville  and  Tuam,  in  the  County  of  Galway, 
and,   Ballyhowly  and  Castlemagarrct,   in  the  County  of   IMayo. 

ylrnis.  Or.  an  eagle  disi)Iayed,  with  two  heails,  sable.  Crcsl.  An  eagle's 
head,   erased. "      Mollo.    Eortiter  et  lideliter. 


"  I'lic  f;iiiiily  oF  Carrowbeg,  (Icsccndccl  from  the  prin- 
C![i;il  oi'tlic  uaiiiL",  was  deprivcil,  in  the  time  of  Croiir.vcII, 
of  tlie  greatebt  part  of  its  cxteiisivc  possessions,  wliich 
were  assiiined  to  Lord  Limerick,  Init  afterwards  reverted 
haek,  by  piirelinse,  to  the  ancient  inheritors.  The 
SUerrett  family  relate  that  the  estate  of  Carrovvlicg,  fe>r- 
mcrly  belonged  to  theni,  bnt  passed  into  that  of  Bodkin, 
thr.Mi.:h  a  iiiania'^e  with  an  heiress  of  their  name. 

'  a" Vol.  Peillii'rccs,    Office  of  Anns. 

'■  I  Viil.  ditln. — The  MS.  collections  of  O'Luinin, 
before  referred  to,  contain  the  following  acconnt  of  this 
faiinly. — "  Tlie  genealogies  of  the  Brownes  of  Ely,  or  . 
ISalUraiicain,  in  the  Connty  of  \Vc.\ford,  and  partly  of 
tlic  Bro\\nes  of  Galway,  Limerick  and  ^Vaterford." — 
Christopher  and  Kichard  Browne,  were  the  sons  of  Sir 
^latliew  Browne,  of  Mnllrancain,  by  his  first  wite,  Anne, 
tiic  danghter  of  Sir  John  Redmond,  who  resided  near 
Bag  and  Bnn  in  the  County  of  Wexford. — By  his  seconil 
wife,  Cardula,  daughter  of  Sir  John  Hore  of  Shankill, 
near  Dungarvan,  he  had  issue,  G  sons. —  1,  Christopher — 
•J,  John,  \\ho  went  for  Connaught,  and  settled  himself  at 
the  Neale,  where  he  married  Mor  ny  Waille,  danghter 
and  heiress  of  Doual  0'?>laille,  Lord  of  Umhaille  in  tiie 
County  of  Mayo,  whose  issue  still  remain,  and  are  called 
Bi-iiiuuh  nahcillc. — 3,  Waiter,  who  went' to  the  County 
of  Liiutrick,  and  settled  in  Kilpeaean,  near  Limerick ;  he 


married  Catherine,  danghter  and  co-heiress  of  Sir  Jolni 
FitzGerald,  kuight  of  the  Glen. — 4,  Edward  Browne, 
who  settled  at  Killeueaden  near  Waterford,  and  niameil 

Anne  Power,    daughter  and   heiress   of  John  Power. 

5,  Sir  D;iviii  Browne,  who  settled  near  Galway,  and 
married  Bevann  ny  Flahertie,  ilanghtcr  of  Moroni;li 
O'Flahertic,  of  We?t  Connaught,  "  from  whom  is  de- 
scended Sir  Dominick  Browne,  whose  issue  now  inherit 
a  considerable  estate,  in  and  about  Galway  and  in  the 
County  of  Mayo." — Then  follows,  "  the  true  lineal 
descent,  with  an  exact  accoimt  of  the  genealogy  of  Sir 
iSIathew  Browne's  ancestors,  with  all  the  intermarriages, 
since  the  first  of  the  family  came  to  Ireland,  in  1 IG!),  all 
which  was  rescued  from  oblivion,  by  the  Rev.  Father  in 
God,  by  Divine  Providence,  John  Brow  ne,  liishop  of  Ferns, 
and  sent  by  him  to  Sir  Patrick  Linegar,  to  be  inserted  in 
liis  books  of  antiquity,  amongst  the  rest  of  the  nobility  of 
Ireland."  iS"otv\ithstanding  all  this  jjaradc,  it  is  certain 
that  the  account  given  of  John,  the  second  son  of  Sir  Wa- 
thew  Browne,  is  incorrect.  The  many  noble  and  distin- 
guished houses  of  the  name  in  Jlayo,  viz.  Westport,  the 
Neale,  Brownestown,  Brownehall,  Breafy,  and  'I'nrin- 
Castle,  (whose  progenitors  settled  there  in  the  reign  of 
Oneen  Elizabeth)  are  of  English  descent,  and  no  way 
connected  in  their  origin,  with  the  Brownes  of  Galway. 
'  The  Crest  on  the  map,  two  eagle's  heads,  addorsed. 


inSTOKY    OF    GALWAY. 


11 


lr>':^rcp» 


This  family  stands  higlily  distinguislicd  in  the  annals  of  the  kingdom.  Its 
descent  is  dcri\cd  from  David  D'Arcy,  (of  an  eminent  family  in  France, 
uhicli  deduces  its  origin  from  Charlemagne,)  who  took  his  surname  from  Castle 
J)'Arcie,  his  chief  seat,  wliich  lay  within  thirty  miles  of  Paris.  His  son, 
{'liristo])her,  luuiiig,  with  a  band  of  his  vassals,  joined  tlie  crusades,  died  in 
Palestine,  leaving  Thomas  his  heir,  whose  son,  Sir  Richard  D'Arcy,  accompanied 
M'ilJiam  the  Concjueror  to  England,  where,  after  he  was  settled,  that  monarch 
onriclied  him  wiili  ample  possessions,  which  some  of  his  posterity  still  enjoy. ' 
I'Vom  him  descended.  Sir  John  D'Arcy,  who  was  high  in  repute  with  Edward  II. 
liv  whom  he  was  appointed  justice  of  Ireland  in  1323.  He  married  the  Lady 
.lane  Pourke,  daughter  of  Richard,  Earl  of  Ulster,  from  which  marriage  are 
derived  all  the  D'Arcies  of  this  kingdom.  °       The  Galvvay  family  is  immediately 


'   1  I'v!.  Pcili^irccs,  nfuc  nf  Arms. 

"  //). — The  I'ollowiiig  extract  is  taken  from  a  memoir, 
(Ir;v\vii  tip  by  one  of  this  family,  as  a  note  to  tlie  last 
tilition  of  Lodge's  Peerage  of  Ireland,  the  orthography 
of  tlie  name  is  left  unaltered.  Sir  John  Darcy,  liy  his 
marriage,  was  ancestor  to  the  Darcies  of  Flatten,  Kiltolla, 
Cliiunane,  Gortecn  and  others,  in  Ireland  ;  having  issue 
In  her,  a  son,  William,  and  a  daughter,  Elizabeth,  mar- 
ried to  James  Earl  of  Ormond;  William,  the  son,  was 
born  at  Maynooth  in  1J.30,  and  having  divers  lands 
ll^^igned  liiin,  in  recompence  of  his  father's  services,  he 
settled  at  Platten  in  the  county  of  Meath,  and  by  Cathc- 
riiu-,  daughter  of  Sir  Robert  Fitz-Gerald  of  Alloone,  in 
the  Couiily  of  Kildare,   had  John  Darcy,  Esq.    who   by 

II  daughter  of Pctyt,  Palatine  Baron  of  MuUingar, 

had  N\iiliain  his  heir,  whose  wife  was  Anne,  a  daughter 
of  the  iamily  of  Barnwall  of  Crickstown  ;  by  whom  he 
bad  John  Darcy,  Es(|.  who  married  Margaret,  daughter 
(if  the  Lord  of  Slaue.  lie  had  two  sons  John  and 
Nicholas. 

John,  the  elder  son,  took  to  wife  Elirabeth,  daughter 
of  Edmond,  Lord  of  Killeen,  ancestor  to  the  Earl  of 
I'iiigal,  and  was  father  of  Sir  William  Darcy  of  Platten, 
who  in  1525  was  appointed  vice-treasurer  of  Ireland.— 
N'itliolas,  the  youngest  son,  was  a  captain  of  horse,  and 
biing  ^tatmned  in  the  county  of  Mayo,  married  Jane, 
daughter  and  heir  to  O'Duraghy,  of  Partry  in  that  county, 
who  brought  him  the  large  estate  of  that  family,  and  by 
her  lie  had  'I'hoiuas,  the  father  of  C'onyers,  whose  sou 
Nicholas  had  James  (liivcag/i,  the  swarthy,)  and  l{icluu-d, 
whose  only  daughter  being  married  to  Robert  Blake  of 
Ardfrv  in  the  county  of  Cialway,  Estj.  was  mother  of  Sir 
Richard  Ulake,  who  was  speaker  or  chairman  of  the  su- 
preme cuiuicil  of  the  confederate  Catholics  at  Kilkenny 
m  I'MH. 

James  (Rivcngli)  Darcy  was  a  person  of  sncli  interest 
ami  power  in  Connimght,  that  he  was  appointed  vice- 
prcijent  of  that  province  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth,  and 
vjas  ciiief  nuiyistrate  of  the  town  of  GaKvay,  as  his  monu- 


mental inscription  sets  forth  (J',  jirn'sm  Cmiacin;  prcctor 
Gah'itr,)  in  the  Franciscan  friary  of  Galway.  He  died  in 
1(305,  leaving  seven  sons  and  one  danghtei',  viz.  Nicholas 
(whose  two  sons,  James  and  Dominick,  died  childless,  the 
elder  of  whom  a  barrister  at  law,  settled  his  large  estate 
in  the  Counties  of  Galway,  Mayo,  Roscommon  and  Clare, 
on  his  first  cousin  James  Darcy  of  Kiltolla,  Esq.  the  son 
of  his  3'oungest  Uncle  Patrick,  (to  be  mentioned  presently) 
Martin,  (from  whom  the  Darcies  of  Clunuane  in  the 
County  of  Clare  derive,)  James,  (ancestor  to  the  fami- 
lies of  Ballybocock,  Giu-teen,  Houndswood  and  Tuam) 
Anthony,  (irom  whom  the  Darcies  of  Brest,  in  France, 
descend ;  and  who  had  also  two  daughters,  Catherine 
who  married  Marcus  French,  Esq.  ancestor  to  the 
Frenches  of  Rahasane,  in  the  County  of  Galway;  and 
Anastaee,  to  James  L)aly,  of  Carrownekelly,  in  that 
County,  Esq.)  Mark,  Andrew,  (wllo^e  daughter  was 
married  to  llichard  Martin,  Esq.  councellor  at  law, 
ancestor  by  her  to  the  iMartius  of  Tulliry,  in  the  Comity 
of  Galway);  Patrick,  of  whom  presently.  The  daughter 
was  Anastaee,  married  to  Sir  Dominick  Browne,  of 
Carrowbrowiie,  in  the  C^oimty  of  Galway,  knt.  by  wlioni 
she  had  Geofi'ry  Browne,  Esq.  (ancestor  to  the  family 
of  Castlemagarrelt,  in  the  Comity  of  Majo,)  and  four 
daughters,  of  whom  Miu'v,  the  eldest,  being  married  to 
Major  John  Browne,  of  the  Neale,  had  George  of  the 
Neale,  John  of  Westport,  ancestor  to  the  Earl  of 
Altamont  and  Dominick  of  Breafy,  all  in  the  Coimty  of 
Mayo. 

Patrick  Darcy  of  Kiltolla  in  the  County  of  Galway, 
Esq.  the  seventh  son  of  James  (Riveaghj  Darcy,  was 
born  in  l.^PS,  and  was  educated  in  the  profession  of  the 
law,  he  was  an  active  member  of  the  parliament  assem- 
bled at  Dublin,  in  IGIO,  and  published,  "  an  argument 
delivered  by  Patrick  Darcy,  Esq.  by  express  order  of  the 
House  of  Commons,  in  the  parliament  of  Ireland,  !)tli 
of  June,  IG'H,"  he  died  at  Dublin  in  1G6S,  and  was 
interred  at  Kilconnell,  in  the  County  of  Galway,  leaving 
issue  by  Elizabeth,  one  of  the  four  daughters  of  Sir  PetcT 


12 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


desceiidecl  from  James  Rivcagh  D'Arcy,  who  settled  here  ahout  the  end  of  the 
reign  of  Elizabetli,  and,  in  consequence  of  his  superior  abilities  and  address, 
rapidly  acquired  considerable  power  and  influence.  From  him  sprung  in  a 
direct  line  the  house  of  KiltuUa,  and  the  families  of  Newforest,  in  the  County 
of  Galway,  (formerly  of  Clunuane  in  the  County  of  Clare,)  Gortecn  and 
Iloundswood,  in  tlie  County  of  JNIayo. 

Arms.  Azure,  scmee  of  cross  crosslets,  three  cinqucfoils,  argent.  Crest.  On 
a  chajjcau,  gules,  doubled  ermine,  a  bull  passant,  sable,  corned,  unguled,  and 
furnished,  or.      Motto.    Un  Dieu,  un  Roy. 

IDeanc. 

The  first  of  this  name,  tliat  settled  in  Galway,  is  said  to  have  been  "William 
Allen,  or  Den,  who  came  hither  from  Bristol  in  the  reign  of  Henry  \1,  and  wai> 
afterwards  elected  Provost.  jNlembers  of  this  family,  were  amongst  the  first 
Mayors  and  chief  Magistrates  of  the  Town. " 

Arms.  Azure,  three  wings,  two  and  one,  argent.  Crest.  A  dcmi  lion 
rampant,    azure.       Motto.    Arte  a'cI  martc. 


French,  nn  only  son,  James,  born  in  1  G"3,  wlio  married 
Frances  Trnsliot,  ilanf;hter  to  ;i  pcntlenian  of  Brittany, 
and  captain  of  a  sliip  of  war  under  Lewis  XIII.  (liy  his  wile 
Anne  Keating,  maid  of  honor  to  the  qneen  of  Charles  I.) 
and  dying  in  1692,  left  issne,  Anne,  Frances,  Brigid  and 
Clare,  and  an  only  son,  C'a]itain  Hyacinth  Darcy  of 
Kiltolla,  born  in  1665,  who  married  Catherine,  daughter 
of  John  Darcy,  of  Gorteen,  in  the  County  of  Mayo, 
lisq.  and  died  in  1743,  at  Teranasker,  in  tile  County  of 
Galway,  having  had  issue  by  her,  who  died  in  1750, 
nine  sons  and  three  daughters,  viz.  Patriclc  Darcy  of 
Kiltolla,  Esq.  (whose  wife  was  Anne,  only  daughter  of 
Walter  Blake  of  Oranniore,  in  the  County  of  Galway, 
Esq.  but  had  no  issue,)  John,  (who  married  Jane,  daugh- 
ter of  Sir  Robnc  Lynch,  of  Corrondollo,  in  the  said 
County,  Bart,  and  died  in  17-13,  leaving  Ilyacinth,  wlio 
married  Frances,  daughter  of  Henry  O'Brien,  of  Stone- 
Hall,  Esq.  and  by  her,  who  died  "l' 1st  October,  1753, 
had  Patrick,  Frances  and  Henrietta);  John,  who  in 
I75'.',  married  Catherine,  daughter  of  Isiilore  Lynch,  of 
Drimcon,  in  the  County  of  Galway,  Esq.'  Patrick,  a 
member  of  the  Ro\al  Academy  of  Sciences  at  Paris ; 
James,  (who  married  first  Jane,  daugliter  of  Richard 
Jlartin  of  Dangan,  in  tlie  County  of  Galway,  Esq.  by 
whom  he  had  an  only  son  Richard,  who  in  December, 

1751,  married  at  Bourdeanx,  tlie  daughter  of  —  Kirwan, 
then  a  rich  American  widow,  and  by  his  second  wife 
Wary,  daughter  of  Mr.  Mathew  Sliee  of  Nantz,  he  had 
an  only  daughter  Margaret) ;   Martin,  (living  at  Paris,  in 

1752,  married  Wary,  daughter  of  Thomas  Darcy,  of 
Brest,  Esq.  great,  great  .grandson  of  James  {Rivcagli) 
Darcy ;  Hyacinth,  who  died  unmarried  ;  Stephen  (w  hose 
vife  was  Anne  French,  of  the  family  of  Rahasaiic,  and 


liis  issue  were,  Peter,  Hyacintli,  Patrick,  Stephen,  John, 
Catherine,  Anne,  and  Anastace);  Francis  unmarried; 
Walter,  (who  married  Anastace,  one  of  the  six  daughters 
of  John  Darcy,  of  Gorteen,  Esq.);  Silvester  died  un- 
married: daughter  Anastace,  (married  Denis  Daly  of 
Raford,  in  the  County  of  Galway,  Esq.  whose  son  and 
heir,  Denis  of  Ramore,  Esq.  in  June,  1735,  married  tlie 
Lady  Anne  Burke,  elder  daughter  of  Michael,  Earl  of 
Clanricarde);  Frances,  (married  to  Robuc  French  of 
Duias,  in  the  County  of  Galway,  Esq.)  and  Catherine 
unmarried. 

"  The  following  anecdote,  relating  partly  to  a  member 
of  this  family,  is  too  remarkable  to  he  passed  over. — It 
was  frequently  related,  to  many  persons  still  living,  by  a 
respectable  old  gentleman,  of  the  name  of  French,  who 
was  born  in  Galuay,  in  1701,  and  lived  to  a  very 
advanced  age. — After  the  surrender  of  Galway,  to  the 
forces  of  Cromwell,  a  distinguished  colonel  in  the  army, 
(who  was  a  natixe  of  Virginia,  and  whose  name  was 
conspicuous  in  the  history  of  the  times,)  was  appointed 
governor. — At  tliat  time,  there  dwelt  in  the  town,  a 
merchant,  whose  name  was  Deane,  this  man  dealt 
extensively  in  the  tobacco  trade,  and  the  circumstante 
soon  attracted  the  attention  and  inquiry  of  the  governor, 
who,  having  become  acquainted  with  Deane,  and  with 
tlie  nature  and  extent  of  his  tiaffick,  at  length  proposed 
to  become  a  partner  with  him  in  the  business ;  which, 
from  his  own  connexions  and  influence  in  Virginia,  he 
promised  would  turn  out  highly  beneficial.  The  other 
readily  emliraccd  the  oficr,  and  the  partnership  proceeded 
with  mutual  advantage,  and  was  attended  with  consider- 
able profit.  Reciprocal  benefits  begat  confidence  and 
friendship ;  Deane  was  frequently  invited  to  the  governor's 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


13 


iffont,  or  De  fmntt. 

This  family  settled  in  Galway  in  the  beginning  of  the  fifteenth  century,  they 
^lining  from  an  ancient  English  family  of  Leicestershire,  and,  are  said,  to 
Iiavo  been  established  at  Athenry,  in  the  County  of  Galway,  as  early  as  the 
reign  of  King  John. '  The  name  is  now  nearly  extinct.  Geoftry  Ffont,  who 
died  near  Galway,  in  ISIL,  aged  105  years,  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  last 
survivor  of  the  (jalway  branch  of  this  family. 

.■Inns.  Argent,  semee  of  cross  crosslets,  a  lion  rampant,  sable.  Crest.  A  denii 
lion  rampant.      Multo.    [_  ~\ 

jffrcncl^. 

This  family  Is  descended  from  Sir  Maximilian  Ffrench,  the  first  of  the  name, 
whose  descendants  accompanied  their  kinsman,  William  the  Conqueror,  into 
England. '    Their  original  place  of  settlement  in  Ireland,  together  with  many  other 


linii'ic,  where,  in  the  warmth  of  their  private  com'ivial 
moincut<,  tlie  latter  was  aceustonied  to  exelaini,  in  an 
t'Miltiii:^  manner,  at  the  same  time,  hoUling  up  his  nj;ht 
\\  tnd,  "  I  tell  thee  Steplien,  this  hand  knows  the  streni,'th 
of  Charles  i^tnarl's  neck." — Every  reader  aequainted  with 
the  hi^ory  of  England,  is  aware,  that  the  names  of  the 
f\eentioners  of  tliat  unfortunate  monarch  have  never 
heen  <iiscovered.  All  that  is  known  with  certainty  is,  that 
two  of  tlictn  attended,  disgnished  in  masks,  one  with  a 
L-rcy  and  the  other  with  a  black  beard,  and  that  after  the 
fiiniier  severcil  the  head,  the  other  held  it  up,  streaming 
with  blood,  and  cried  aloud,  "  this  is  the  head  of  a 
trtiitor." — Friendship  or  fear  influenced  Deane  to  keep 
secret  the  extraordinary  revelation  which  he  had  heard, 
until  after  the  restoration,  but  then  he  frequently  men- 
tioned the  circumstance ;  immediately  upon  that  event, 
tlie  !;ovcrnor  suddenly  disappeared,  and  tlie  place  of  his 
retreat  remained  unknown,  until  a  Mr.  French  from 
T\r(ine,  near  Galwa\-,  happening  to  be  in  London, 
acciilentally  met  him  in  the  street,  disguised  as  a  pedlar, 
banking  tobacco  for  sale.  Struck  at  this  sudden  change, 
in  tlie  fortunes  of  a  man,  who  so  recently  before  was  in 
the  full  exercise  of  unlimited  power,  extending  even  over 
life  and  death,  but  now  reduced  to  the  most  abject  state 
of  misery ;  JNIr.  French  could  not  help  expressing  regret 
for  hi-,  situation,  particularly  as  the  object  of  bis  compassion 
h.id,  in  general,  exercised  his  power  with  humanity  and 
moderation.  The  unfortunate  governor,  with  tears  in  his 
eNc-^,  desired  him  to  step  into  an  adjacent  shop,  and 
promiscil,  in  a  few  moments,  to  follow  and  explahi  the 
entire;  French  accordingly  complied,  but  after  remaining 
•a  considerable  time  the  other  neglecteil  to  attend,  and,  as 
llie  story  goes,  was  never  afterwards  heard  of. — As  to 
Dcane  he  was  enabled  by  the  profits  of  the  partnershii). 


to  purchase  the  considerable  estate  of  Unlrobuck,  near 
Tuam,  which,  until  very  lately,  eontiimed  in  the  posses- 
sion of  his  descendants. 

'  10.  Vol.  Pftli^recs  Offu-c  of  Anns.—\\\  U)  Henry  IV. 
William  de  Ffont,  bad  a  grant  of  the  king's  peace. — Hot. 
CI.  li.  T. — and  15  Henry  VI.  his  son  Thomas  had  a  writ 
of  exemption  from  assize,  &c. — Hot.  CI.  ih. — AValter 
Ffonte  Esq.  of  Galway,  his  son,  married  to  Evel)n 
Kirwan,  had  issue,  Thomas  Fontc,  who  was  married  to 
Elinor  French,  whose  son,  Martin  Fontc,  Mayor  of 
Galway,  was  married  to  Juliana  Lynch  of  Skrcene, 
whose  son,  Stephen  Fonte,  was  nianied  to  Juliana 
Kirwan  ;  I'rancis,  their  son,  married,  in  1  fi2G,  Maria, 
daugliter  of  John  Atby  of  Galway;  their  son  Dominick 
Fonte,  who  had  a  grant  of  lands  in  the  County  of  Galway 
from  Charles  II.  married  Anna  Dillon  of  Loughglin  in 
the  Comity  of  Mayo ;  Francis  de  Fonte  of  Boyle,  their 
son,  man-led  Margaret,  daughter  of  John  Blake  of 
Dromorenagh  in  the  County  of  Mayo ;  their  son, 
Edward  de  Fonte,  of  Boyle,  married,  in  1G90,  Mariii 
Gibbons,  whose  daughter  and  sole  heiress,  Bridget,  mar- 
ried Peter  Bath,  Esq.  of  Knightstown,  in  the  County  of 
Meatli,  and  dieil  in  1778. 

'  The  following  extract  relative  to  this  name  is  taken 
from  the  MS.  pedigrees  of  O'Luinin  before  referred 
to. — "  The  genealogy  of  the  Ffrenches  of  England, 
lineally  desccndcil  from  Sir  Theopluhis  Ffrench,  a  most 
valiant  knight,  who  accompanied  WiUiam  the  Conqueror, 
in  his  expedition  for  England,  and  was  present  with  him 
at  the  great  battle  of  Hastings,  deriving  his  pedigree,  froHi 
Sir  Maximilian  de  Ffrench,  who  was  son  of  Harloven 
junior,  son  of  Harloven,  son  of  Rollo  the  strong,  alias 
Robert,  first  Didce  of  Normandy;  as  Sir  Thomas  Hawley, 
king  of  arms,    in   England,   28   Henry  VHI.   gi\es  an 


14 


niSTOUY    01'    GALWAY. 


Enn'lish  and  Anglo-Norman  adventurers,  was  tlie  County  of  V/exford; "  from 
whence,  in  process  of  time,  they  gradually  spread  throughout  the  other  parts  of 
the  kingdom.  Two  families  of  the  name  settled  at  different  periods  in  Galway, 
the  first,  with  Walter  Ffrcnch,  in  the  reign  of  Hen.  VI.  about  the  year  ifc^>, 
and  tlie  otlicr,  with  ITein-y  Begg  Ffrcnch,  in  the  reign  of  Elizahoth ;  since 
which  time,  they  ha\e  ranked  amongst  the  most  considerable  in  the  i'rovinco. 
The  family  of  Castle  Ffrcnch,  near  Ahascragh,  in  the  County  of  Cialwa)',  was 
raised  to  the  dignity  of  the  peerage,  in  the  year  179S.  The  llight  Honorable 
Ciuirlcs  Baron  Ffrcnch,  of  Castle  Ffrench  is  the  present  Lord,  'i'lie  other 
branches  of  this  respectable  name,  are  those  of  Ballinahalla,  now  of  Beagh, 
Carrorea,  Elmhill,  Ffrenchgrove,  jMonivea,  Portcarn,  Uahasane  and  Tyrone  in 
tlie  Comity  of  Galway,  Ballykeneave  and  Culliane  in  the  County  of  Mayo,  and 
I'oxborouoh,  Frenchpark,  Fort,-  Rocksavage  and  Snipchill,  in  the  County  of 
Boscommon. ' 

Arms.  Ermine,  a  chevron,  sable.  Crest.  A  Dolphin,  embowed,  upon  rocks, 
proper.  ™      MoHo.    One  heart,  one  mind. 

JopCS  or  giopcC 

This  old  Galway  family  is  of  ancient  and  honourable  English  descent,  and  was 
allied  to  the  Welch  and  British  princes.  Thomas  Joyes,  the  first  of  the  name 
that  came  to  Ireland,  sailed  from  "Wales  in  the  reign  of  Edward  I.  and  arrived 


account,  in  tlie  ancient  and  piit'.icntic  nnnals  of  that 
kinfiduMi." — Sir  HmnplM-cv  Ti-cncli,  kniglit  liaiinertt, 
iniirricd  Arrabclla,  ilanylitcr  anil  heiress  of  Sir  Chailcs 
llarluy,  of  Orniueh,  in  Wales,  knifjht;  anil  bv  her  had 
is>ne,  five  sens  and  two  iluiii;hters,  viz.  Cliristniiher, 
■VValler,  Patrick,  Nicholas,  Jolm,  Mary,  and  Julian 
Ffrcnch. — "  From  Christopher  and  Walter,  arc  descended 
the  families  of  Ffrench  of  Enii^and,  and  from  Patrick 
and  Nicholas,  are  derived  the  family  of  the  Frenches  in 
Ireland,  who  seated  themselves,  in  the  lands  of  Balle- 
ma-cuoec,  near  Wexford,  as  the  Bishop  of  Ferns  uives 
an  account  in  his  annals. — Patrick  Ffrench  had  a  son, 
iiameu  ^\'alter,  who  settled  near  Galway,  in  Connanyht, 
where  he  niaixied  the  daughter  and  sole  heiress,  of  John 
Athie,  of  a  worthy  fannly,  of  great  mitiquity,  and  from 
him  arc  descended  the  tiiniily  of  the  Fl'renclics  of  Con- 
iv.ui£;ht." — John,  the  fifth  son  of  Sir  Hnmphroy  Ffrench, 
is  stilted  to  have  settled  in  Scotland,  where  he  married 
,Tane,  daugliter  of  the  honorable  James  Lindse}',  third 
brother  of  Thomas  Farl  of  Crawford,  from  whom  de- 
scended the  fanrily  of  the  Frent'ies  of  Scotland,  and  the 
;iccouvit  conclurles,  with  the  pedigree  of  Sir  Hni  iphrey 
Ffrench,  ilcscended  from  MaNiniilian,  the  first  ol'  the 
name. 

*  James  Ffrench  and  Laurence  Browne,  bnrge?ses  of 
IVfxford,  were  elected  !iy  tiutt  town,  to  serve  as  repre- 


sentatives in  the  parliament  summoned  to  meet  at  West- 
minster, in  157(;. — Cut.  of  (iniictit  clidil. — It  is  rather  a 
curious  coincidence,  thai  the  late  Lord  Ffrcnch,  was 
elected  Catholic  delegate  for  the  town  of  Wexford. 

'  A  branch  of  this  fannly  removed  IVimi  Cialway  to  the 
County  of  Kosconmion,  at  an  early  period,  and  Irom  it 
descended  the  family  of  J'renclipark,  in  that  County. 
Their  cemetery,  in  the  old  abbey  of  Clonshanville,  in 
the  County  ot'  Roscoiumon,  bears  their  arms  with  this 
inscription, 

"  Pray  for  the  soul  of  Patrick  French  Fitzstephcn,  of 

Galw  ay,  Dtirgess ;  who  lived  in  this  world  eighty 

six  years." 

Richard  Ffrcnch  FitzPetcr,  died  in  March,  Ifiss,  pos- 
sessed of  the  ruinc^l  cnstle  and  lands  of  Uougendricke, 
Gragalabane,  Tonnlagiliie,  the  castle  of  IMenlagh,  Ac. 
in  tiie  barony  of  Tyujuin,  Tyrnckille  and  several  other 
lands  in  lar  Conna.ight ;  of  which  he  enfeotied  Jasper 
Ffrench,  Patrick  ,Ffrench,  Marcus  Lynch  and  others  of 
(iolway,  to  the  use  of  his  son  Nicholas,  junior. — Patrick 
Begg  ffrench,  died  Cth  February,  1630,  seized  of  the 
Castle  of  JNIonyvea,  with  the  lauds  of  Plenemoedra, 
Dcrr>adda,  Knocketobber,  Carraleagh  and  Gortemerrin, 
which  descended  to  his  son  and  heir,  Robert  Ffrcnch.— 
/«7. 

"  On  the  map,  an  ermine  spot. 


HISTORY    OP    GALWAY. 


15 


with  his  fleet  at  TJiomond  in  Munster,  where  he  married  Onorah  O'Brien, 
ihiughter  of  tlic  chief"  of  that  district ;  from  tliencc,  putting  to  sea,  he  directed 
liis  course  to  the  western  part  of  Connaught,  where  he  acquired  considerable 
tracts  of  territory,  which  his  posterity  still  inhabit.  While  on  the  voyage,  his 
wife  was  delivered  of  a  son,  wliom  he  named  Mac  Mara,  son  of  tlic  sea,  he 
extended  his  father's  acquisitions,  and  from  him  descended  the  sept  of  the  Joyces, 
a  race  of  men  remarkable  for  their  extraordinary  stature,  who,  for  centuries  past 
inhabited  the  mountainous  district,  in  lar  Connaught,  called,  fi-om  them,  Diithaidh 
SlicodJinigli,  or  Joyce  counlnj,  now  forming  the  barony  of  Ross,  in  the  County  of 
Galway,  and  for  which  they  were  formerly  tributary  to  the  O'Flaherties. "  AValter 
.Torse,  .lorz  or  Joyce,  brother  of  Thomas,  Cardinal  of  Sabina,  of  this  name  and 
family,  was  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  he  resigned  in  1311,  and  was  succeeded  bv 
In's  brother  Roland.     The  former  was  confessor  to  Edward  II.  and  was  author  of 


"  Mac  ^tara  J03CS  was  first  man-icd  to  the  daughter 
of  O'i'lalici-ty,  prince  of  lar  Connaught,  the  most  re- 
iiunkalilc  of  liis  descendants,  besides  tlie  above,  was 
William  Joyes,  who  was  married  to  Agnes  Morris,  being 
<in  his  travels  from  Italy  to  Greece,  he  was  taken  prisoner 
In  the  Saracens,  and  brought  to  Africa,  frojn  whence, 
lifter  a  variety  of  adventures,  and  undergoing  a  captivity 
of  seven  ycvrs,  he  escaped  to  Spain;  while  here,  his 
»>:a!tcd  virtues  were  rewarded  by  lieaven,  according  to 
the  pedigrees  of  this  family,  in  an  extraordinary  manner; 
fur,  w-.  tliey  relate,  an  eagle  flying  over  his  head,  pointed 
lint  to  him  a  place,  where  he  discovered  vast  treasures ; 
V, iih  which,  returning  to  Galway,  he  coutrihnted  large 
nuns  towards  building  the  walls,  church  and  other  public 
<•  liliccs  of  the  town,  he  died,  leaving  three  sons,  James, 
lleury  and  Robert,  and  was  interred  in  the  Franciscan 
friary. 

Heaven  was  again  propitious  to  another  of  this  family; 
^Margaret  Joyes,  great  grand  daughter  of  the  above  nan)ed 
William,  who  was  surnamcd,  Miirnarct  na  Drchidc, 
Mrni^riicl  nf  the  ISfiili^rs,  from  the  great  number  w Inch 
she  built.  The  story  of  this  singular  woman  is  still  current 
r,!!iongst  her  descendants,  they  relate  that  she  was  born 
■  if  rednced  but  genteel  parents  and  wa.s  first  married  to 
Domingo  de  llona,  a  wealthy  S|)anish  merchant,  who 
traded  to  Galway,  where,  he  fell  in  love  with,  and  mar- 
ried her;  and  soon  after  departing  for  Spain,  died  there, 
Ic.iviim  hor  mistress  of  an  innnense  property.  Upon  his 
<lrcea..o,  having  no  iss\ie  by  him,  she  married  Oliver  Ogo 
i'lrcncli,  v.lio  Was  Mayor  of  Galway  in  1590'.  So  fm"  the 
ii.irralive  is  probable  and  consistent,  but  what  follows  will 
try  the  credulity  of  the  reader.  It  relates  that  this  lady, 
during  the  absence  of  her  second  husband,  on  a  voyage, 
elected  most  part  of  the  bridges  of  the  province  of 
C.'unuaught,  at  her  own  expense !  and,  that  as  she  was 
one  <lay  -.itting  before  the  workmen,  an  eagle,  flying  over 
her  head,  let  fall  into  her  bosom,  a  gold  ring  a(lorned 
with  a  brilliant  stcme,  the  nature  of  which,  no  lapidary 
rould  ever  discover.  It  was  preserved  by  her  descendants, 
as  a  uKKt  valuable  reliijuc,  in  \tJCl,  (the  date  of  the  MS. 
from  which  this  account  is  taken,)  as  a  mark  supposed  to 
iiave  been  sent  from  Heaven,  ot  its  apiirobatioii  of  her 


good  works  and  charity !  !  This  fable,  though  still 
piously  believed,  by  some  of  this  family,  was  humorously 
ridiculed  by  Latocnayo,  an  incredulous  trench  traveller, 
who  visited  Galway  about  the  end  of  the  last  century. 

Cornet  Jojes  connnanded  the  guard  that  conducted 
Charles  I.  to  the  scaffold,  but  it  does  not  appear  that  he 
was  of  this  descent. 

Several  individuals  of  this  name  have  long  felt  grateful 
to  the  memory  of  William  III.  from  the  following  eir- 
cnmstance,  on  the  accession  of  that  monarch  to  the 
throne  of  England,  one  of  the  first  acts  of  his  reign  was 
to  send  an  ambassador  to  Algiers,  to  demand  the  imme- 
diate release  of  all  the  British  suiijcets  detained  there  in 
slavery,  the  dey  and  council,  intimidated,  reluctantly 
complied  with  this  demand.  Among  those  released,  was 
a  young  man  of  the  name  of  Joyes,  a  native  of  Galway, 
who,  fcnirteen  years  before,  was  captured  on  his  passaC'O 
to  the  West  Indies,  by  an  Algerine  Corsair;  on  his  arrival 
at  Algiers,  he  was  purchased  by  a  wealthy  Turk,  who 
followed  the  profession  of  a  goldsmith,  anci  who  observ- 
ing his  slave,  Joyes,  to  be  tractable  and  ingenious, 
instructed  him  in  his  trade,  in  which  he  speedily  became 
an  adept.  The  moor  as  soon  as  he  heard  of  his  release, 
otiered  him,  in  case  he  should  remain,  his  only  dau'diter 
in  marriage,  and  with  her,  half  his  property,  but  all  these, 
with  other  tempting  and  advantageous  proposals,  Joyes 
resolutely  declined  ;  on  his  return  to  Galw  ay  he  married, 
and  followed  the  business  of  a  goldsmith  with  considerable 
success,  and,  having  acquired  a  handsome  indejiendance, 
lie  was  enabled  to  purchase  the  estate  of  Rahoou,  (which 
lies  about  two  miles  west  of  the  town,)  from  Colonel 
Whaley,  one  of  Cromwell's  old  officers.  Joyes  having 
no  son,  bequeathed  his  property  to  his  three  daughtei-s, 
two  of  whom  only  were  married,  one,  to  Andrew  Kou 
French,  ancestor  to  the  late  Andrew  French  of  liahoon, 
to  whom,  in  addition  to  their  own,  the  unmarried  sister 
left  her  third ;  the  second  daughter  was  married  to  the 
ancestor  of  the  late  Martin  Lynch,  a  baid;er,  who,  in 
lier  right,  inherited  the  remainder  of  the  estate.  In 
gratitude  for  this  act  of  King  William,  this  liimily  lou" 
after  solenuiizcd  his  accession  to  the  throne  In  h(mera-e>,, 
and  hia  victories  in  Ireland  by  exhiJjitLng  oiaiigc  liiie»,  oii 


1(5  HISTORY    OF    GALWAT. 

several  works."  The  families  of  Joyes-grove  in  the  County  of  Galway,  Oxford  in 
JNIayo,  and  M'oodquay  in  the  town  of  Galway,  with  that  of  Merview,  near  tlie 
town,  are  tlie  present  descendants  of  this  old  family. 

Arms.  Argent,  an  eagle  displayed,  with  two  necks,  gules,  over  all  Fess 
Ermine.  Crest.  A  demi  wolf-rampant,  argent,  ducally  gorged,  or.*  Motlo.  JMors, 
iuit  honorabilis  vita. 

Hirtxian. 

Tliis  name  and  family  are  Irish,  and  the  heralds  have  gone  very  far  back  indeed 
to  deduce  their  origin.  They  tell  us,  that  Maoldabhreac,  son  of  Fiobhrann,  son 
of  Finghin,  descended  from  Heremon,  second  son  of  Milesius,  was  father  of 
Ciorrovan  or  Kirro\'an,  from  M'liom  the  Kirwans  are  descended. ''  They  appear 
to  have  settled  in  Galway,  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VI.  about  whicli  time,  the  name 
first  occurs  in  its  modern  form,  mention  being  then  made  of  William  Kirwan  and 
his  children.  Some  tliink  them  much  more  ancient,  supposing  them  to  be  the 
family  of  Kirwicke,  already  enumerated  amongst  the  more  early  inhabitants  of  tlie 
town; '  and  this  supposition  is  very  probable,  as  the  orthograpliy  of  the  name  has 
tmdergone  A'arious  changes,  viz.  O'Quirivan,  Kyrvan,  Kerovan,  Kirevane,  &c.  but 
it  is  now  generally  written  Kirwan.  To  this  name  and  family,  Ireland  is  indebted 
for  two  individuals,  of  the  first  order  of  genius,  men  whose  splendid  talents  have 
raised  their  native  country  to  a  most  elevated  point  in  the  scale  of  literature  and 
science  ;  by  tliose  the  reader  may  easily  anticipate,  are  meant  the  celebrated 
Dean  Kirwan,  and  his  distinguished  relative  and  friend,  the  late  Richard  Kirwan, 
Esq.  of  Cregg ;  the  former,  acknowledged  to  have  been  the  first  christian  orator 
of  his  day,  and  the  latter,  one  of  the  greatest  philoso])liers  of  the  age  in  which 
lie  lived.  Biograpliical  accounts  of  these  eminent  men,  will  be  found  in 
another  part  of  this  volume.     The  families  of  Blindwell,  Castlehackett, '  Cregg, ' 


the  1st  nnd  12tli  of  July.     Some  of  Joycs'  silver  work,  castle  was  erected,   from  them  it  passed,   at   an  earlv 

stamped  with  his  mark,  and  the  initial  letters  of  his  name,  period,  to  a  branch  of  the  Burkes,  who  wei'e  aftenvards 

are  still  remaining.      A  very  curious   pedigree  of  this  expelled  by  Cromwell,  and  transplanted  to  Ower  near 

family,  is  recorded  in  the  Office  of  Arms,    Vul.  10.  Lough  Corrib,  Castlehackett  was  pareelled  out  to  one  of 

°  Ware  and  Dc  liuigo.  his  officers;    who  disjiosed   of  his  interest   to  .Sir  John 

•■  This  is  the  crest  on  the  map,  that  now  used,  is  a  Kirwan,  (a  gentleman,  who  amassed  a  large  fortune  in 

Demi  Griffin,  scgrcant.  the  West  Indies,  and  was  Mayor  of  Galway,  in  the  reign 

'  /.  Vol.  Pedigrees,  OJJire  of  Arms.  of  James  II.)  from  whom  the  present  respectable  family 

'  The  following  record  seems  to  support  this  opinion —  is    descendeii.      The    name    of    Mr.   John    Kirwan    of 

In  the  year  14."2,  Alex'  Lynch,  Henry  Blake,  Richard  Castlehackett,  will  be  long  remembered  in  the  annals  of 

Styven,   and   Wi'.lter  KervyJe,    or  any   three   or  two  of  racing  and  horsemanship,  he  stands  distinguislied  for  pre- 

thcm  were  appointed  the  king's  justices,   to  enquire  of  serving  the  best  breed  of  racing  cattle  in  the  empire. 

all  treasons,  felonies,  &C.   as  well  within  the  franchise         Sir  John  Kinvan,  was  the  first  who  (in  1G89,)  intro- 

and  liberty  of  Ilanry,  (Athenry,)  as  within  the  franchise  dnced  glass  windows,  in  the  luodern  form,  in  Galway; 

and  liberty  of  the  town  of  Galvy  in  Connaught. — Rot.  in  place  of  the  small  leaden  lattices  then  used,  and  many 

pat.  10  Hen.  VI.  of  which  remain  to  the  psesent  day. 

'  The  estate  of  Castlehackett,  belonged  originally,  as         '  Piers  Kirwan  FUzclement,   died   17th  April,    1618, 

,''lie  name  imports,  to  tlic  Ilackett  family,  by  whom  the  seized  of  the  lands  of  Crej;gan,    Lavally,   ]3allytrasuy. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  17 

ri.-irilcnficlcl,   Ghm,    Ilillsbrook  and  AVoodfield,   in  the  County  of  Galway ;    and 
l)al;,'ii],  in  the  County  of  ]\Iayo,  are  the  principal  of  the  name, 

Jnns.  Argent,  a  clicvron,  between  three  shelldrakes,  sable,  beaked  and 
I<-;rged,  gules.  Crest.  A  shclldrake  close,  sable,  beaked  and  legged,  gules. 
Motto.  J'  aim  nion  Dieu,  mon  lloi  et  mon  Pais. " 

'riiis  is  one  of  the  most  ancient,  and,  until  the  middle  of  the  seventeenth 
century,  \vas  one  of  tlie  most  leading  families  in  Galway.  In  the  old  volume  of 
pedigrees,  preserved  in  the  Heralds  office,  it  appears,  that,  "  William  le  Petit,  came 
to  Ireland,  in  11S5,  with  Sir  Hugh  de  Lacy,  who  granted  him,  by  his  charter, 
Macheritliirnar,  &c.  (now  the  barony  of  Macherydernan,  in  the  County  of 
W'estmcatii,)  except  the  Logh  and  Town  of  Dysart;  that  they  were  palatine 
barons  of  JNIolingare,  and  that  WiUiam  le  Petit,  had  a  son,  Nicholas,  "  who  was 
ancestor  to  the  family  of  Lpich  of  Galway."  "*■  William,  (or  according  to  other 
accounts,)  John  de  Lynch,  was  the  first  settler  of  the  name  in  Galway,  he  was 
married  to  the  daughter  and  sole  heiress  of  William  de  IVIareschall,  and,  it  is 
stated,  that  the  eldest  branch  of  the  family,  was  called  Mareschall,  until  the 
male  line  became  extinct.  During  the  greatest  part  of  the  15,  16  and  lyth 
centuries,  they  possessed  the  principal  authority  witliin  the  town.  Dominick 
Lynch  Fitz  John,  conunonly  called  Dominick  dubli,  in  1  ISl.  solicited  and  procured 
the  charter  of  Richard  IIL  under  which  he  caused  his  brother.  Pierce,  to  be 
elected  Hrst  IMayor,  and  was  himself  the  second.  His  son  Stephen,  at  the  same 
time,    sued  out   and   obtained  the  bull  of   Innocent  VIII.    which    estabhshed 


I.cifrhcarrowroc,  Sec.  which  he  vested  in  Marcus  Blake,  witli  that  monarch,  in  whose  estimation  lie  stood  very 

Nicliol.is  Lynili  Fitz  Jonakin,  and  John  Ffrench   Fitz  high,  and  t'l-oni  whom  he  received  considerable  favours. 

Tctcr,   of  Galway,   merchants,  as  trustees  for  his  son,  That  the  first  of  the  name,  who  came  to  Ireland,  was 

Clcnicnt  Kirwan. — Iiu;.  Andrew  de  Lynch,  to  wlioni  Menry  If.  gave  large  posses- 

Thc  latter,  who  was  the  great  grand  father  of  the  late  sions,  in  the  vicinity  of  Castleknock  near  Dublin.     That 

Kichard  Kirwan,  Esq.  built,  in  1G48,  the  castle  of  Cregg,  liis  youngest  son,  John  Lynch,  who  was  nmried  to  the 

in  the  C'oimty  of  Galway ;  which  was  the  last  edifice  of  daughter  of  William  de  JNiarcbchall,  was  the  first  of  the 

lluit  di.>cri|nion,  erected  for  the  purposes  of  defence,  in  name  who  settled,  about  the  year  12G1,  in  Galway,  and 

tlii^  part  of  Ireland.  that  from  him  all  the  Galway  Lynches  are  descended. 

"  .Some  ineml)crs  of  this  family  use  the  motto,  "  GocFs  They  also  state,  that  the  Lynches  obtained  their  armorial 

providence  is  our  inheritance."  bearings  from  the  I'ollowing  circumstance,   one  of  their 

'  Kandal   le   Pctyt   and  Adam   le   Petyt,   resided   in  name  and  family,  being  governor  of  Lintz,  (long  before 

Coiiir.'.n.'lu,    in   1270,   and  Jordan   de  Exon  was  then  tlie  invasion  of    England  by  the  Conqueror,)  defended 

Micrili; — Hoi.  Pip.  Xo.  4.  that  city  with  unexampled  fortitude,  against  a  powerful 

•  Tradition,    and   some    documents    in    possession    of  enemy ;   and  though  from  the  uncommon  length  of  the 

ircndHTi  of  this  family,  ditfer  materially  from  the  above  siege,  all  their  provisions  were  consumed,  and  the  "arri- 

acrount.     These  state  that  they  were  originally  from  the  son  reduced  to  tiie  miserable  extremity  of  subhistin<'  on 

City  of  Lintz,  the  capital  of  upper  Austria,  from  which,  the  common  herbage  of  the  fields,  he  was  finally  victo- 

thi-y  »up;io>e  the  name  to  have  been  derived;  and,  that  rious.     His  prince,  amongst  other  rewards  of  his  valour, 

iIhv  claim  descent  from  Charlemagne,  the  yoimgest  son  presented  him  with  the  trefoil  on  a  field  azure,  for  his 

(if  the  EM)[)en)r  of  that  name.     That  Sir  lingo  de  Lynch,  arms,  and  the  Lynx,  the  sharpest  sighted  of  all  animals, 

ii  genera]  under  William  the  Conqueror,  came  to  England  for  his  crest,  the  former,  in  ollusion  to  the  extreiiiily  to 

C 


IS  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY, 

here  that  singular  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction,  the  wardenship.  Thomas  Lynch 
Fitz  Ambrose,  was  the  last  catholic  mayor  in  1G54,  when  the  ancient  inhabitants 
were  dispossessed  by  Cromwell ;  and  during  a  period  of  169  years,  84  members 
of  this  family,  were  mayors  of  Galway.  The  oldest  line  of  tlie  Lynches,  from 
which  the  younger  brandies  sprung,  was  distinguished  by  the  appellation  of 
Craiwwrc,  wliich  means,  the  great  tree  or  stock  ;  and  the  house  of  Newcastle, 
descended  from  Emon-a-2'itane,  who  lived  in  131'-2,  claimed  this  distinction.  The 
present  lineal  descendants  of  this  family,  are,  the  Count  Lynch  late  JMayor  of 
13ourdeaux,  (who  so  eminently  distinguished  himself  in  the  cause  of  the  royal 
family  of  France,  against  Buonaparte,)  and  liis  relative,  John  Lynch  Alexander, 
Esq.  of  Galway.  The  respectable  families  of  Barna,  Cartron,  Clough,  Drimcong, 
Lavally,  Lydican,  Moycullen,  Rathglass  and  hJhannonbridge,  in  the  County  of 
Galway,  Diu-as  in  the  County  of  Clare,  and  Ballycurren,  Castlccarra  or  Ball, 
Clogher  and  Partry  in  the  County  of  Mayo,  are  now  the  principal  of  the  name. 

Ai'vis.  Azure,  a  chevrou,  between  three  trefoils,  slipped,  or.  Crest.  A  Lynx, 
passant,  argent.      Motto.    Semper  fidelis. 

This  family  is  of  early  origin  in  Galway.  Tiicir  pedigree  relates,  that  01i\cr 
jNIartin  was  the  first  of  the  name,  that  settled  in  Ireland,  that  he  was  a  follower 
of  Strongbow,  and  that  the  name  was  derived  from  Martins,  warlike.  Some 
antiquaries,  however,  are  of  opinion,  that  they  were  of  ancient  L'ish  descent. 
O'Brien  and  Vallancey,  say,  "  they  are  derived  from  tlie  belgian  firbolg,  or 
Martini,  L\  JMairliuig/i,  respectable  remains  of  which  still  subsist,  in  the  cities 
of  Limerick  and  Galway."  Richard  Martin  of  Dangan  or  Baliinehinch  Castle, 
Esq.  is  descended  from  the  eldest  branch  of  this  family,  and  the  houses  of 
Curraghmore,  Ross,  Spiddle  and  Tullyra "  are  numbered  amongst  the  most 
respectable  in  this  Province.  ' 


which  he  was  driven  for  siibsistance  chiring  iho  scige,  and  and  dispose  of  the  same  on  his  eldest  son,  and  his  heirs, 

the  latter,  to  his  foresinht  aiul  viijilaiice,  and,  as  a  testi-  males,   &C. — sect.  ol).      Tliis    solitary    instance    of  then 

nionial  of  his  fidelity,  he  also  received  the  motto,  irmyxv  le^islatixe  justice  is  particnlarly  consi)icuons,   because  it 

Jklclis,  which  arms,   crest  and  n]Otto,   are  borne  hy  the  stands  alone,    and  siuTOimded  by  the  most   nnjnst    and 

Lynch  family  to  this  day.     Their  mansion-house  occupied  "ferocious"  enactments,  that  ever  disgraced  the  code  of 

the  extensive  square  on  which  the  present  lower  citadel  any  civilized  country. 

or  shamble  barrack  stands.  Four   miles   west   of   Galway,    near   Barna,    are   the 

'  The  memorable  act,   8  Ann,  chap.  .7,  for  explaining  remains  of  an  old   castle,    which   formerly   belonged   to 

and  amending  the  act,  to  prevent  the  further  !;rowth  of  the  O'Hallorans,  the  Lynch  family  acquired  tliis  ancient 

popery,    alter   reciting   that   Oliver    Martin   of    Tnlliry,  inheritance,    by  ni;u'ria|^c,    with   tin   hiiress   of  that  old 

County  Galway,  Esq.  was,  dnrin;_'  the  rjbellion,  a  person  Irish  sept. 

who  behaved   himself  with   great  moderation,   and   was  ''  Francis  Martin,  of  Oidway,  merchant,  died  fith  Scp- 

reuiarkably  kind  to   numbers   of  proteslanls  in   distress,  tember,   \G15,  seized  of  the  four  quarters  of  Ballvglas>e, 

many  of  which  he  supported  in  his  family,   and  by  his  the  cartron  of  lioskbcgg,   the  quarter  of  Corrowreagh, 

charity  an  1  goodness,  saved  their  lives,  (Jvc.  enacteil  that  the  cartron  of  Kilcoriiau,    in   the   County   of   Mavo. — 

he  might  enjoy  his  estate,  to  him  and  his  heirs,  and  settle  Robert  Martin,  died  'M\.\\  April,  lb'."-',  seized  of  scM-riir 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  19 

Jrm<:.  Azure,  a  calvary  cross,  on  five  degrees  argent,  between  tlie  sun  in 
\j)IoMiI()r,  on  the  dexter  limb,  and  the  moon  in  crescent,  on  tlie  sinister,  or.  ''' 
Cn\^t.   An  etoile  wavy,   of  six  jjoints,    or.      MoUo.  AuxiHum  nieum  a  Domino. 

'lliis  family  first  settled  in  Galway,  in  1 18,5,  tlie  name  was  then  written  Mares, 
it  wa-i  af'lerwariN  changed  to  Moreeli.  "  and  finally  assumed  its  present  form. 
Nothing  particular  occurs  on  record  relating  to  this  family,  except  that  several  of 
it>  nu'nihers  served  the  oflices  of  JMayor  and  Sheriffs,  and  were  otherwise  active 
and  distinguished  in  tiie  affairs  of  the  former  corporation.  Their  descendants 
re-Ide  at  present,   in  the  town,  and  at  Spiddle,  in  the  County  of  Galway. 

Arvi<.  Or.  a  fess  dauncettie,  a  lion  rampant,  in  base,  sable.  Crest.  A  lion's 
be. id,  erased,  argent,  guttee  dc  sang.      JSIotto.  Si  Deus  nobiscuni,  quis  contra  nos. 

Tliis  old  and  respectable  family  is  of  considerable  antiquity  in  Galway,  the 
name  was  originally  Huscared ;  and  they  deri\e  their  origin  from  a  noble  English 
Ihniilv,  one  of  whom,  Roger  Huscared,  is  mentioned  by  Dugdale,  as  a  judge, 
at  a  very  early  period,  Robert  Huscared  or  Scared,  lield  lands  in  Connauglit, 
under  Riciiard  de  Burgo,  in  121.'2.  In  the  registry  of  the  monastery  of  Athenry, 
Walter  Huscared  and  Johanna  his  wife,  are  mentioned  amongst  the  principal 
beiiet'actors  of  that  foundation,  and  Richard  Scared  or  Skeret,  who  is  supposed 
to  Iui\e  been  tiieir  son,  was  Provost  of  Galway,  in  137^-  To  him  belonged,  the 
estate  of  Ardfry,  in  Meaniidlie,  and  other  lands  about  Clare-ijn-do-dl,  now  Clare 
(lalway  to  the  friars  minors  ;  of  which  convent,  he  bestowed  a  piece  of  ground, 
on  which,  part  of  their  monastery  was  bm'lt.  Some  of  these  lands  are  held  by  his 
descendants  to  this  day.  The  principal  branches  of  tliis  name,  at  present,  are 
those  of  Ralhnduff, "  Carnacrovv',  Drunigrifiin  and  Nutgrove  in  the  County  of 
Galway  ami  Tinvarra  and  Funchien  in  the  County  of  Clare. 


Ln'.i  in  I.ir  Connauglit. — Jnsper  Martin,  dieil  12tli  April,         ■''  Vide  tlie  old  corporation  book,  and  map. 
loJ',  suized  of  the  lands  of  Kosse,  Caslali,  Litter,  iSrc.  ■' Jidiiiond  Skerrttt,  ancestor  of  the  family  of  Ballindiiff, 

iii-.>l    ihe    carlron    of    Sjlernymore,    in    mortgage    from  and  head  of  tlie  name,  rcbided,  in  Ui'U,  at  the  Cabtle  of 

Murr,i:li   O'l'laherty,    all   which    descended   to   Robert  Atli-kin  or  Headford;  he  « as  expellcil  liy  Cromwell,  and 

M.irliii,   hib  SOI!  and  lieir. — //»/.  Iiis  castle  and  estate  translVrred  (o  Hartley  St.  George. 

'  'I'lie-e  s|ilciuliil  armorial  cjisigns,  arc  stated  to  have  Mr.  Ski'rrett  and  his  I'amily  were  transjilanted  to  Dountis 

t«-cn  ^T.m'.eil  by  King  llichard  I.  to  an  ancestor  of  this  near  Foxfurd  in  the  County  of  Mayo,  where  his  <lesceii- 

f.iinilj,    named,    Oliver  Martyn,    who  accompanied  that  dants  remained  until   10'88,  when  they  returned  to  the 

laon.irili,    as  a  commanding  officer    to   the   holy   wars;  County  of  Galway,  and  purchased  from   a   Mr.  Burke," 

and  distinguished  himself  in  Palestine,  but,  on  his  return,  the  castle  and  estate  of  BaUinduftj  where  the  family  lias 

be  was  made  [iri^oner,  in  Germany,  with  his  master,  and  ever   since   continued.      This    castle    is    still    in    perJijct 

ditd  in  C',>ii!incment. — I'ejigrccs,   Vul.  10.  preservation,  and  is  delightfully  situated,  on  the  banks  of 


20  IIISTOUY    OP    GALWAY. 

Arms.  Vert,  a  chevron,  or,  between  two  squin-els,  counter  sejant,  in  cliief, 
and  one  in  base,  proper.  Crest.  A  squirrel,  sejant,  proper. '  Motlo.  Prinuis 
ultimusque  in  acie. 

From  the  foregoing  brief  notices  of  the  descent  and  origin  of  the  principal 
flunilies  of  Galway,  the  reader  may  be  enabled  to  form  an  adequate  idea  of  their 
rank  and  antiquity ;  but  another,  and  perhaps  more  important  feature  in  their 
character,  yet  remains  to  be  developed.  From  the  earliest  period,  they  were 
celebrated  for  commerce,  and  for  many  centuries  were  classed  amongst  tlie  most 
considerable  merchants  of  Europe.  Their  wealth  was  consequently  great,  and  the 
ample  landed  properties,  which  they  gradually  acquired  by  purchase,  from  the  native 
Ii'ish,  throughout  the  Province  of  Connaught,  are  now  enjoyed  by  their  numerous 
and  opulent  posterity.  During  the  earlier  periods  of  their  career,  they  carefully 
avoided  all  connexion  with  their  surrounding  neighbours ;  "  in  consequence  of 
which,  added  to  the  circumstance  of  the  town  being  so  remotely  situated  from 
the  more  civilized  parts  of  the  kingdom,  the  inhabitants  were  necessarily  obliged 
to  intermarry  amongst  themselves,  and  in  progress  of  time,  their  de"-rees  of 
kindred  so  much  increased  that  they  became,  as  it  were,  one  family,  and  ia 
many  instances,  it  was  a  difficult  matter  to  effect  a  marriage  amon"-st  them 
without  an  ecclesiastical  dispensation,  a  circumstance,  which  in  some  cases,  is  still 
known  to  occur.  As  civilization,  however,  increased  throughout  the  country, 
when  the  channels  of  communication  were  gradually  opened,  and  intercourse 
became  more  general,  and  was  less  attended  with  danger,  the  natives  of  Galway 
extended  their  connexions,  and  their  names  now  appear  inrolled  in  some  of  the 
most  respectable  pedigrees  of  Ireland,  amongst  whom  may  be  ranked,  the  noble 
houses  of  O'Neil,  Ormond  and  Clanricarde,  witli  many  others  of  considerable 
rank,  property  and  influence  in  the  kingdom. 

Besides  the  names  already  enumerated,  there  are  many  other  families,  who 
though  not  similarly  distinguished,  were  equally  ancient  and  respectable,  as  well 
from  length  of  residence  in  the  town,  as  through  alliance  with  the  other  inhabi- 
tants, by  whom  they  were  gradually  affiliated,  and  finally  considered,  without 
any  distinction,  as  members  of  the  same  body.     Of  these  families,  the'  principal 


Lough  Corrib.     The  late  Archbishop  Skerrett  of  Tuam,         *  In  their  proper  places,  tliroughout  tliis  work,  will  bo 

was  dcsceiKlcd  from  this  ftiniily.  found  several  curious  rules  and  bye  laws,    of  the  old 

The  estate  of  Poulnarouihy,   about  a  mile  west  of  corporation,  prolubitini;  all  intercourse  with  the  native 

Galway,  in  possession  of  the  Skerrett  family  for  centu-  Irish.     In  1518,  thcvordereil  that  none  of  the  inhabitants 

ries,  was  acquired  by  purchase,  ti-oni  one  of  the  ancient  should  admit  any  of  the  Burkes,  Jl'Williauis,  Kcll\s,  or 

Irish  sept  of  the  O'Hallorans,   who  were  the  original  any  other  sept,  into  their  houses.      "  That  neither  "o",  ne 

proprietors  of  the  entire  district.  Mac,  shoulde  strutte  ne  swagger,  throu_!,'he  the  strcctes 

'  The  above  is  the  crest  on  the  map,  the  modern  one  of  Gallway ;"  and  the  following  singuhu "inscription,  «;is 

is  a  dcmi  griffin,   segreant.     Tlie   motto   "  manus   ha;c  formerly  to  be  seen  over  the  west  gate ; 
jnimica   tyrannis,"    is  also   used    by    members   of   this  "  From  the  ferocious  O'Flaherties 

&uily.  "  Good  Lord  deliver  us." 


niSTOnY    OF    GALWAY. 


21 


%vcrc,  Barrett,  *  Bcrmi/igJiam,  Burke,  Butler,  Crean,  Fallon,  Lambert,  Nolan,  ' 
I'ort,  Quin  ami  TuUij.  The  Coleman  family*^  is  also  recorded,  at  an  early  period; 
ami  j)articalai-  jr.ention  made  of  Edmond  Coleman,  I'rom  whom  one  of  the  Blake 
family,  is  said  to  have  acquired  the  ancient  castle  and  estate  of  Menlo.  The  name 
of  Craddock  occurs  early  in  the  fifteenth  century,  the  Moores, "  Bcggs,  Setvpcrs ' 
and  Ticr'ncijs,  were  also  old  natives  of  Galway ;  and  many  of  the  descendants- 
of  tliose  diilcrent  families,  still  reside  in  the  town  and  its  vicinity. 

Having  thus  far  treated  of  the  names  and  origin  of  the  former  inhabitants  of 
Galwav,  their  manners  and  character  next  claim  attention  ;  and  of  these,  the 
reader  will  be  presented  with  the  most  satisfactory  testimonies.  Respectably 
desccntled,  the  citizens  always  preserved  a  due  respect  for  their  own  dignity ; 
and  from  tlie  earliest  period,  ranked  with  the  first  orders  of  the  community. 
Lrarning  and  science,  were  received  and  cherished,  within  the  town,  during 
periods,  wherein  the  rest  of  the  kingdom,  with  very  few  exceptions,  was 
immersed  in  the  most  profound  ignorance ;  and,  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth,  we 
find  the  accomplished  and  celebrated  Sir  Henry  Sidney,  (who  was  then  Lord 
Deputy  of  the  kingdom,  and  who  often  visited  Galway,)  declaring,  '  that  for 
urbanity  and  elegance  of  manners,  the  inhabitants  equalled  those  of  the  most 
refined  community;  and,  that  like  the  people  of  Marseilles,  in  France,  they 
contracted  no  stain  from  their  rude  and  unpolished  neighbours. " — Sir  William 
Pelliam,  Lord  Justice  of  Ireland,  who  arrived  in  Galway,  in  1579,  states,  that, 
•"  the  townsmen  and  wemmen,  present  a  more  civil  shew  of  life,  than  other 
townes  in  L-cland  do ;"  '  and,  in  Sir  Oliver  St.  John's  description  of  Connaught, 
in  Kill',  they  are  thus  described,  "the  merchants  are  rich,  and  great  adventurers 


'  A<  far  back  as  our  national  recorils  extend,  the  sept 
»( tlic  Barretts  was  numerous  mid  opulent,  in  Connaught ; 
:'.n<l  tliifflv  in  the  baronies  of  Errus  and  Tyrawley,  in  the 
County  of  Mayo.  They  frequently  occur  in  various 
ancient  documents  during  the  reign  of  Henry  III.  and 
!'ur  centuries  after  that  period,  and  were  tlie  most  iiowcrful 
of  the  numerous  clans  in  that  district,  viz.  the  Boiu-kes, 
Linott's,  Clanpiulins,  Cusacks,  Carrownes,  Clandonnells, 
and  odier^. — In  ItiOT,  died  Pierce  Barrett  of  Ballesckery, 
tlie  son  of  Pierce,  whose  ancestor,  il/c.  Padiii,  was  seized 
uf  considerable  possessions. — Richard  Boy  Barrett,  died 
in  ic.'-j,  sci7,ed  of  Aghedowne  and  Akehill,  in  Errus. — 
Edinond  B;u-rett,  died  in  1G23,  seized  of  the  castle  of 
Duncroagliane  and  Dowlagh ;  and  Edward  Doi'ough 
K:irrett,  died  in  1G28,  seized  of  Rathrogin,  &c. — /;;(/. — 
'I'he  civil  wars,  which  afterwards  ensued,  deprived  tliis 
fcpt  of  all  their  extensive  properties. 

'  'I'liis  family  was,  formerly,  of  the  first  rank  and 
(ipulcncc,  and  is  still  wealthy  and  respectable.  Thomas 
-Nolan  of  the  castle  and  town  of  Ballinrobe,  Esq.  who 
<lied  isth  June,  162R,  was  possessed  of  most  extensive 
landed  possessions ;  to  which  his  son  Gregory  succeeded, 
.ind  out  of  which  his  widow  Agnes  Martin  had  dower. — 
Jnrj. — This  property  was  confiscated,  in  the  civil  war  of 
lull,  but  a  considerable  part  still  remaius  in  the  families 


of  Loiighboy,  Ballinderry  and  Ballybanaglier. 

'^  Thomas  Coleman,  was  public  notary  of  the  town, 
from  l.^Gl  to  1573. — Corjy.  liuok;  Lib.  A. 

^  The  Moores  of  Brycs,  whose  [iroperties  were  formerly 
so  extensive  in  the  County  of  Mayo,  were  of  this  family. 
On  24th  Marcli,  1G25,  John  Moore,  of  Eryes,  Esq.  soij 
six  cartrons  of  land,  in  the  town  and  fields  of  Dowra,  in 
that  County,  to  Patrick  Efrench  Fitz  Oliver,  of  Galway, 
merchant. — Iihj. 

'  Edmond  Semper,  of  Athenry,  Gent,  died  8tli  May, 
1G2S;  he  was  seized  of  the  landi  of  Monyscribe,  Coldragh, 
Lissinas,  Bcalagarc,  &c.  which  descended  to  his  sou  Johii 
Seniper,  and  his  widow  Margaret  Barry. — Id. 

J  L)nch  in  vita  Kirovnni. 

*  Formerly  Missilia,  an  ancient  and  renowned  City  of 
Provence  in  France,  inhabited  by  a  colony  of  Plia:?nicians, 
who,  flying  from  the  Persian  yoke,  settled  there,  and  lor 
many  ages  aftcnvai'ds  retained  their  own  manners,  customs 
and  laws,  cultivated  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  were 
particularly  ihstinguished  for  learning  and  philosophy, 
though  surrounded  by  n:any  barbarous  nations.  In  tlieso 
latter  particulars,  no  comparison  could  be  more  exactly 
just,  than  that  between  this  celebrated  people  and  the 
ibrnier  inhabitants  of  Galway. 

'  Lambeth  MS. 


22  inSTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

;it  the  sea  ;  their  coinmonaltic  is  composed  of  the  dcscencUints  of  tlie  ancient 
English  families  of  the  towne,  and  rarelie  admit  any  new  English  anionge  them, 
and  never  any  of  the  Irish ;  they  keep  good  liGS})italitic,  and  arc  kind  to 
strangers,  and  in  theire  manner  of  entertainment,  and  in  fashinningc,  and 
aj)p:irali:ngc  themselves  and  thoire  wives,  do  most  preser\c  the  ancient  maimer 
and  state,  as  nuich  as  any  towne  that  ever  I  sawe."  "'  These  are  the  highly 
rcspec'ablc  descri})tions,  given  by  the  first  characters  then  in  the  kingdom,  of 
the  former  inhabitants  of  Galway;  as  to  tiieir  actions,  together  with  those  of 
their  descendants,  their  public  spirit,  wealth  and  indcpendance,  and  the  perse- 
cutions and  sufferings,  under  which  they  long  aiterwards  laboured,  they  will  be 
ibund.lully  detailed  in  the  subsequent  parts  of  this  work;  to  which,  for  the 
present,  tlie  reader  is  referred,  this  being  considered  the  most  convenient  pkce 
to  describe  the  former  state  and  topography  of  the  town. 

In  the  year  iGlO,  Speed,  the  celebrated  English  antiquary,  ^•isited  Galway; 
and  his  description  of  the  place,  sufficiently  indicates  its  then  importance.  "  The 
principal  city,"  says  this  accurate  writer,  "  of  this  province,  and  that,  which 
niav  worthily  be  accounted  the  third  in  Ireland,  is  Galway,  in  Irish  Gal/he,  built 
in  manner  much  like  to  a  tower :  it  is  dignified  with  a  Bishop's  See,  °  and  is 
much  frequented  with  merchants ;  by  reason  whereof,  and  the  benefit  of  the 
road  and  haven,  it  is  gainful  to  the  inhabitants,  through  traflick  and  exchange  of 
rich  connnodities,  both  by  sea  and  land."  °  About  the  same  time,  Ileylin,  the 
historian,  describes  Galway  as  the  third  city  of  the  kingdom  for  extent  and 
beauty  ;  and  relates  an  anecdote,  worthy  of  recital  in  his  own  Avords,  •'  Galloway, 
a  noted  Emporie,  and  lately  of  so  great  fame  with  foreign  merchants,  that  an 
outlandish  merchant,  meeting  with  an  Irishman,  demanded  in  what  part  of 
Galloway  Ireland  stood;  as  if  Galloway  had  been  the  name  of  the  Island,  and 
Ireland  only  the  name  of  some  town."  But  the  most  ])articular  and  interesting 
account,  at  this  period,  is  that  contained  in  the  description  of  Connaught,  by- 
Sir  Oliver  St.  John,  in  idM,  before  alluded  to:  he  states,  "the  Province  of 
Connaught  hath  only  two  corporations,  the  antient  monuments  of  the  English 
conquerors,  and  inhabited  only  by  English  families  and  surnames ;  the  one  is 
Gahvay,  a  walled  towne  and  {)ort  of  the  sea,  latelie  made  a  Countie,  and 
governed  by  a  I\Iaior  and  two  Sheriffs.  The  towne  is  small,  but  all  is  faire 
and  statelie  buildings,  the  fronts  of  the  houses  (towards  the  streets)  are  all  of 
hewed  stone,  uppe  to  the  top,  garnished  with  faire  battlement,  in  an  uniform 
course,  as  if  the  whole  towne  had  been  built  uj^pon  one  motile.  It  is  built 
n})pon  a  rock,  invironed  almost  with  the  sea,   and  the  river;    compassed  with  a 


"■  1,1.  °  Speed's  Theatre  of  the  World,  Ed'il.  1611.     To  lliis. 

"  Hv  tliis  he  meant  tlie  wardvusliip,  uliose  ])osscssioiis,  clescription  he  has  aJJal  a  ciirioiis  map  ot   the  town, 

ili|_'nity    and    extent   of   jurisdiclioaj    tbiiiicrly    eqiialleJ  accunitf ly  ilrawii  by  hiiiiselt',  ol'  wliich  there  is  here  giveu 

thobo  of  some  cpibeopal  sees.  an  exact  engiu^in^'. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY,  2^ 

slrong  Avallo,    ami  good  defences   after  the  ancient   manner,    such   as   -with   a 
rcasonal)le  garrison,  may  defende  itselfe  against  an  enemie.  '' 

Such  are  the  accounts  given  of  Galway,  upwards  of  200  years  ago,  by  visitors 
and  strangers,  who  were  eye  witnesses  of  the  state  of  the  town,  and  described 
it  as  it  appeared  to  them  at  the  time  ;  but  tlie  enthusiasm  of  tlie  old  inhabitants, 
wlien  mentioning  tlieir  native  place,  their  ancient  pride  and  boast,  and  the 
source  and  centre  of  all  their  wealth,  happiness  and  connexions,  was  almost 
boundless  ;  one  of  these,  after  giving  a  short  description  of  the  town,  bursts 
forth  into  the  following  exclamation  : — and,  as  Jerusalem  seemed  to  the  Prophet 
Jeremiah,  the  princess  among  provinces,  the  beauty  of  Israel ;  so,  thou, 
O  Galwuy,  dost  to  me  appKir,  of  most  perfect  beauty:  ''  nor  will  the  reader  be 
surprised  at  tliis,  when  he  hears  the  following  description  of  the  town,  o-iven 
even  at  a  subsequent  period,  by  Henry  Cromwell  and  the  Privy  Council  of 
Ireland:  "we  may  be  bold  to  say,  that  for  the  situation  thereof,  voisinage  and 
conunerce  it  hath,  with  Spaine,  the  Strayts,  West  Indies  and  other  places ;  noc 
tuKiic  or  port  in  lite  three  nations  {London  e.vcepted)  uri.s  more  considerable,  nor,  in 
all  probability  would  more  encourage  trade  abroad,  or  manufactures  at  home, 
than  this,  if  well  improved."  '  Tlie  increase,  improvement  and  continual 
additions  oi!  strength,  to  the  town,  by  the  erection  of  several  strong  bulwarks 
and  fortifications,  for  nearly  half  the  seventeentli  century,  and  particularly, 
during  the  civil  wars  of  IGU,  will  be  found  described  in  their  proper  places. 
The  reader  is  here  presented  with  a  complete  and  curious  delineation  of  the 
place,  as  it  appeared  in  its  most  perfect  condition,  after  these  improvements 
were  made,  formed  under  the  following  peculiar  and  interesting  circumstances, 
and  which  will,  for  ever,  remain  an  indelible  memorial  of  the  former  flourisliing 
?;tate  of  this  once  considerable  town. 

In  the  year  iGJl  tlie  IVIarquis  of  Clanricarde,  then  Lord  Deputy  of  the 
kingdom,  entered  into  a  treaty  with  the  Duke  of  Lorrain,  to  obtain  twenty 
thousand  pounds  for  the  King's  service  in  Ireland  ;  for  this  sum,  he  agreed  to 
give  the  City  of  Limerick  and  town  of  Galway  as  security;  and  directed  his 
Commissioners,  Lord  Viscount  Taafle,  Sir  Nicholas  Plunket  and  Geoffry  Browne, 
]'ls(piire,  "particularly  to  describe  unto  tlie  Duke,  the  value  of  the  security, 
the  strength  and  situation  of  tlie  places  and  the  goodness  and  conveniency  of 
the  harbours,  &:c."  '  for  tiiis  ])urpose,  a  map  of  the  town  was  made,  whiclt, 
after  the  restoration,  (wlien  tlie  antient  inhabitants  were  restored,  by  the 
Crown,  to  their  freedoms  and  estates,)  was  finished  blazoned  and  described  by 
ihe  Rev.  Henry  Joyce,  tlien  warden  ;  and  afterwards  elegantly  engraved,  at  the 
cx))ense  of  the  Corporation,  and  dedicated  to  King  Charles  II. 


'  I.nnihcfli  ^rS.  '  Covmcil  Book,  A.  "n.  paje  255,  Ttli  April,   IGJ 

'Lviicli,(aiilliorofCambrcnsiscver5u?,)!'«n7a/u>o!'fl)ii.         "  Claiiriciira's  jyicmoirs,  LoiiJoii  1757,  lul. 


24  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

Description  of  the  old  Map  of  Galnay. 

This  curious  document,  of  which  there  are  but  two  copies  now  known,  with 
certainty,  to  be  extant,  '  is  composed  of  nine  separate  sheets,  and  is  six  feet  six 
inches  broad,  and  four  feet  six  inches  high ;  it  is  surrounded  by  a  border,  four 
inches  deep,  tlic  top  margin  is  headed  by  the  following  inscription  :  1.  Pueludium 
•  oPERis — Ileri,  Hodie  et  in  Sea/la.  ^1.  Totius  laboris  oblatio. — Domino  conse- 
cratur  monarchia : — it  contains  four  circular  equestrian  engravings  of  Charles  II. 
one,  in  each  corner,  and  the  two  others,  at  equal  distances. — Round  the  first  is 
the  inscription,  Carolo  II.  Dei  gratia,  magna;  Britania'  Regnoritvi  ct  Fraitciw, 
Jiegi: — round  the  second,  Carolo  11.  Dei  gratia,  majoris  Scotia\  regnorwn  et 
I-libernormn  omnium,  regi : — round  the  third,  Carolo  II.  Dei  gratia,  locuri/m  sen 
regionnm  iptarumdain,  in  miindo  et  meridie  regi :  and  round  the  fourth,  Carolits  II. 
Dei  gratia,  AngUa',  Scotiar,  Francia:  el  Hibcrniw,  Hew. 

On  tlic  first  sheet,  in  the  top  margin,  between  the  first  and  second  cflin-ies  of 
Charles  II.  are  engraved  the  armorial  bearings,  1.  of  England  and  the  Saxons, 
Afiglia?  et  Saxo?uan ;  2.  of  Scotland,  Scotia'  minoris  et  albanorum ;  3.  of  Wales 
and  the  Britons,  Walsice  et  Britanorum,  and  4.  of  France,  Francia;  et  Gallorum; 
and  between  them  these  words,  Fuit,  de  tramactis  secidis,  tempore  elapso, 
prepositio. — Est.  de  currente  scculo,  momento  prescnti,  demonstratio. — Euit.  de 
J'uturis,  et  liora  novissima,  demonstralio.  Conditio  Religioque — Analogie  seu 
similitiidines,  quibus,  locorum  qualitates,  hominiimque  dcvotio  et  regia  majestas  digno- 
scuntur. — between  the  first  and  second  arms  there  are  also  these  words,  sicut 
■cinamonwn  et  balsamum,  aromatizans  odorem  dedit. — between  the  second  and  third. 
Quasi  Ubaniis  incisus  vaporavit  liabitationem  suam — and  between  the  third  and 
fourth,  Qiuisi  mj/rr/ia  electa  dabit  suavitatcm  odoris. 

On  the  second  sheet,  in  the  tO})  margin,  between  the  second  and  third  effigies 
of  Charles  II.  are  engraved  the  armorial  bearings,  1.  of  Munster,  MomonicCy 
2.  of  Connaught,  Conatia',  3.  of  Meath,  JMidia',  4.  of  Leinster,  Lagenia',  and 
5.  of  Ulster,  Ultmirv,  and  between  them,  the  words,  Fuit,  Est,  Erit. — Conditio 
■religioque. — between  the  first  and  second,  these  words,  Quasi  platarnis  exaltata 
jud'taaquam — between  the  second  and  third,  Quasi  terebinthus  extendens  ramos 
SUOS-,  between  the  third  and  fourth,  Quasi  palma  exaltata  in  Cades ;  and  between 
the  fourth  and  fifth,  Quasi  cedrus  exaltata  in  Lihano,  et  qtian  ct/pressus  in  monte 
Sion. 

On  the  third  sheet,  in  the  top  margin,  between  the  third  and  fourth  efligies  of 
Charles  II.    are  engraved  tour  shields,    without   arms ;     under   the    first,    this 


'  One,  in  perfect  preservation,  in  the  MS.  Lib.  Triii.  the  Commissioners  to  tlie  Duke  of  Lorrain. — De  Bnrgo 

Col.  Dulilhi,  and  the  other  in  the  possession  of  Dominicli  in  his  supplement,  sa\s,   that  he  saw  another  of  these 

(jeothT  Browne,  of  Castleniagaret,  County  Ma)o,  Esq.  maps,  in  the  College  of  St.  Isidore,  in  Rome, 
i.lcscenilant  of  the  above  namttl  Gcoiiry  Browne,  one  of 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  25 

inscri])tioii,  No'  seplenlr'ionaUs  et  mtstralis,  Wals'ue,  nova'  Briltania\  Anglicc,  Scolice 
cl  York;  under  the  second,  Marilandia',  Caroline,  Virginice  ct  Jamaice;  under 
the  third,  Bennude,  Barhade,  Mo7dsarret  et  Sancti  Christofori ;  and  under  the 
fourtli,  Gh'inea'  et  Tankerin\  S;c. — Between  tlie  first  and  second,  these  words. 
Quasi  i)hmlalio  rosa'  in  Jericho  ;  between  the  second  and  third.  Quasi  Uliinn  inter 
spinas ;  and  between  the  third  and  fourth,  Quasi  liliuju  germinans  germinabit,  et 
Ictabuntur  dcserta  ct  invia. 

In  the  right  and  left  margins  of  tlie  map,  are  contained  the  armorial  bearino-s 
but  without  names,  of  twenty-four  distinguished  families,  connected  with  and 
allied  to  tliose  of  (iahvay,  with  the  following  inscription  at  each  side;  Scuta 
sci/ucntia  sunt  insignia  rjuorumdam  ex  mulfis  Hibernice  nobifuan,  principum  et 
clarissimorum  rirorum,  qui,  aliquo  consanguinitatis  vel  affinitatis  seu  qiiovis  alio 
rwccssitudinis  vinculo,  astricti  sunt  Galviensibus, 

The  bottom  margin  is  divided  into  five  compartments,  in  the  first,  are  contained 
tlic  armorial  bearings  of  the  families  of  Bareth,  Breminglumi,  Burke,  Butlc}\ 
Crcna  and  Fenreice,  with  this  inscription  underneath: 

Aspice  conspicuos,  qiios  Galvia  jiista,  recepit, 
nine  illi  nomcn  civis  et  omen,  liabent. " 
In  tlie  second,  the  armorial  bearings-  of  the  families  of  Dcane,  Joyce,  Marline 
and    Skereth,    with   this   inscription   over,    Antiqua   qiwnundam   Gahia'  stirpium 
insignia,  and  the  following  underneath  : 

IIxc  sunt  quorunulam  praxlara  insignia  Gahw, 
Antiqua,  obseqido  facta  serene  tuu.-^ 
In  ihc  tliird,   the  armOrial  bearings  of  the  fiimilies  of  At//ei/,   Blake,   Bodkin, 
Jhownc,  Deane,  Dorsie,  Fonte,  Frinch,  Joyce,  Kirorvan,  Linche,  Marline,  Morccli 
a:id  Skerct/i,  with  the  following  verses  underneath  : 

Septem  ornant  monies  Romam,  sejjtem  ostia  Nilum, 

Tot  rutilis  stcllis  splcndet  in  axe  Polus. 
Galvia,  Polo  Niloque  bis  a'quas,  Roma  ConacJtta'  ; 

Bis  septem  illustres,  has  colit  ilia  tribus. 
Bis  urbis  septem  dcfendunt  mania  turres ; 

Intus,  et  ex  duro  est  marmore  queeque  domus  ; 
Bis  septem  portce  sunt,  castra  et  culmina  circum  :  ; 

Fer  tolidem  pontum  jjermeat  unda  vias. 
Principe  his  sejytcm  fulgent  altaria  templo, 

Qua'vis  j)atrona'  est  ara  dicata  suo 
Et  septem,  sacrata  Deo,  ca'nobia  patrum, 
Fannmei  ct  sexus,  tot  pia  tecta  tenet.  " 


Con-piciiniis  hci-e  th'  illustrious  arms  behold,  '*'  Rome  boasts  scv'n  hills,  the  Nile  its  scv'n-fol  J  streaii 

or  tliosr  wlioni  Gahvay  'midst  her  tribes  eiiroll'd.  Around  the  pole  sev'n  radiant  planets  fleam  ; 

The  ancient  arms  of  oTl^av's  lords  vou  .-icw,  S,"'","^'  t-'o"'}"^"  Ro»>^.  twiee  equals^these; 

With  true  obeisance,  highest  prince,  to  you.  ^^^  '^°^'^*  '"''^''^  ''•'^  "  illustrious  lamiheB ; 


26 


iriSTORY    OF    GALAVAY. 


In  the  fourth,  lour  several  armorial  bearings  of  the  Lyncli  family,  headed 
■with  the  inscription,  Diversas  familia'  Lyncha'ontm,  a  prima  origine  propci'mia', 
and  followed  by  this  distich  : 

Il'tc  Lynclia'orum  hcne  jjvima  ah  origine  notas. 
Diver sas  stirpes  nobiiis  cccc  damns. "" 
And  in  the  fifth,   the  armorial  bearings  of  the  families  of  Fallonc,   Lahnrlh 
Xolan,  Quinne,  Tidljj  and  Porte,  with  the  following  inscription  underwritten  : 
Conscrij)ti  cives  Jii  gaudent  legibus  urbis, 
Quosjacit  etjratres  coiinubialis  amor. ' 

Having  finished  the  margins,  the  body  of  the   map  next  claims  attention. 

The  words,  Carolus  Rex,  appear  on  the  top  of  each  of  the  three  upper  sheets 
under  which  follows  the  title  of  the  map,  in  large  capitals,  Ui'bis  Galvia\  totius 
Conation  in  regno  Hibemia',  clarissiyna'  metropolis,  et  emporii  celeberrimi,  delineatio 
Idstorica.  '^  On  one  side  are  depicted  the  arms  of  Ireland,  \\z.  those  of  the  five 
provinces,  Meath  being  in  the  centre,  blazoned  on  the  shield,  supported  by  two 
figures,  under  one  of  which,  is  subscribed,  Intelkctus,  and  under  the  other 
Veritas,  and  the  following  words  underneath,  Scotice  majoris,  tndgo  Hihernia' 
regvorian,  i/isignia. 

In  the  centre  of  the  middle  sheet,  are  the  arms  of  England,  with  this 
inscription  under,  Aitgiistissimo  Jaustissimoque  suo  principi,  Carolo  II  I3ci 
gratia,  AngUa',  Scotia',  Francicv  et  Hibernia;  regi,  serenissimo,  S^x.  ab  adictissimo 
.sue  majestatis  cUente,  R.  D.  H.  I.  istiu^s  urbis  cive  et  pastore,  oblata ;  cii'itatem  et  se 
suaque  omnia,  in,  vel  extra  urbem,  D.  O.  M.  et  SS*"  S  M"  astcrno  voto  consecrat 
dedicatque. 

On  one  side  are  the  following  verses : 

Terra,  /return,  populi,  qveque  aspicis  undiqiie  late, 
Sunt  tibi,  sint  generi,  Carole,  Jida  tt/o.  ^ 
And  on  the  other, 

Flus  ultra  tibi,  quam  tabule,  vel  conti?iel  orbis. 
Que  spheram  supermini  suspice,  nosce.  ^ 
Next  to  these  are  the  arms  of  Scotland,   supported  by  two  figures,   under  One 
of  which  is  inscribed,    Constantia,    and  under  the  otiier,    Patientia;    with   the 
Ibllowiiig  words,  Albania'  regni,  vulgo  minoris  sire  jiwioris  Scotice,  insi'micv. 


Twice  sev'n  high  tow'rs  defend  her  lofty  walls. 
And  polished  marble  decks  her  splendid  halls ; 
'J'wice  sev'n  her  massive  gates,  o'er  which  arise 
Twice  sev'n  strong  castles  tow'ring  to  the  skies ; 
Twice  sev'n  her  briilges,  thro'  whose  arches  flow 
The  silv'ry  tides  majestically  slow  ; 
Her  ample  Church  with  twice  sev'n  altars  flames. 
An  heavenly  patron  every  altar  claims  ; 
V/hile  twice  sev'n  convents  pious  anthems  raise, 
(Sev'n  for  eacli  sex,)  to  sound  Jehovah's  praise. 

"  From  one  proud  stock,  for  ages  known  to  fame, 
These  ditl'erent  branches  of  the  Lynches  came. 


"  Our  conimon  rights,  these,  late  enfranchised,  prove. 
And  claim  a  Idudred  thro'  connubial  love. 

*  An  historical  delineation  of  the  town  of  Gahvay,  the 
■most  renowned  metropolis,  and  celebrated  emporiuin  of 
all  Connauglit,  in  the  kingdom  of  Ireland. 

'  Earth,  seas  and  tribes,  where'er  thine  eyes  can  move 
To  thee,  great  monarch,  constant  fealty  prove. 
And  still  may  these,  whate'er  thy  eyes  can  trace 
Prove  endless  fealty  to  thy  future  race. 

*■  Turn,  prince,  towards  heav'n,  there  greater  glory  gain 
Than  pictured  chart,  and  all  the  world  contain. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


27 


L'tnlcr  the  arms  of  England  are  the  modern  arms  of  Gahva}',  an  antique  gaily, 
villi  tills  inscription  over  it,  Laudatio  ejus  manet  in  seculmn  seculi ;  and  the 
IbHowiiig  under: 

Galv'ia,  qiiam  coUmus  vcstra  est,  jam  respire  pictam  ; 
Nos  quoque  sacrumus  nostraque  nos  tibi.  " 
To  the  riglit  of  these,  are  placed  the  most  ancient  arms  of  the  town,  ^vith 
these  words  over  them,  Initiinn  sapienticv    timor  Domini ;   and  underneath  these 
verses. 

Vrima  tifis  proaris  dedimiis  primordia  ?ioslre 
Urbis  et  infantes  nosque,  serene  tibi. '' 
And  to  the  Icl't,  are  the  more  recent  arms  of  the  town,  with  these  words  over, 
Inlcilcctus  bonus  omnibus  facientibus  eiim ;  and  beneath  them  these  verses, 
Flosque  juventutis  sub  ie  crescentis  abunde. 
Est  iuus,  aique  status,  tempora,  jura,  bona.  ^ 
There  are  two  tables  of  reference  to  the  map,'  the  first,  by  seventy-seven  figures 
and  several  letters,  to  all  matters  within  the  town ;  with  this  title,  Elenchus,  quo 
iiolfinda  qua-darn  annexa  et  intra  urbem,  hoc  iconismo  depicta,  cito  perspiciuntur  ;  and 
underneath  this  inscription,    Galvia  qua;  a'dificatur,  ut  civitas  cujus  piarticipatio 
ejus   in  idipsum. 


'  Our  city's  tli'inc,  wliich  pictured  here  you  see, 
Ourselves  and  ours  we  consecrate  to  thee. 

'  To  thy  forefatliers,  niiglity  prince  and  von 
\N'e'vc  given  our  city,  'selves  and  chilclrcn  too. 

'  Onr  flow'r  of  youth,  cncreasing  fast  are  thine. 
And  trnc  to  thee  their  rights  and  wealth  resign. 

'REFEREXCE  I. 

IJniclcs  the  naliiTn!  situation  nf  the  place  there  are 

fourteen  furlijications,  bulwarks  or  ramparts, 

about  the  walls,  and  joined  to  them, 

I.  The  ontworks   and   north  fosse,  of  the  middle  and 

southern  rampart,  of  the  east  bulwark. 
■J.  The  north  wing  or  rampart  of  the  east  bulwark. 

3.  The  middle  rampart,  about  the  old  fortification  of 

the  great  gate. 

4.  The  south  wing  or  rampart  about  shoemaker's  tower. 

5.  The  outworks  about  lyon's  tower,  and  the  old  wall, 

w  ith  the  fosse. 
J.  .n.  The  raii^part  of  lyon's  tower. 
I..  The  old  fortification  before  the  great  gate,   called 

(Jljir  na  sparra. 
',.  The  fortification  or  bulwark,  from  the  inner  part  of 

shoemaker's  tower,  called  The  Hampir. 
f.  Tlic  o!.l  bulwark  near  the  strand,  called  Can  an  balla. 
9.  The    pli\ce  above  Martin's  mill,    called  Millen  an 

10.   ■) 

i  1.    f  Tl)rce  towers  upon  the  three  gates  of  the  bndge. 

'■-'•  ) 

13.  '1  he  interior  castle  for  defence  of  the  bridge. 


11.  The  exterior  bulwark  defemiing  the  bridge. 

There  arc  also  fourteen  towers  on  the  walls. 

15.  1.  The  lyon's  tower,  called  Tur  an  J,eoin. 

1 6.  2.  The  middle  tower. 

17.  J.  The    great  gate  tower,    in  which  is  placed  the 

clock. 
IS.     4.  Pcnrice's  tower. 
1  y.     5.  Shoemaker's  tower. 
'20.     6.  The  new  tower. 

21.  7.  .Michael's  tower. 

22.  8.  Martin's  tower. 

2.3.     9.  Alexander's  new  tower. 

24.  10.  Athy's  tower. 

25.  11.  The  little  gate  tower. 

26.  12.  [  ] 

27.  13.  Agnes's  tower,  called  Tor  Lmisha. 

28.  14.  The  little  gate  river  tower. 


The  names  of  the  city  gates,  which  are  fourteen 
ill  luunber. 
The  principal  is  the  great  gate,  which  contains 
six,  of  which 
,  The  first,  is  in  the  south  wing  of  the  east  bulwark. 
The  second  and  thinl,  which  are  the  sides  of  the  old 
fortification,  before  the  great  gate;   the  fourth,  is 
seen  on  entering,  and  the  iron  gate,  which  is  the 
fifth. 
The  sixth,  is  that  which  immediately  looks  into  the 

city. 
Upon  the  bridge  there  are  three,  the  first,  which  is 

the  most  distant,  called  in  Sparra  hier. 
The  second,  is  the  middle  gate,  with  winding  leaves. 
The  third,  which  next  approaches  the  city. 


2S 


IIISTOIIY    OF    GALWAY. 


The  Second,  a  reference  to  all  matters  outside  the  walls,  divided  into  east 
and  west,  one  by  fifty,  the  other  by  forty-nine  figures,  and  entitled.  Synopsis 
qua  res  circa  cixitalcm  in  hac  deUniatione  descripta.',  digito  devmnsirantur,  and  the 
entire  concludes  with  these  words, 

llluc  enini  ascender  tint  tribus,  tribiis  domini, 
ll'sfimoniznn  Israel,  ad  covfitenduvi  nomen  domini. 

Fronr  the  delineation  just  concluded,  and  the  description  already  given,  a 
tolerably  accurate  idea  may  now  be  formed  of  the  former  opuliMit  state  and 
magniiicence  of  Galway;  adorned  with  superb  and  highly  decorated  buildino-s, 
and  surrounded  by  every  requisite  tor  security  and  defence,    which  either  art 


31.  The  little  gate  also  has  three,  of  wliich  thd  first  is  an 
iron  !;atc',  which  looks  towards  the  north. 

33.  The  miiUlle  gate,  which  is  seen  on  entrance,  and  the 
third,  through  wliich  is  the  passage  to  the  city. 

06.  Two  gates  towards  the  shore,  of  which,  one  is  called 
the  unhl  key  i^ntc. 

37.  Tlic  other,  \.\ic  new  strand  gale. 

There  are  seven  ascents  to  the  walls. 
.IS.  The  first,  is  near  the  little  gate,  which  is  not  seen 

except  from  within. 
39.  The  second  and  third  stairs,  are  on  each  side  of  the 

great  gate. 
-10.  The  fourth,   is  the  ascent  from  Plud-street,   called 

Ste'irc  iiaguinag/i. 
4\.  The  fifth,  is  the  ascent  from  the  area  of  the  new 

strand  gate. 
*    'I'hc  sixth,  is  near  the  old  quay  gate. 
'}2°  Likewise  several  gardens  near  Athy's  Castle. 
4.3.  The  seventh,  in  Alexander' s-Iane,  wliich  is  not  seen 

except  from  within. 

•44.  There  arc  seven  vacant  spaces  to  be  noticed,  the  first, 

the  garden  hill,  near  lyon's  tower. 

■15.  Several  gardens  under  the  middle  tower. 

4<;.  Several  gardens  under  penrice's  tower. 

47.  Several  gardens  about  the  pidgeon-house, 

•18.  The  area  of  the  new  strand  gate. 

49.  Blake's  great  giirden. 


The  names  of  the  fourteen  principal  streets,  of  which 
the  first  is  the  great  gate  street. 

The  high  middle  street. 

The  Market  street,  including  Gaol  street. 

The  Kea  street. 

Crosse  street. 

Bridge  gate  street. 

Lumbard  street. 
,  North  street. 
.  Little  gate  street. 
.  Skinner's  or  Glover's  street, 

,  A  street  between  two  lanes,  called  SiaUI  edi'ir  da  lowlier. 
.  New  tower  street. 
.  Plndd  street. 
.  Earl  street,  or  Staid  Tober  an  larlagh. 

.  The  fourteen  principal  lanf,  are,  first,  Blake's  iaue. 

.  Dark  lane,  called  Buahcr  l>,.bli. 

,  Bodkin's  lane. 

.  The  poor  Clares  lane. 


Upper  shoemaker's  lane. 

Lower  shoemaker's  lane. 

Fisher's  lane. 

The  lane  between  the  two  strand  L'atcs,  called  Boahcr 

eddir  da  Stronda. 
Martin's  mill  lane. 
Kirwan's  lane, 

St.  John's  lane,  called  hi  Gvlta. 
The  red  Earl's  lane,  called  Boalier  an  Iarla"h. 
Alexander's  lane,  commonly  called  ISoahcr  Isandrr. 
Crooked  lane,  called  Buaher  Kcaiii. 

Besides  the  collegiate  church  of  Saint  Nicholas,  there 
are  fouitcen  communities  or  residences  of  sacivJ 
persons. 

The  college  of  the  Priests  and  Pastors. 

The  community  or  residence  of  the  Friars  Minors. 

Fi-iars  Preachers. 

Augustine  Preachers. 

Society  of  Jesus. 

Brothers  Carmelites. 

Capuchins. 

Sisters  of  the  rich  Clares. 

poor  Clares. 

third  order  of  Saint  Francis. 

order  of  Saint  Dominick. 

order  of  Saint  Augustine. 

Carmelites. 

Various  retreats  of  devout  females. 


Fourteen  remarkable  edifices,  castles  or  mansion 

lious(^s,  of  the  nobility,  gentry  and  citizens 

of  Galway. 

The  old  castle  of  the  most  illustrious  Lord,  Richard 
De  Burgo,  the  red  Earl. 

Athy's  castle,  in  the  north  part  of  the  citj-. 

Lynch's  castle,  in  the  middle  of  the  city. 

Blake's  castle,  on  the  south  near  the  strand. 

The  mansion  house,  of  Sir  Robert  Lynch,  baronet. 

of  Sir  Valentine  Blake,  baronet. 

of  Sir  Peter  Frinch,  knight. 

of  Sir  Richard  Blake,  knight. 

■ of  Sir  Dominick  Blake,  knight. 

■ of  Sir  Oliver  Frinch,  knight. 

• of  Maitin  Dorsi,  citizen. 

of  Sir  Walter  Blake,  knight. 

of  Antony  Ro.  Lynch,  citizen. 

of  Martin  Browne,  citizen. 


HISTORY    or    GALWAY 


29 


coiilil  siipgost  or  wcallli  cominantl,  it  was  universally  acknowledged  to  be  the 
most  perfect  city  in  the  kingdom  :  while  its  rich  inhabitants  stood  conspicuously 
i!istini;iii.shed  for  their  commercial  pursuits,  public  zeal,  and  high  independance 
of  spirit,  all  which  will  be  found  exemplified,  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner, 
tlirougliout  the  following  pages. 

But  tliese  facts,  however  well  authenticated,  must  appear  extraordinary  to 
those  now  acquainted  with  the  town,  and  when  contrasted  with  its  present  very 
different  state  and  appearance,  it  would  not  be  at  all  surprising  if  they  should  be 


ScTcn  pliices  ami  stations  of  monuments,   or  altars, 
ioleiiinly  liuilt  by  tlic  clergy,  in  the  streets,  for  the 
soluiiiiuty  uuU  [)rocession  of  corpus  christi. 
<•.     I!v  the  I'mticiscans.  < 

I.     liy  t!io  Capuchins. 
^.     IK  the  Augustinians. 
Ii.    Hy  the  Dominicans. 
i.     Hy  the  Carmelites. 
I..    liv  the  Jesuits. 
I.     By  the  Priests  of  the  College  of  St.  Nicholas. 


Seven  public  places,  or  principal  markets,  of 

the  city. 

111.  The  market  for  fresh  water  fish,  before  Blake's  lane, 

called  T/ic  iiltlc  guic  corners. 
n.    The  Shambles. 
c).    The  Cow  nrarket  or  Plud  street. 
]i.    The  Horse  market,  near  the  new  strand  gate, 
ij.    The    uiarket,   or    fish    shambles,   before  and  in  the 

Fiiher's  lane. 
r.    The  little  market  for  various  wares,  through  the  street 

ol'  this  market, 
s.    Tlic  market,  where  all  other  wares  arc  promiscuously 

sold. 


There  arc  seven  other  places  and  tilings  to  be 
noticed. 
t.    The  old  town  house,  upon  the  goal  and  shambles. 
II.    New  edifice  commenced  for  a  town  house. 
».   The  Exchange. 

X.   The  cemetery  of  the  chiu-ch,  w  ith  the  great  tree. 
y.    .St.  Nicliolas's  hospital  or  poor  house. 
z.    The  market  and  college  cross. 
Jc.  An  old  pidgeon  house,  in  the  south  part  of  tlic  city. 


REFERENCE  II. 
On  the  West. 

An  explanation  of  the  description  of  GaKvay, 

Thi-  lu-nis  of  the  fourteen  tribes  of  Galway. 

The  arms  of  ten  other  branches,  connected  with  the 

f  uiiilies  of  Galway. 
The  monastery  of  Saint  Dominick. 
The  cemetery  of  the  monastery. 
Several  gardens,  6.°   Parks,  ti. '•  Orchards. 
The  place  where  ships  are  repaired. 
St.  >iary's  hill,  c;dled  Cnuc'^n  in  TampciU  2Tirea, 
The  koutli  snbnib-i,  !).  >■  The  road  to  rave  hill. 
Si.  Mary's  rivulet,  called  Sru.'uui  Mirta 


Ball's  bridge,  caWed  Drehnd  Miatl.  11."^  Ball's  briilge 

river. 
Castle  Jordan,  called  Jlfeil  Costain 
The  niidille  suburbs,  Ba//c  j\Icnnagh. 
Giant's  hill,  called  Cnuckuin  na  h'ge/iim. 
The    whirl|iool    river,    with    the   whirlpool,   called 

Pou/funf!l 
Island  altagneach,  now  the  island  of  Saint  Clara. 
The  house  of  the  nuns  of  St.  Clara. 
The  other  island  altagneach,  formerly  called  goat 

island. 
A  causeway  or  passage  between  the  two  islands,  with 

the  fishing  place. 
The  river  of  Galway,  formerly  the  river  Ausoba,  now 

called  Pol/in  Mor. 
The  great   cataracts,   where   salmon  are  taken   up, 

called  luclwra  mor. 
The  little  cataracts,  called  Cora  na  Vmaraher,  where 

Eels  are  taken. 
Stag  island,  alias  Illu'm  an  fhia. 
"  Thady's  island,  called  Inis  Trig. 
The  rock,  where  the  woman  Galva  is  said  to  have 

been  drowned,  from  which  the  city  of  Gahvay  was 

named. 
A  bathing  place,  where  boys  swim,  called  Srug/i  mi/- 

lin  Shcmis  khigli. 
The  big  bridge,  Ijeing  the  only  passage  fi-om  the  west 

to  the  city  :  here  also  salmon  afe  killed  with  a 

spear. 
The  fortification  for  defence  of  the  shipping  in  the 

port. 
The  rivulet  encompassing  the  bulwark  of  the  bridge. 
Place  where  salmon  are  fished  for  with  nets. 
The  river  falls  into  the  sea. 
The  sea  flows  into  the  torrent  of  the  river. 
The  strand  where  ships  lu'e  unloaded,  called  the  Kea. 
The  new  walk  near  the  strand,  called  llie  Exc/iangr. 
The  pile  W-hcre  the  new  buildings  were  commenced. 
The  Crow's  Rock,  called  Carrig  an  Pfreaghan. 
The  promontory  of  liuintcnuin. 
The  bay  of  Galway. 
The  road. 

The  bay  which  leads  to  the  port  of  Ardfry, 
Cromwell's  ships,  following  the  king's  subjects  to  tlie 

port  of  Ardfry. 
The  promontory  of  Ruinmore. 
Mutton  Island. 
Hill,  called  Cnuc  a  T'doUain. 
Part  of  the  crane's  strand,  called  Trai  na  cgoer. 
Part  of  the  road  leading  to  Blal;e\i  hill. 


50 


HISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


pronounced  as  altogetlier  incredible.  The  lofty  walls,  castles,  edifices  and 
towers,  once  its  pride  and  ornament,  are  long  since  crumbled  into  dust,  the 
much  boasted  spirit  of  enterprize  and  independence  of  its  former  inhabitants,  lie 
dead  or  dormant  in  their  descendants,  and  nothing  now  remains  to  mark  their 
I'ormer  grandeur,  but  the  spacious  ruins  and  remnants  of  a  few  splendid  mansions, 
whicli  serve  but  to  keep  alive  the  melancholy  remembrance  of  what  their  foun- 
ders once  had  been.  The  causes  of  these  revolutions  and  decay  will  be  more 
properly  explained  in  another  place,  the  reader  will  therefore,  for  the  present, 
liavc  to  return  to  an  earlier  era,  in  order  to  trace  the  gradual  progress  of  the 
town,  from  its  commencement,  to  the  period  and  state  in  which  it  has  been 
already  displayed  ;  and  to  follow  it  from  thence,  through  all  its  various  vicissitudes 
and  changes,  to  the  present  day. 


•)<:.  The  west  suburbs,  called  Fahei-beg. 

17.  Piirr  of  the  road  which  leads  to  St.  James's  chapel 
at  newcastle,  and  the  strong  castle,  called  in 
Dange'tn. 

IS.  The  t'omidation  of  the  west  fortifications,  where  for- 
merly commenced. 

13.  Part  of  the  road  which  leads  to  tlie  castle  of  Ralntne. 

On  the  Enst. 

1 .  The  title  of  the  city  of  Galway. 

■J,  I'he  monastery  of  St.  Auguslin,  surrounded  by  the  fort. 

.•j.  Saint  Augustiu's  well,  ou  the  south  side  of  the  hill. 

4.  Saint  Au^ustin's  hill. 

•1  '•'  The  kina's  fort,  surroundins  the  monasters. 

5.  Saint  Bridgets's  hill,  on  the  right  and  left  of  the  high 

way. 

fi.  Saint  Bridget's  chapel. 

7.  The  house  of  lepers,  under  the  title  of  St.  Bridget, 

S.  The  house  of  the  Capuchins. 

9.  The  arms  of  Great  Britain. 

10.  The  arms  of  the  kingdom  of  Ireland. 

11.  The  arms  of  the  kingdom  of  Scotland. 
J'i.  The  most  ancient  arms  of  Galway. 

'J"hc  old  arms  of  ditto. 
Tlie  modern  arms  of  ditto. 

13.  Genealogical  tree  of  the  king  of  England,  from  an 

Irish  and  Scottish  root. 

14.  Genealogical  branch  of  the  Galway  families,    from 

the  same- 

15.  The  highway  leading  to  the  hills,  called  I.cnghlifnrda. 
1().  The  pathway  lea<ling  to  the  high  hill  of  the  blighted 

bush,  called  Cnuck-ireililris. 

17.  The  king's  high  road,  called  Bohermorc, 

18.  The  lake  called  Lin-more 

IP.  The  cross  in  the  njiddle  of  the  highway,  called 
Laght  more  ni  hein. 

20.  The  little  lane  which  leads  to  Lynch's  rock,  called 

Clogh~nn  lAnce. 

21.  The  lints  and  portion  of  Cromwell's  forces,   at  the 

siege  of  the  town,  when  it  was  taken. 

22.  The  bogs  of  Suckin. 
22. 'Part  o;'  castle  eare. 

25.  Suckin  river,  (')  part  of  the  mill,  and  ('')  pai't  of  Ba- 
Icndula. 


,  The  plague  house,  with  the  garden  annexed. 
,  Horse  Island,  called  Illain  na  Cgnpiall. 
.  The  stream  and  new  fosse,  called  IJiegnua. 
.  The  little  bridge  river. 
,  The  draw  bridge. 

,  The  old  stream,  by  which  the  water  formerly  ran  to 
the  monastery  or  abbey  bridge,  called   in    Turre, 
or  Leaim  Tcige. 
.  The  abbey  bridge. 

,  Several  mills,  viz.  St.  Francis' mill.    34.' St.  Michael's 
mill.     35."  The  bridge  mill.     35."  The  little  gate 
mill. 
The  Friar's  stream,  by  which  wood,  &c.  was  formerly 

brought  to  the  abbey,  called  Snicainna  b'mraher. 
The  abbey  of  Saint  Francis,  or  of  the  Friars'  minors. 
The  abbe)'  church  yard. 
The  gate  of  the  inner  inclosure  of  the  abbey,  and 

the  dormitory. 
The  refectoi")',  called  Halla  na  h'mrnlier. 
Several  gardens  laid  out  by  the  friars. 
The  wood  strand  or  quay,  and  a  cross  or  water  mark, 

in  the  river. 
The  north  suburbs,  and  45,  the  east. 
The  gallows,  where  criminals  are  executed. 
''  The  new  market,  with  the  cross. 
The  second  \:\ke,  on  the  way,  before  the  gallows. 
The  old  pidgeon-honsc. 

Green  plots,  where  the  gentlemen  of  the  city  usually 
play  and  amuse  themselves,  commonly  called  The 
Green, 
The  scite,  where  it  is  said  formerly  stood  the  hospital 

of  the  knights  templars. 
The  garden  angle,  called  Cluidna  Garrilia. 
"  Playing  at  bowls. 
The  promontory  of  Morloint.     4G.' Ruinmor.     46.'' 

Ruismor. 
The  Pool. 

The  salt  lake,  called  Lough-an  Stale, 
Part  of  the  stream  by  which  the  citizens  formerly  in- 
tended to  bring  round  the  north  river,  and  join  it 
to  the  south,  by  Loiig/i  an  Stale, 
Arms  of  some  of  the  many  noble  families  of  Irelimd, 
connected  with  those  of  Galway. 


Hrm  tluj 


■^iinillofl^ieChrfjujialon  a  reduced Scai^. 


"T^^y  kM/:^^^^^ 


tr 


l)im\i,kl:iiiinnfdJor}hmhmiiinUiAlor>c!(jii/\\,i\/ 


Ai 


inSTOllY    Ol-    GALWAY.  31 

CHAP.   11. 

rilOM  THE  EAIILIEST  ACCOUNTS  TO  THE  INVASION  OF  IIENIIY  11. 

Earl^  JlistoTTj  and  Antiquities  of  Ireland  disputed — Intemperate  feelings  of  "writers 
on  llie  sid/jcct — Covie  but  little  ~dtlun  the  scope  of  this  ivork — The  anciejit  to'cn  of 
Gahcaij  made  a  chief  point  if  division  in  the  various  partitions  (f  Ireland — In  that 
hij  Helxjr  and  Heremon — Bjj  Eogan  More  and  Con-cead-Chathach  in  the  second 
ccnlunj—JVar  between  these  princes,  for  an  equal  dividend  of  the  revenues  of 
Dublin  and  Gakcaij — The  latter  tlien  a  place  of  note — Destruction  of  Irish  7'ecords 
— Accounts  of  Ireland  hij  Tacitus  and  Ptolemy — Those  of  the  latter  doubted — 
Opinions  of  Camden,  Ware,  Baxter  and  others — That  Galwai/  xvas  the  Nagnata  of 
Ttolemij — Its  origin  uncertain — Destruction  of  the  Town  by  the  Danes — llebuilt  bij 
the  Conacians — Ravaged  by  the  Momonians — Burned,  and  again  revived  in  II70. 

The  early  liistory  and  antiquities  of  Ireland  have  been  subjects  of  doubt  and 
controversy,  for  a  longer  time,  and  perhaps  in  a  greater  degree,  than  generally 
occurs  of  any  other  country ;  and,  though  it  stands  admitted,  that,  like  those  of 
most  otlicr  nations,  the  origin  and  primitive  state  of  this  Island  are  considerably 
involved  in  darkness  and  fable,  yet,  it  seems  also  agreed,  that  few  countries 
liave  a  higher  claim  to  antiquity,  ^  or  have  advanced  better  proofs  in  support  of 
that  distinction,  than  this,  the  most  westerly  and  secluded  kingdom  of  Europe. 
However,  on  this  latter  point,  as  on  many  others  connected  with  the  subject, 
much  has  been  said  and  written  on  both  sides ;  writers  stand  in  hostile  array 
against  each  other,  and  throughout  a  discussion,  wherein  the  spirit  of  calm 
investigation  after  truth  should  alone  predominate,  those  angry  disputants  have 
generally  indulged  in  the  most  acrimonious  feelings,  and  not  unfrequently  in  the 
most  puerile  reflections.  Those  who  decried,  as  well  as  they  who  supported,  the 
claim  to  antiquity,  were,  though  from  different  causes,  in  this  respect  equally 
reprehensible.  The  former,  in  general  unacquainted  with  the  language,  and 
consequently  with  the  written  memorials  of  the  country,  could  not  ])atiently 
brook  the  imputations  of  ignorance  and  misconception,  which  were  most  liberally 
bestowed  on  them  by  their  antagonists;  and  therefore,  after  frequently  supplying 
the  place  of  knowledge  by  supposition,  and  of  argmnent  by  angry  declamation, 


^  Spencer,  \\\\o  was  never  cliar^cd  with  partiality  to  and,  to  the  same  (act,  numberless  otlier  foreign  testimonies 
|!lc  Iri^h,  ilcclareil  near '.'50  jears  a^o,  lliat  they  were  tlie  could  be  adduced,  witliout  at  all  resorting  to  our  native 
luubt  ancient  people  ho  knew  ol'  in  this  end  of  the  world  ;     historiiins,  or  to  the  aucieiK  records  ol'  the  kingdou). 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


they  seldom  fuiled  to  complete  their  labours  by  recriminating  changes  of  national 
prejudice,  and  gross  misrepresentation,  against  their  more  confident  opposers. 

Such  being  the  state  of  this  literary  warfare,   it  is  e\'ident  that  much  must 
have  been  left  undetermined,  and  that  a  good  deal  still  remains  to  be  atchieved 
and  many  cool  dispassionate  efforts  made,  belbre  criticism  can  have  that  "  secure 
anchorage"  so  mucli  to  be  wished  for ;    and  until  this  desirable  event  shall  take 
place,    those  points  which  have  been  so  long  supported  on  one   side,    and  so 
strenuously  contested  on  the   other,    can   never   be   brought   to   a   positive   or 
satisfactory  conclusion.     The  nature  of  these  pages  precludes  the  possibility  of 
more  than  glancing  at  the  question,   and  that  merely  in  a  local  point  of  view 
and  e\cn  then,   only  so  far  as  it  bears   upon  the  early  existence   and  foi-mer 
celebrity  of  the  place  which  is  the  subject  of  this    work.      Feelino-  that  the 
principal  duty  of  a  topographer  is  to  state  facts,  the  little  that  could  be  gleaned 
relating  to  a  period  so  distant,  dark,  and  doubtful,  shall  be  faithfully  exhibited 
and  whatever  may  be  the  application  made,    or  conclusion   drawn  from  those 
statements,    it  is  by  no  means  intended  to   supersede,    or  interfere  with     tlie 
judgment  or  opinion  of  the  reader. 

That  the  western  coast  of  Ireland  was  peopled  as  early  as  any  other  part  of 
the  Island,  appears  from  all  the  annals  which  purport  to  record  the  events  of 
those  distant  times ;  and,  that  the  particular  district,  now  comprehendino-  the 
town  of  Galway  and  its  vicinity,  was  one  of  the  first  positions  which  was  chosen 
for  the  purpose  of  habitation,  by  the  original  settlers,  is  incontestibly  proved 
from  the  same  sources  of  information.  By  them  it  also  appears  that  Galway,  or 
the  place  on  or  near  which  it  it  is  situate,  was  frequently  made  a  chief  point  of 
division  in  the  most  ancient  and  celebrated  partitions  of  Ireland ;  and  for  this 
supposed  reason,  that,  as  it  lay  almost  due  west  of  Dublin,  a  line  drawn  from 
one  j)lace  to  the  other,  would  nearly  divide  the  kingdom  into  two  equal  parts 
The  first  division  of  Ireland  is  attributed  to  Partholanus,  a  Scythian,  who  is 
stated  to  have  effected  a  settlement  here,  some  centiu-ies  after  the  flood,  and  to 
have  divided  the  kingdom  into  four  equal  parts,  which  he  distributed  amono-st 
his  four  sons.  Of  these,  Fcaron,  tlie  third  son,  received  the  territory  extendino- 
irom  a  place  in  Munster,  afterwards  called  the  Island  of  Barrymore,  to  Athcliath 
na  mcaruidhe,  now  Clarins  bridge,  near  Galway ;  and  the  district  from  thence  to 
Oileacbneid  in  the  north,  was  assigned  to  the  foiuth  son  Feargna.  The  second, 
or  Firbolgian  })artition  of  Ireland,  is  stated  to  have  taken  place  A.  M.  '2500, 
when  it  was  divided  into  five  provinces,  of  which  Connauglit,  (so  called, 
according  to  Keating,  from  Con  and  Oict,  the  posterity  of  Con,  a  druid  of  the 
Tuatha  de  danans,  who  afterwards  inhabited  that  part  of  the  country,)  fell  to 
the  share  of  Geanann,  one  of  their  five  principal  commanders;  and  extended 
from  Lumneacli,  afterwards  Limerick,  including  the  place  where  Galway  is 
situate,  to  Drobhaois,  the  present  bay  of  Donegal. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  S3 

But  passing  over  the  disputed  portions  of  our  history,    the  more  authentic 
accounts  relate,    that  Heber  and  Heremon,    tlie  sons  of"  Milesius,    divided  the 
kingdom   into   two   parts ;     one  of    which    was    called   Leath    thuadh,    or   the 
northern,   and  the  other  Leath  dheas,   or  the  southern  half.     This  division  was 
effected  by  a  line  or  boundary,  drawn  from  Gahvay  to  Dublin,  through  Eisgir- 
riada,    or  the  long  mountains,    which  were  fixed  upon   as  the  limits  of  both 
kingdoms.      It  is  further  related,    that,    in  the  reign  of  Eochaidh  Feidhlioch, 
monarcli   of  Ireland,    Connaught,    tlion   the   largest    province   in   the   kingdom, 
underwent  a  division  into  tlu'ce  equal  parts,    which  that  prince  bestowed  upon 
tluce  favorite  petty  dynasts,   Fiochach,  Eochaidh-Allat  and  Tinne ;    the  second 
of  whom  received  the  territory  from  Galway  to  Drobhaois,   and  the  tliii-d  the 
district  from  Galway  to  Lumneach  :    that  he  then  erected  the  ancient  palace  of 
Cruaclian,   or  Rathcruachna,   (situate  near  the  present  village  of  Ballintubber, 
between  the  towns  of  Boyle  and  Elphin,  in  the  county  of  Roscommon,)  which 
from  that  time  became  the  capital  of  Connaught,  and,  until  long  after  the  arrival 
of  the  English,  for  the  space  of  near  1300  years,  was  the  residence  of  its  kiufs." 
.Some  ruins  of  this  once  venerated  place  still  remain,    a  rath,    and   a  famous 
burying-place  of  the  kings  of  Connaught,  called  by  the  natives  Reilig-na-Rio"-h. 
Tiie  last,   and  most  famous  partition  of  Ireland,   was  that  which  took  place 
about  the  year  1G6,    between  Con,   called  in  Irish  Con  cead  Chathach,    or  of 
the  hundred  battles,    then  monarch  of  the  entire  Island,    and   Eogan   kin"-  of 
Munster.     This  division  was  nearly  the  same  as  that  originally  made  by  the  sons 
of  Milesius,    but  now  more  precisely  determined  by  a  line  or  boundary  drawn 
across  the  kingdom,  from  Dublin  to  Galway,  through  Cluan-ard,  Cluan-mac-Nois 
and  Eisgir-riada.     All  to  the  north  of  this  boundary  was  called  Leath-cuin,   or 
Con's  halfj  and  all  to  the  south  Leath-mogha,  or  Eogan's  half;   which  names  they 
not  only  long  afterwards  retained,    but  in  many  places  are  known  by  to  tins 
day.     The  partition  being  thus  completed,  the  two  princes  quietly  enjoyed  their 
respective  territories  until  the  year  181,  when  Eogan,  visiting  Dublin,   found  a 
greater  number  of  ships  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  than  on  the  south,  which 
consequently  caused  Con's  mercantile  revenues  here  considerably  to  exceed  his 
own.      Upon  this  discovery,    Eogan   complained   of  an   infringement   of  their 
treaty,  and,  probably  wishing  to  have  a  pretext  for  war,  he  contended  that  an 


>'  It  is  erroneously  asserted  that  the  government,  tlius  Tlie  following  morceaii  proves  that  fancy  is  not  entirely 

lormc<l,   was  called   Cunmarthnc,   an   error  wliich   arose  confined  to  the  regions  of  poetry. — Conniacneniara,   or 

from  the  circumstance  of  that  being  anciently  the  name  the  Chief  Tribe  on  the  great  Sea,   comprehended  the 

of  several  districts  in  Connaught.     Thus  Conmacne  of  v/cstern  coasts  of  the  present  county  of  Galway.     It  was 

Dunniorc,  in  the  present  county  of  Galway,   was  the  also  called  Conmacne-ira,  or  the  Chief  Tribe  of  the  West, 

ancient  estate  of  O'Siodhlan.     Conmacne  Cuiletola,  now  and  lar-Connaught,   that  is.   West  Connaught ;    likewise 

the  barony  of  Kilmain,  in  the  county  of  Mayo,  was  the  Hy  lartagh,  or  the  Western  Country,  the  chiefs  of  which 

lorJahip  of  O'Talcarain  ;    and  Conmacnemara,    in  the  are  denominated  Hv  Flaherty  or  O'Flaherty,  that  is,  the 

(oinitv  of  Galway,   was  the  country  of  O'Cadhla,   i.e.  Chief  of  the  Nobles  of  the  Western  Country,  and  con- 

O'Kcily.     It  is  now  the  barony  of  BalUnahinch,  or  the  tained  the  present  baronies  of  >Ioycullen  and  Bailiiialiinch. 

ili-trict'of  the  Islands.— O'^Wc'/j.  —Bcattford. 


34  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

equal  distribution  of  the  revenues  in  tlic  ports  of  Dublin  and  Gahvay'  was 
implied  in  the  division  of  the  kingdom ;  and  he  not  only  insisted  upon  receiving 
it  in  future,  but  that  Con  should  refund  the  surplus  whieh  he  had  received  from 
the  time  of  the  treaty :  this  requisition  was  indignantly  rejected,  and  a  war 
ensued,  which,  after  many  vicissitudes,  ended  in  the  destruction  of  Eogan. 

Should  these  relations  of  our  domestic  writers,  and  particularly  that  which 
alludes  to  the  trade  of  Dublin  and  Gahvay,  excite  any  doubt  in  the  mind  of  the 
reader,  it  should  be  remembered  that  Tacitus,  one  of  the  most  respectable 
authorities  of  all  antiquity,  in  his  Life  of  Agricola,  relates,  in  corroboration  of 
these  accounts,  that  Ireland,  at  the  very  time,  held  constant  communication  and 
traffic  with  the  most  formidable  parts  of  the  Roman  empire,  and  consequently 
with  Spain,  to  which  Galway  lies  particularly  convenient.  Considering, 
therefore,  that  these  facts  are  no  wliere  respectably  controverted,  but  stand  on 
as  firm  a  foundation  of  historical  authority  as,  under  all  the  circumstances,  can 
reasonably  be  expected  at  the  j)resent  day,  it  is  manifest  that  Galway  must  have 
been,  in  those  early  times,  a  place  of  considerable  note ;  and,  if  the  reader 
reverts  to  wliat  has  been  said  in  the  preceding  chapter,  concerning  the  probable 
derivation  of  the  name  of  the  town,  from  the  circumstance  of  its  commerce,  he 
Avill  find,  that  the  authenticity  of  these  historical  accounts  not  only  receives 
great  additional  support,  but  that  the  conclusion  which  is  here  drawn  from 
them  may,   witli  every  degree  of  certainty,   be  pronounced  accurate. 

It  must,  however,  bc'particularly  lamented,  that  much  of  the  primitive  state 
of  tliis  Island,  and  many  of  the  transactions  which  occurred  in  it,  previously  to 
tlie  introduction  of  Christianity,  are  wrapped  up  in  a  veil  of  almost  impenetrable 
obscurity,  and  that  the  most  laborious  researches  frequently  terminate  in  little 
more  than  ingenious  conjectures.  The  causes  to  which  these  defects  may  be 
attributed  are  various,  but  the  principal  seems  to  be,  the  destruction  of  our 
ancient  records ;  iu  the  first  place,  by  the  pious  zeal  of  Saint  Patrick,  and  the 
other  christian  missionaries,  in  their  anxiety  to  destroy  every  vestige  of  lieathen 
superstition  ;  and,  in  tlie  next,  by  the  barbarous  policy  of  the  Danes,  and  their 
immediate  invading  successors  the  Anglo-Normans,  by  whom  those  venerable 
lights  of  antiquity  were  for  ever  extinguished.  Another,  and  no  inconsiderable, 
cause  of  the  defects  complained  of,  is,  that  the  most  valuable  of  the  remnants 
wliich  escaped  tlicse  devastations,  and  afterwards  survived  the  wreck  of  time, 
are  locked  up  irom  the  inspection  of  tlie  curious,  in  a  language  which  few  of  the 
present  day  understand ;  a  circumstance  which  has  caused  more  misrepresen- 
tation and  confusion  on  the  subject  of  Irish  antiquities,  than  any  other  whatsoever. 
These  sources  of  information   have,   however,   been   carefully  explored  for  the 


'  Vide  O'Halloraa'i  Ilibtory  of  Ircliuid,  Vol.  II.  p.  238.     EJ.  Dub.  1803. 


IIISTOrtY    OF    GALWAY. 


18^3739      35 


present  work ;  but  so  liUle  of  a  local  nature  could  be  obtained,  that  it  now 
hccomcs  necessary  to  have  recourse  to  foreign  accounts,  however  imperfect,  to 
elucidate  this  early  page  of  our  history. 

Ptolemy,  the  Greek  geographer,  who  flourished  in  the  second  century,  has 
liandcd  down,  through  the  medium  of  his  own  language,  the  names  of  several 
rivers,  cities  and  tribes,  then  situate  on  the  western  coast  of  Irela)id.  The 
accounts  which  he  has  given,  though  considered  correct,  and  highly  curious  and 
valuable,  are  still  liable  to  many  objections ;  and  may,  even  without  going  so 
far  as  to  coincide  with  the  author  of  the  Ogygia,  in  his  remarks  on  their 
authenticity,  be  pronounced  in  many  particulars  erroneous,  and  such  as  cannot 
be  entirely  depended  upon,  without  cautious  and  careful  examination.  To  the 
veracity  of  the  geographer  nothing  is  imputable  ;  he  related  what  he  heard 
from  those  who  had  visited  the  country;  for  it  appears  that  this  Island,  though 
unfortunately  never  under  the  dominion  of  the  Romans,  yet  carried  on  an 
exteusive  trade  with  the  empire.  Tacitus,  in  the  tract  before  referred  to,  asserts 
that  its  ports  and  harbours  were  better  known  than  those  of  Britain,  from  a 
greater  commerce  and  resort  of  merchants ;  and  from  those  visitors  it  was,  that 
I'toiemy  drew  the  accounts  which  he  gave  of  the  coasts  of  Ireland ;  for  he  does 
not  seem  to  have  mentioned,  or  even  known  any  thing  of  the  interior  of  the 
country,  exc6pt  a  few  places  which  lay  immediately  contiguous  to  the  coasts. 

But  our  native  historians  having  passed  over,  in  silence,  the  several  places 
mentioned  by  Ptolemy,  the  truth  of  his  relation  came  at  length  to  be  doubted, 
and  the  existence  of  the  cities  and  people,  described  by  him,  was  called  in 
question  :  this  caused  many  writers,  amongst  whom  Camden,  Ware,  Baxter  and 
Harris  are  the  chief,  to  exert  much  ingenuity  to  reconcile  his  accounts  respecting 
this  country  in  general,  and  to  settle  the  situation  of  the  several  places  which 
he  has  mentioned ;  yet,  after  all  their  learned  conjectures,  the  situations  of 
many  of  these  places  still  remain  undetermined.  The  geographer  having 
described  the  northern  coast  of  Ireland,  proceeds  to  the  western,  where  he 
mentions  a  people  called  the  Auterii,  and  a  city  as  then  existing,  to  which  he 
gives  the  term  "  illustrious,"  and  calls  by  the  name  of  Nagnata,  n«v"«t«  -rcxif 
iiT.rr.u^,,  Nagnata,  an  illustrious  city.  That  this  was  the  ancient  town  of  Galway, 
according  to  the  judgment  and  decision  of  some  of  the  learned  writers  just 
mentioned,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  although  others,  at  the  same  time,  hold  a 
contrary  opinion,  and  think  that  the  Auterii  were  the  people  then  inhabiting  the 
district  ol'  Galway,  which,  according  to  them,  was  their  principal  city.  In 
order,  however,  to  afford  the  reader  an  opportunity  of  forming  his  own  judgment 
between  these  conflicting  opinions,  it  may  not  be  unimportant  or  uninteresting 
to  lay  before  him  what  has  been  said,  by  those  different  writers,  on  the  subject. 

Ware,  whose  opinion  on  Irish  antiquities  (though  he  was  unacquainted  with 
the  Irish  language,)  claims  every  deference,  says,  that  the  Auterii  resided  in  the 
countries    comprehending   the   present   counties   of  Galway   and    Roscommon, 


'  >;; '. 


36  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

Mr.  Beauford,  a  writer  much  more  fanciful  than  correct,  supposes  them  the 
inhabitants  of  the  coasts  of  Galway  and  Mayo ;  and,  as  the  name,  according  to 
him,  signifies  an  habitation  on  the  western  water,  he  thinlvs  there  is  the  greatest 
probability  that  their  city  was  situate  some  where  on  the  bay  of  Galway,  to 
which  the  natives,  during  their  commerce  with  the  Gallic,  Iberian  and  Roman 
merchants,  resorted  for  the  benefit  of  traffic ;  if  it  were  not,  adds  he,  the 
ancient  town  of  Galway  itself.  He  again  changed  his  mind,  by  placino-  these 
people  in  that  extensive  district,  now  comprehending  the  coimty  of  Mayo,  and 
says,  they  were  evidently  the  ancient  inhabitants  of  the  Irish  Ibh-Errus,  the 
present  barony  of  Errus  in  that  county.  By  this  he  seems  to  have  abandoned 
his  former  conjecture,  leaving  the  opinion  of  Ware  uncontroverted ;  who,  with 
a  great  deal  of  probability,  tliinks  that  the  town  of  Atlienry,  commonly  called 
in  Irish  Atli-an-righ,  or  Jitanri,  was  the  city  or  capital  of  the  Auterii :  and, 
independently  of  any  coincidence  of  name,  which,  howe\er,  is  very  remarkable, 
the  situation  and  antiquity  of  Athenry  very  much  fivvour  the  opinion.  From 
hence,  thei-efore,  it  may  be  safely  concluded,  that  tlie  city  of  the  Auterii, 
mentioned  by  Ptolemj,  was  not  the  ancient  town  of  Galway. 

It  now  remains  to  ascertain  the  situation  of  Nagnata,  then  the  principal 
city  on  the  western  coast  of  Ireland ;  and,  altliough  satisfactory  proofs  and 
convincing  arguments  shall  be  produced,  which  will  fully  demonstrate  it  to 
have  been  the  original  towai  of  Galway,  still,  from  the  order  and  distances,  as 
laid  down  by  Ptolemy,  it  might,  with  every  appearance  of  probability,  be 
concluded,  that  Nagnata  was  situate  more  to  the  north,  and  somewhere  in  the 
direction  of  the  present  town  or  county  of  Sligo.  But,  as  the  writings  of  this 
author  abound  with  errors  and  mistakes,  many  arising  from  incorrectness  of 
information,  and,  perhaps,  many  more  from  carelessness  of  transcribers,  no 
dcpendance  ought  to  be,  or  indeed  is,  placed  on  them  by  the  learned ; 
and  particularly  as  to  the  situations  of  many  of  the  places  which  he  has 
mentioned.  A  writer,  referred  to  in  the  last  paragraph,  who  endeavoured  a 
good  deal,  but  often  upon  erroneous  principles,  to  reconcile  those  differences, ' 
places  Nagnata  in  the  present  barony  of  Carbery  and  county  of  Sligo ;  and,  to 
support  this  allocation,  he  alleges  that  the  name  is  derived  from  Nagaetaegh,  or 
the  habitation  on  the  sea ;  but  he  seems  to  have  forgotten  that  this  would  equally 
well  apply  to  any  other  situation  on  the  coast,  as  to  that  which  was  selected  by 
him  for  the  ])urpose  of  establishing  his  hypothesis.  He  then  adds,  tliat  it  was 
called  by  the  old  Irisli,  Sliogld  gae,  or  the  race  on  the  sea,  but  for  this  he 
does  not  give,  nor,  in  truth,  could  he  give,  any  authority;  and  he  finally 
supposes,  that  it  might  be  Cnoc  na  teagJi,  or  Druimcliff'e,  in  the  county  of  Sligo, 
wliich,   though  at  present  only  a  desolated  village,   is  said,   in  former  ages,   to 


i  Transactions  Roval  I|■i^h  Academy,  Vol.  III. 


HISTORY    OF    GALM'AY.  S7 

have  been  a  large  town.  Ware,  however,  declares,  tliat  he  was  not  able  to 
discover  the  smallest  trace  of"  a  city,  so  called,  in  all  that  tract  of  country ;  and 
though  he  thinks,  with  every  appearance  of  truth,  that  Ptolemy  might  have 
misplaced  this  city  a  little,  he  docs  not  mention  where  he  supposed  it  might 
have  been  situated.  Baxter,  whose  authority  is  most  respectable,  judges  Galway 
to  ha\'e  been  the  place, "  and  says  that  the  name  means,  in  Irish,  Ciianim guactie, 
or  the  port  of  the  small  Islands,  alluding  to  the  Isles  of  Arran,  lying  at  the 
entrance  of  the  bay,  and  the  other  small  Islands  lying  nearer  the  town.  He 
derives  the  name  from  Cuan, '  a  port  or  harbour,  na,  a  preposition  of  the  genitive 
case,  and  uact  oi'  guact,  a  little  Island,  which,  by  transition  into  the  Greek  manner 
of  pronunciation,  would  form  Nagimta,  for  Nagnata  he  takes  to  be  an  error  of 
transcribers.  Harris,  the  editor  of  Ware,  agrees  with  Baxter,  saying,  that  the 
situation  of  Galway,  according  to  Ptolemy,  is  pretty  near  the  truth  of  this 
notion.  If,  in  corroboration  of  the  foregoing  reasonings,  recurrence  shall  be 
had  to  the  testimonies  of  Tacitus,  and  also  of  our  native  historians,  already 
mentioned,  relative  to  the  commerce  of  Galway,  at  the  very  time  that  Ptolemy 
dL'scribcs  Nagnata  as  the  most  considerable  place  on  the  western  coast  of  Ireland^ 
very  little  doubt  can  remain  as  to  their  identity.  If  it  should  still  he  necessary 
to  call  in  the  aid  of  probability  or  conjecture  on  the  point,  the  reader  mio-ht  be 
reminded  how  indispensible  the  advantages  of  natural  situation  are  alwavs  held, 
towards  rendering  any  place  eminent  or  considerable;  and,  seeing  that  the  bay 
of  Gahvay  possesses,  in  a  high  degree,  all  these  advantages,  it  might  be  no 
small  reason  to  conclude,  that  Nagnata,  then  the  most  celebrated  place  in  this-- 
part  of  the  kingdom,  must  have  been  situated  some  where  on  the  bay :  and,  if 
he  should  go  farther,  and  enquire  for  the  particular  spot,  he  might  be  assisted  by 
considering  the  general  practice  of  mankind,  at  all  times,  in  building  their 
habitations  or  cities  at  or  near  the  banks  of  rivers;  and  then,  combinino-  the 
numerous  advantages,  which,  in  the  particular  instance  of  the  position  of 
Galway,    attend  the  confluence  of  a  considerable  lake  and  the  ocean,    he  will: 


'  Xaguatae,    apiiJ    Ptolema:um   populus   est   Ibcrni^ ;         Nagnata,    Ptolonia?o    HoAi;  'Zvimuof,    dicitiir,   quod 

omncs  tamen  Libri  levi  laborant  vitio :    Qiiippe  pro  eo  hercle  vel  hodie  est,   Gallna  nostra,  ita  nominata  scoto- 

ipioJ   dobcrct   esse    ex    Analogia    lin<;iia>    Nafua   (hodie  brigantibus  de  ciiltoribiis  Anglis :   siqiiidem  vetusta  lingua. 

li-;^iM:us  Ncfw,  et  in  noniuiilis  exeniplaribiis  adhnc  pejus  Gal  pro  qiiovis  Peregrine  est;    mule  et  se  ipsos  Gallos 

W«r»a1;  putoqiiodfieretvox  Latina.     Nagnatarum  scdcm  vocitabant    Hrigantes    Ibernia.      Etymon    liiijns   loci    in 

Omnactiam    fiiisse    mecnni    sentet    Camdenus.        Quod  superior*  voce  (jua-renduni  est.— i^n.,^  Gloss.  Ilril. 

qiiideni   nomen  correpte  eflbrtur   pro  cuan   na  guactie,  ^.'^'  page  .3,  (note)  it  is  mentioned  that  the  town  of 

n.iod   portus   est   exinuarum   insulnrum,    qu;e   hodie    ab  !'""'"''""''•  '."  L''<J"'erg,  was  presented  to  the  ahl)ey  of 

4.  ■        ■       „...,?.  n     .  T       •  Collis  Victoria,  or  Knockniov,   near   Puam    (uuiided  Iw 

]:non  sive  Ents  indigenis  vocantur  arrnn  pro  luenoii.  ^,  ,,    .   ,^,,,     '        ,.         ^  ,,-'     '-■»'■'"'"",  iuhmucu  uy 

r  .       . „        n       ^    n    .         ■      ■    ..  \     <■       •    /-^   11-  Cathal   O  Conor,    king  of    Connaii'-ht,    about   the    \ear 

Est  autcm  Ci«n  Ibcrnis  PoWiM,  sicuti  et  hodiernis  Galhs  ,,q,,      ,,  , \a'^°      ■<•  i      .i      iV    r  • 

,,  .  I       I       .  .■!>•.■/-.  .,    -•  1190.     Jt  would  seem  as  it   by  the  Irish  Lismuriiaii.  or 


p  o  Jngn/oct,  nostns  Britanms  Co^se-    met  etiam  ^/,,y„,^  „„  f,,^  j^,^^;^         ^.^^  „,4„^  ^,.^^^  ^1,^  parsonage 

sive  altera  ,luadan^  loquela   uact  vel  Gnoct.)     Parvam  ^f  which,  for  a  long  period  before  the  establi'liment  of 

Inisse  insulam  alias  documuis.     Est  igitur  ^a  syllaha  in  the  wardcnship  by  the  Pope,  belomred  to  that  monastery  • 

voce    Naguatte    pro    Nota    Gemtivi    veten    Brigantum  if  so,  the  circumstance  would  tend  much  to  strengthen 

sermoae.  Baxter's  ingenious  conjecture. 


38  HISTORY    or    GAI.WAY. 

iind  that  its  situation  vras  the  best  adapted,  and  most  probable  phicc  of  any  otlier 
ill  that  quarter,  for  tliat  of  the  city  in  question.  Considering,  therefore,  all  the 
foregoing  testimonies  and  reasonings,  and  the  conclusions  drawn  from  them,  our 
eiitirc  concurrence  is  given  to  the  opinions  of  the  learned  and  respectable  writers 
above  quoted,  that  the  ancient  town  of  Galway,  though  without  any  apparent 
nominal  analogy,  was  the  famous  city  mentioned  under  the  name  of  Nagnata 
by  Ptolemy. 

Having  thus  far  endeavoured  to  ascertain  the  existence  of  this  ancient  place, 
the  next  object  should  be,  if  possible,  to  discover  its  origin  and  illustrate  its 
history ;  but  these  are  totally  involved  in  darkness ;  and  the  only  room  that 
remains  even  for  conjecture,  is  that  of  its  having  been  so  often  made  a  point  of 
division,  in  the  various  partitions  of  Ireland,  as  mentioned  in  the  beginning  of 
this  chapter,  whence  it  may  reasonably  be  concluded  io  have  been  of  very 
remote  antiquity. 

It  would  be  foreign  from  the  intention  with  which  this  work  was  originally 
undertaken,  here  to  consume  too  much  time  in  describing  the  tribe,  and  people, 
who,  according  to  Ptolemy  or  the  native  writers  of  Ireland,  formerly  inhabited 
the  countries  about  Galway.  As  to  the  town  itself,  to  which  our  attention  is 
principally  directed,  no  mention  appears  made  of  it  for  centuries  after  the 
period  in  which  it  is  found  to  have  been  so  considerable ;  but  there  are  extant 
several  accounts  of  sanguinary  contests,  between  the  rival  princes  of  Minister 
and  Connaught, '"  immediately  in  its  neighbourhood ;  and  also  of  changes  of 
inhabitants,  and  new  settlements  in  its  vicinity :  but  a  dead  silence  reigns  as  to 
the  place  itself,  which  can  only  be  accounted  for,  from  the  destruction  of  the 
ancient  records  and  annals  of  the  kingdom  already  alluded  to;  and  this  want 
or  omission  is  not  at  all  singular  in  the  history  of  our  island,   for  it  is  now  most 


""  The  animosities  which  subsisted  between  Con   and  seems  he  had  a  prior  right,   as  it  lay  within  the  limits 

Eogan  were  kept  alive  bv  their  descendants.      A  bloody  traced   out  from    Galway   to    DuIjHm   between   Con  and 

battle  was  foimlit,   at   ]Mai;h   Mochrumc,  near  Galway,  Eogan.     He  converted  the  whole  into  I'cnron  cllum/i,  or 

between   Mac  Conn,   son  of  Mac  Xeid,   who  succeeded  Swnift  land,  for  the  maintenance  of  his  knights,  in  order 

to  Leatli  Mogha,  after  the  deatli  of  Eogan,  assisted  by  to    sccnre    his   conntry   iigainst    the    Conacians.      In   an 

Liiig  Laga,  second  son  of  Eogan,  and  Art,  (son  of  Con  endeavour  to  recover  thisback,  in  the  year  550,  Guara, 

cead  Chathach,)  then  king  of  Tara,  assisted  by  the  sons  king  of  Connaught,  was  defeated  with  dreadful  slaughter, 
of  Olioll  Ohnn,  eldest  son  of  Eog.an,  of  whom  seven  were         About  this  period,  some  of  the  descendants  of  Luii; 

killed  in  that  battle. — Ogiig.  Dealbhaodh,  son  of  Cos,  king  of  North  Munster,  settled 

In  the  year  360,  Lni^  nieann,  otherwise  Lamh  dcnrg,  in  the  territory  of  Delvin  Feadha,  in  Tirdaloch,  to  the 
or  the  btuodi)  haudcd,  king  of  Leath  mogha,  after  being  west  of  Galway.  It  was  anciently  divided  into  two 
harassed  by  the  Conacians,  who  made  frequent  attempts  districts  called  Giiomore  and  Giwbcag,  which  now  coin- 
to  adil  the  district,  forming  the  present  county  of  CUu-e,  pose  the  whole  barony  ol'  Moyculiin.  The  O'Conrjs 
to  their  territory,  defeated  them  in  several  sanguinary  were  anciently  chiefs  of  Gnobeag,  until  they  were 
ci'gage'.iients,  killed  several  of  their  chiefs,  and,  laying  partly  dispossessed,  and  partly  made  tributaries  by  the 
■waste  their  territories  with  fire  and  sword,  dcpriveil  them  O'Flahertvs. — Oi/lcct. 

of    Clare    and    Tiiomond,    extending   from    the    hay    of         About  "the  year  432,  St.  Patrick  founded  a  church  on 

Kileolgan,   near   Galway,   to  Limerick,   and  from   Loc/i-  the   banks   of   Loch   ^ealga,    near   Galway,    which   was 

J}tnrg   to    Lchii    CiicliuUiii,    or   Cuchulliu's   leap,    now  afterwards  distinguished  by  the  name  of  Domhnaclimorc, 

called  Loophead,  otherwise  Cape  leane,  at  the  mouth  of  or  the  great  church. —  Ogvg. 
ihe   Shannon.      To   this    extensive   tract    of   country    it 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAT.  39* 

clearly  ascertained,  that  many  considerable  places  fonnerly  had  existence,  of  which 
very  little  more  than  their  names  have  been  transmitted  to  posterity.  To  notice 
a  single  instance,  oat  of  many ;  who  can  peruse  the  few  and  trifling  accounts 
now  remaining  of  the  early  history  of  Dublin,  the  ancient  metropolis  of  the 
kingdom,  without  a  conviction  of  the  loss  of  the  annals  and  chronicles,  which 
recorded  the  events  of  those  distant  times  ? 

At  the  commencement  of  the  ninth  century,  the  Danes  began  to  pour  in 
swarms  i'lom  their  northern  hive  u])on  Ireland  ;  terror  and  devastation  marked 
their  progress  in  every  quarter ;  neither  the  venerable  remains  of  antiquity,  the 
feelings  of  humanity,  nor  the  divine  spirit  of  the  christian  religion,  could  make 
any  impression  on  those  ferocious  monsters,  who,  with  fire  and  sword,  burned 
and  massacred  all  before  them,  without  distinction.  In  the  year  835,  an  army 
of  these  adventui'ers,  under  the  command  of  their  sanguinary  leader  Turgesius, 
over-run  and  ravaged  the  province  of  Connaught, "  committing,  in  their  progress, 
the  most  dreadful  carnage;  and,  in  the  general  wreck  and  destruction  which 
then  took  place,  the  ancient  town  of  Gahvay  was  destroyed.  That  this 
insatiable  enemy  did  not  spare  a  place  so  well  adapted  for  commerce,  or 
afterwards  settle  there,  according  to  the  policy  adopted  at  Waterford,  Limerick, 
and  other  parts  of  the  kingdom,  appears  extraordinary,  unless  that  they  might, 
j)erhaps,  have  considered  its  situation  as  too  remote,  for  purposes  of  internal 
traffic  or  conquest. 

Soon  after  the  power  of  the  Danes  was  completely  ruined  at  the  famous  battle 
of  Clontarf,  the  Irish  applied  themselves,  with  assiduity,  to  remedy  the  disorders 
occasioned  by  those  invaders ;  and  the  people  of  Connaught,  well  knowing  the 
great  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  ])lace  where  the  ancient  town  of" 
(jalway  was  situate,  accordingly  commenced  improving,  or  rather  reviving,  the 
town,  which  was  then  reduced  to  the  state  of  a  miserable  village,  consisting  of 
a  few  straggling  huts,  inhabited  by  fishermen  and  their  families,  some  of  whose 
names  are  given  in  a  former  page.  In  the  year  11'^ t,  a  strong  castle  was  built, 
and  the  town  was  put  into  a  state  of  defence  and  security.  °  The  erection  of 
this  castle,  and  the  consequent  increase  and  improvement  of  the  town,  were 
\iewed  with  jealousy  and  suspicion  by  the  people  of  Munster ;  between  wliom, 
and  those  of  Connaught,  there  long  subsisted  a  considerable  degree  of  provincial 
competition  and  animosity :  and,  with  destructive  policy,  it  was  determined  to 
destroy  the  place,  before  it  should  become  more  formidable.  In  j)ursuancc  of 
tiiis  determination,  Connor,  the  reigning  king  of  Munster,  in  the  year  113'J, 
dispatched  a  body  of  troops,  by  sea,  under  the  command  of  Cormac  Mc.  Carthy  •, 


■  Kealing  and  Ware.  anil  Turlogh  O'Conor,  monarch  of  IiThnul,   (ulio  sur- 

"  Annals  of  Inisfnllcn  and  I,j/nrh''s  I\ISS. — In  the  same  ceeded    in    11. 30,)    hoon    alter    built    tlirce    brid^'es    i]\ 

yciir  were  built,  the  castles  of  Dunlo,   near  Ballinasloe,  Connaneht,  viz.  Atlilone,  Athcrochta  over  the  Sliaiiiioiij 

and  Cuil-raaol,  alias  CiulJony,  in  the  county  of  Sligo;  and  Duulo  upon  the  river  Suck. — Ann.  Ini-J'. 


■do 


IlISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


who,  landing,  besieged  und  took  the  castle  of"  Galway,  then  known  by  the  name 
of  Dune-bun  na  Gaillve,  or  iJiC  fortification  at  the  mouth  ofGahcmj;  and,  having 
put  the  entire  garrison  to  the  sword,  levelled  and  destroyed  the  castle  and  town, 
and  soon  after  defeated  and  slew  Connor  O'Flaherty,  Lord  of  lar  Connaught.  ^ 
In  the  following  year,  the  king  of  INIunster  himself  marched  at  the  head  of  an 
army  into  Connaught,  laid  waste  the  places  called  Ruadlibheitlicacli  and  Ik-alalJia; 
slew  Cathal  O'Conor,  the  Righdamhna,  or  heir  apparent  to  the  throne  of  Connaught, 
and  Giolla  na  naomh  O'Floinn,  a  chieftain  of  great  power :  after  which,  he 
biu-ned  the  fortresses  of  Dunmogli-dhairne  and  Dunmore,  and  all  the  other  places 


^  The  heads  of  this  ancient  aiiJ  noble  Irish  family 
were,  from  the  earliest  period,  Toparchs  of  lar,  or 
western  Connaiiglil,  and  they  long  struggled,  with  various 
success,  against  the  power  of  the  English.  There  appear 
frequent  entries  on  the  records  during  the  reigns  of 
Hen.  III.  and  Edw.  I.  II.  III.  of  Donachad  O'Fflaherty, 
Kothery  O'Fflaherty,  I'tc.  having,  with  many  other  chief- 
tains, liccn  compelled  to  sue  for  and  i)ay  heavy  fines  for 
liaving  the  king's  peace.  Tiiese  submissions  were,  how- 
ever, but  merely  nominal  and  temporary,  and  the  sept 
maintained  its  independence  to  a  very  late  period.  They 
were  always  at  variance  with  the  Galway  Colonists,  whom 
they  kept  in  a  state  of  continual  warfare,  considering 
thcni  as  alien  encroachcrs  on  their  territory. —  Vide  Jiotc, 
jinnc  20. 

In  tlie  reign  of  Elizabeth,  government,  by  fomenting 
divi>ions  amongst  this  powerful  sept,  brought  them  to 
obedience.  On  t'Oth  Oct.  1S69,  Morougli  ne  dubh  Mc. 
Tcine  ly Flahcrlie  was  a])pointcd  captain  of  the  country 
of  Ehirconaght,  (by  reason,  as  the  queen's  patent  states, 
that  Donald  Xi-Cnnic  (y Flahcriie,  the  present  captain, 
was  not  sufficient  or  fit  to  exercise  that  office,  in  any 
rule,  nor  able  to  govern  that  country,  and  moreover 
was  disobedient  to  the  queen,)  to  hold  during  his  good 
behaviour,  as  the  queen's  faithful  subject ;  and  to  defend 
and  govern  the  said  country,  and  the  good  sulijects 
thereof;  to  repair  to  the  chief  governors,  and  the  council, 
whenever  summoned  so  to  do;  to  pay  to  the  lord  deputy, 
for  his  appointment  and  his  admission  to  the  said  office, 
forty  fat  cows,  and  deliver  them  at  Galway,  as  the  lord 
deputy  should  direct;  reserving  to  the  crown  all  such 
rents,  rights,  services,  burdens  and  demands,  as  were 
anciently  due  and  payable  out  of  the  said  country — Hot. 
Pat.  II  Elh. — He  was  afterwards  knighted,  and  on  12th 
Jan.  1587,  upon  his  surrender  of  his  estate,  and  name  of 
<)'  Flahcrtic,  and  all  Irish  customs  thereto  belonging, 
queen  Eliz.  granted  him  all  manors,  castles,  lordships, 
lauds,  &e.  the  moiety  of  all  felons  and  fugitives  goods, 
fines  and  amerciaments,  courts  and  other  hereditaments, 
in  Aghncnewer,  4  quarters,  the  castle  of  Fowagh,  4 
quarters,  the  castle  of  O'Herie,  4  quarters,  Insye-Mc. 
Coyne,  2  quarters,  the  castle  of  Mocollen,  (the  8th  part 
excepted,)  3  quarters,  Cloynenufte,  3  quarters,  Ballene- 
I'orbagh,  1  quai-ter,  Kellroe,  1  quarter,  Bathcowna,  1 
<]uarter,  Belleycowrke,  1  quarter,  and  CorcoUcn,  I 
quarter,  in  the  barony  of  Mocollen  ;  the  castle  of 
Bailennonagh,  containing  18  quarters,  in  the  barony  of 
Rosse,    county   Mayo ;     the    castle    of   Ballcndownj    4 


quarters,  Ballenehinsie,  1  quarter,  Ballcnioyllen,  3  car- 
trons,  Ballesellherne,  4  quarters,  Moydollan,  2  quarters, 
Moybilley,  2  quarters,  Rloyarde,  2  quarters,  Moagg  and 
Ardaghe,  1  quarter,  Enielye,  \  quarter,  Kermorney,  1 
quarter,  and  Coneveyaghe,  1  quarter,  in  the  barony  of 
Ballenehinsie :  all  lying  in  the  country  of  O'Flaliertie, 
called  J/u-i-Covag/il,  known  by  the  names  of  Tiivmnrr, 
Tuubcgg,  Connciiiarra  and  Lc  Joj/es  cuuii/iy,  to  hold  to 
him  and  his  heirs  for  ever,  by  tije  tueutieth  part  of  a 
knight's  fee,  as  of  the  manor  of  Arkin,  in  the  great  Islaml 
of  Arin,  paying  all  compositions. — Patent  inrollcil. 

In  15S4,  disputes  arose  between  the  heails  of  the 
family,  and  on  3d  July,  158,';,  the  lord  deputy,  at  the 
instance  ot  Hon/  W  Flalierlic,  issued  a  commission  to 
examine  into  tiie  causes  of  these  feuds.  Upon  this 
occasion  it  appeared,  that  the  territory  of  Gnvbcgn,  or 
Knoiidrg/r,  was  the  ancient  inheritance  of  Ci//cdii/f 
O'F/n/uilie,  who  died  seized  thereof  in  his  demesne  as  of 
fee,  and,  that  be  and  his  sons  lived  at  the  Moi/cnllc\  and 
were  the  O^ Flaherties,  and  governors  or  chiefs  of  ail  the 
country,  and  had  services  and  duties  out  of  evcrv  part  of 
Gnobegg ;  that  he  had  an  elder  brother,  that  had  no 
part  or  portion  of  Gnubegg,  l)ut  had  his  portion, 
Gnomore:  that  Gnobegg  contained  the  towns  of  Mov- 
cullen,  (the  chief  town  in  the  same,)  Clondutf  or  Cloydiifl; 
Balle  Mc.  Gellevey,  Theowre,  Killehahine,  Curraghduti; 
Cossowon  or  Cosshoone,  Barna  or  Barney,  Forbougli, 
Spiddell,  Coylrowny  or  Kylle-Rowc,  Moyseragli  or  Mo\- 
askrogh,  Bocarna,  Chayry  or  Ogharry,  Tollokihan  or 
Tulkihan,  Ballyquirke,  Ballemulgoyrie  or  Mulgurney, 
Curcnllen  or  Curculen,  Leyteruiilianie  or  Leterniylany, 
and  Gaerinana,  the  island  of  Innyshe  Mc.  Fryan  or 
Innishe  Mc.  Atrire,  with  the  lands  in  or  of  Connomara, 
Airdbeara,  Ballinlenry  or  Ballinbury,  Balle  Ihry  or  Baile 
Ivvile,  and  Uynvylehoway  or  Ityuvyleohway  :  that  the 
said  Gnobegg  was  nieared  and  boimded,  from  Urawaii 
learwan  or  Srwan-Igrai-nn,  north,  to  Galwaij,  south, 
saving  the  liberties,  ami  so  along  the  river  of  Allei/  or 
Donhelli),  west,  to  Galiuai),  east :  that  Hugh  More  Me. 
Gillediiff  was  son  and  heir  to  the  said  J/c.  Killedujt'e, 
and  his  best  son,  and  was  possessed  of  all  Gnobegg;  and 
left  Hughe  Oge  O'F/aherlie,  his  son  and  heir,  wiio  died, 
seized  of  the  said  premises:  he  left  them  to  his  son  an(l 
heir,  Aloriertagh  or  Murlugh  0^ Flahi  rtie ;  who  left  the 
said  Rory,  his  only  son  and  heir,  by  his  wi;e,  Evehn  iiv 
Kirevau :  that  said  Aloricrtagh  was  slain,  in  the  castle  of 
Moycullen,  by  the  sept  of  Edmund  (>' Flahertir,  \\/. 
Bryan  and  JjvneU  Crona,  and  the  sejjt  of  JMorirrlo'-it 


)iisTOi:v   oi'  t;Ai.\VAY 


-il 


of"  strength  in  tlie  country.  Turloii;li  O'Brien,  king-  of  Miinster,  again,  in  the 
year  1 1 1'J,  invaded  Connauglit,  and  took  and  destroyed  the  town  and  castle  of 
(j'ahvay.  Tlicso  ravages  appear  to  liavc  been  soon  afterwards  repaired,  for  in 
11.5K  tlic  shi]is  of  "  Galway  Dune"  and  of  Conniacnaniara,  were  sent  upon  an^ 
expedition  to  the  northern  parts  of  the  kingdom  ;  and  immediately  after  the 
following  entry  occurs  in  the  annals  of  the  town  :  II6I,  strange  ships  were  seen 
iti  the  harbour  of  Galway  Dune,  and  the  following  day  the  town  took  fire.  The 
ainials  of  Innisfallcn  mention  another  conflagration,  in  II70, ''  but  are  otherwise 
silent  as  to  the  town.  It  may,  however,  be  concluded,  that  this  disaster  was 
speedily  remedied  ;  tor  although  the  combustible  matter  of  which  buildings 
u'erc  then  almost  universally  composed,  rendered  them  more  liable  to  the 
dreadful  catastroplie  of  fire  than  structures  of  a  more  modern  date  and  form, 
they  were,  at  the  same  time,  much  more  easily  put  together  or  repaired,  in 
consequence  of  the  general  slightness  "of  their  texture  and  materials.      This 


Rrciih,  topctlicr  with  four  of  his  sons,  ax\A  tliat  the  said 
Ihi^h  0:ir,  then  W Fln'iertic,  <;ran<lfatlier  to  tlie  said 
Itiirii,  wiis  taken  liy  tlii;  niui'ilcrtTs ;  ana  witii  tliem 
lit'tained  without  meat  or  drink,  until  he  died  liv 
famine,  at  Movcullcn:  that  O' Flahcrtic  used  to  eat 
meat  among  tlic  inliabitants  of  tlie  said  places,  and  had 
moiiev  paid  to  him;  and,  that  the  septe  of  the  Purcelles, 
now  inhabitors  of  the  said  lands,  confessed,  that  tliere 
was  due  to  the  septe  of  Gillcduff,  40  pence  sterling,  of 
'  nnnu-.d  rent,  (but  now  of  late  Mnmgh-nc-Do,  waxing 
frtron^'c,  took  the  rent,)  and  also  that  thev  had  3s.  4i/. 
nnnnal  rent,  out  of  the  Island  Eildi/,  paid  by  the 
I'urcelles.—/?,)/.  Put.  29.  Eliz. 

On  IGth  Au';ust,  1C07,  it  was  found  by  inquisition, 
taken  at  Gal«ay,  that  Teige  ne  holly  O' Flaherty  of  Ardc 
Mas  chief  of  liis  name,  and  that  he  had  the  title  of 
0' Ftrilierti/,  since  the  time  of  Sir  Henry  Sidney,  lord 
deputy ;  tliat  he  was  seized  in  fee  of  the  castle  oi'  Arde, 
aad  -2  cartrons,  called  the  two  Ardes,  and,  under  a  division 
iL-twecn  him  and  others  of  his  competitors,  of  one  half 
of  Ballyudorvin  and  Ballinahinch  ;  that  as  chief  of  his 
niiine,  or  Toiiist,  he  was  seized  in  tee,  of  the  castle  and 
island  of  Ballynahinch,  and  the  fijhings  of  the  river  of 
Owcnmore,  until  one  Tuig  Alar  2Iorrouglie  iic  diilili,  his 
two  sons,  and  Mun-oiigli  iie  J\Iore  O'Flalirrly,  dispos- 
sessed him  of  the  same;  that  by  the  composition  with 
<|ucen  Eliz.  he  was  to  hold  the  entire  by  kniahts  service, 
«'  iif  the  castle  or  manor  of  Ardkyu  in  the  great  island 
iif  Arren.  It  was  also  found,  that  he  had  mortgaged 
•rveral  lands,  to  Richard  Martin,  of  Gahvay,  merchant. 

At  the  same  time,  a  similar  inquest  was  held,  as  to 
Mitrroiigli  ne  Jllare,  finding  all  his  extensive  property  and 
rhief  rents  in  Ciniamriru,  and  several  Irish  customs",  viz. 
lliat  for  every  cow,  horse,  &c.  stolen  within  the  barony 
ii'ven-fuM  restitution  should  be  made  to  (f  Flu  he  it y; 
that  the  natives  should  furnish  him  with  a  butt  of  wine 
at  certain  times,  that  they  should  not  take  wreck  of  the 
».-a,  without  giving  him  notice,  and  whenever  he  should 
;;ive  any  of  his  daughters  in  marriage,  that  they  should 
kilow  a  heifer,  oat  of  every  quarter  of  land,  &c. — /«</. 


Murrough  ne  iSIore  made  the  following 
mortgages,  amongst  others,  of  seve- 
ral lands,  the  fee  simple  of  which 
are  now  held  by  the  descendants  of 
the  mortg:igees. — Id. 
28th  April,  1613.  To  Gillediific  Mc.  Mortagh,  thecartron 

of  Derrynclare,  for  four  milch  cows. 
8th  Sept.  1615.   To  Nicholas  Martin  of  Galway,  mer- 
chant, Lettcrcamsy,  for  20/. 
2d   May,    ICIS.    To  the  same,  several  town  lands,  pareells 

of  Ballinahinch,  for  100/. 
Sth  June,  1622.    To  Nicholas  Martin,  Geofti-y  Lynch  and 
Martin  Browne,  the  lands  of  Lecar- 
row,    Urrislouan,    Ardage,    lS:c.    lor 
1000  years  for   131/. 

To  Nicholas  Martin,  Edward  Browne 

and    Martin    Browne,    the   lands    of 

C'leggaTd)egg,  iS.c.   f<ir   100/. 

Sth  May,    1G2J.    To  Joiinock  I.yuch,  iS:c.   the  lanils  of 

licuville,     Lettergosse,     Ballinakill, 

Ardbfar,  Ardkill,  and  several  others. 

3d   June,    162  1.    To  Ednuuul  Ffrench,  James  Darcy,  &c. 

J  cartrons  in  Monynmore,  ilc.   for 

80/. 

Murrough  ne  j\I(ire,  who,  until  the  hitter  period  of 

his  lite  never  obeyed  any  other  liian  the  Brchou   laws, 

was,  perhaps,   the  last  of  the  old   Irish  chieftains.      He 

dieii  on   16th  Ai)ril,    1626,  Icavinu  Miirroiig>i  ne  Mart 

his  son  auil  heir.     J)iu-ing  the  civil  wars  which  followed 

this  period,  the  different  clans  of  tlie  name,  lust  almost 

the  entire   of  their    pro|>ertics ;    a    comjiaratively   small 

j)ortion,    however,    still    remains    in    the    possession    of 

Thomas  Henry  O'Flaherty,  Esq.  of  Ivenionlield,  Ccnmty 

Gah.vay,  tiie  lineal  descendant  of  one  of  the  chiefs  of 

this  illustrious  family. 

''  Oupiriac  C()iu)ni-r,  Ik-  t«i  l()yi;ir)  j-an  l:)l)jp*)n 
po,  j-.jn.v  roampUiVi,  djip  caiflertn  foipiiriie, 
''S'M'  ■■^'p'^i*'*'''^^  ni-*!'  o'l  iccaona  — Ann.  Inuixf. 


42  HISTOnY    OF    GALWAY. 

circumstance  accounts  for  the  many  melancholy  narratives  of  destructive  fires, 
with  which  our  ancient  chronicles,  and  even  the  annals  of  this  town  abound  ; 
and  it  is  to  be  regretted,  that  when  the  authors  of  these  works,  considered  such 
visitations,  like  wars  and  battles,  as  too  memorable  to  be  silently  passed  over; 
they,  at  the  same  time,  omitted  many  things  which  to  them  appeared  of  less  im- 
portance, but  which  would  now  be  more  generally  useful  and  interesting. 
Amongst  these  may  be  particularly  classed,  descriptions  of  the  actual  state  and 
improvement  of  the  country,  which  seldom  found  their  way  into  these  monastic 
compilations  ;  and  which  causes  so  great  a  scarcity  of  topographical  knowledge, 
relative  to  the  middle  ages  in  Ireland. 

But  another  and  much  more  important  era  than  any  which  has  hitherto 
occurred,  occasioned  by  the  Anglo-Norman  invasion  of  this  Island,  now  opens 
to  our  view.  With  that  memorable  and  important  event  originated  several  new 
sources  of  information  both  of  a  local  and  general  nature.  The  transactions  of 
the  country,  but  particularly  such  portions  of  it  as  fell  immediately  under  the 
dominion  of  the  invaders,  were  recorded  ;  and  the  greater  part  of  the  accumu- 
lated numiments  thus  produced,  was  preserved  by  means  of  established  repositories, 
and  carei'uUy  handed  down  to  the  present  day.  Peculiar  facilities  of  investigation 
liave  enabled  the  author  of  this  work  to  glean  from  those  national  arcliives, 
several  facts  illustrative  of  the  history  of  this  ancient  town  ;  they  will  be  found 
fully  detailed  in  the  ensuing  pages,  and  which  will,  it  is  hoped,  in  some  degree 
compensate  for  the  deficiency  of  more  early  information. 


nisTOUY  or  galway.  43 


CHAP.   III. 


l-ltOM  THE  ANGLO-NORMAN  INVASION  TO  THE  YEAR   14S4-, 


Arrhal  of  Strn?igl>o:c  accoinpankd  hij  IViUiam  F'llz-Andelm  de  Burgo,  anccslur  of 
tlic  fcnnlh]  of  Claiiricardc — Landing  of  Ilenrtj  II. — Submission  and  subsequent 
revolt  of  tlic  Irish  Princes — Unsuccessful  at temj)t  of  Roderic  O'Conor,  the  monarch, 
on  Dublin — I'rcatj/  beliceen  him  and  Henri/  II. — First  hostile  incursion  of  the 
Invaders  into  Connaught,  and  their  defeat — Grant  of  the  Province  to  De  Burgo — 
Deposition  and  death  of  Roderic — Connor,  his  successor,  defeats  De  Courct/ — 
Cathal,  ivho  succeeds,  joins  with  Meilcr  Fitz-IIenry  the  Justiciar!/,  and  subdues 
Dc  Burgo — Treati/  between  him  and  King  John — Cathal  dies,  and  Henry  III. 
orders  the  Lord  Justice  to  seize  on  all  Connaught  and  deliver  it  to  Richard  De 
Burgo — Fedhlim,  who  succeeded  Cathal,  visits  Henry  in  England,  and  obtains  an 
order  to  be  7-es tared  to  his  territory — The  Castle  of  Galway  fortified  by  O' Flaherty 
— 2'alen  by  De  Burgo,  who  strengthens  the  Castle  a?ul  protects  and  encourages  the 
Town —  JValls,  great  Gate,  and  Toxcer  erected — Increase  of  Trade  and  Commerce — 
Church  of  St.  Nicholas  built — Dispute  betrvec7i  the  families  of  Blake  and  Athy — 
Death  of  JVilUam.  Earl  of  Ulster,  and  seizure  of  Galway  by  Mac  William  Fighter 
— Charters  of  Murage  and  of  the  Staple  granted  by  Edxvard  III. — Removal  of  the 
Staple — jMerchanls  of  Limericlc  jealous  of  the  increasing  trade  and  prosperity  of 
Gahcay — Revolt  and  submission  of  the  Town — Two  Charters  granted  by  Ricliard  II. 
— Charter  oj"  Henry  IV. — Mercantile  Regulations — Establishment  of  a  Mint — 
Charter  of  Edxvard  IV.  and  Conflagration  in  the  Toxvn. 

The  successful  invasion  of  Ireland  in  tlie  twelfth  century,  by  a  few  enter- 
prizing  adventurers,  is  an  event  which  has  long  astonislicd  the  world.  The 
suddenness  and  insignificance  of  the  expedition,  the  easy  and  unaccountable 
submission,  almost  without  a  struggle,  of  a  numerous  and  warlike  ])eople  to  a 
foreign  foe,  and  the  vast  importance  of  tlie  acquisition  to  the  crown  and  kino-doni 
of  England  justly  excited  the  admiration  of  mankind.  The  causes  v.hich  led  to 
this  great  and  memorable  revolution  will  be  ibund  fully  detailed  in  the  histories 
of  the  times;  its  effijcts,  which  still  continue,  and  which  will  influence  millions 
vet  unborn,  are  too  well  ascertained  to  require  any  new  description  :  and  as  neither 
properly  come  within  the  limits  of  a  work  of  this  nature  tlie  following  pages  will, 
therefore,  be  confined  to  the  local  and  provincial  transactions  which  afterwards 
took  place,  so  far  as  they  could  be  found  to  affect,  or  have  any  bearing  on 
the  history  of  Galway. 


44  HISTORY    OF    CALWAY. 

In  the  year  1171»  Richard  Earl  Strongbow  hvnded  near  Watcrford,  accom- 
panied by  William  Fitz-Andelm  de  Burgo,  a  principal  leader  in  the  army,  \vlio, 
after  the  success  of  the  invaders,  was  appointed  to  the  chief  government  of 
Ireland. '  Henry  II.  soon  afterwards  arrived  with  an  army  of  4U00  men,  and 
having  received  the  submission  of  some  of  tlie  petty  princes  of  Leinstcr  and 
Minister,  and  of  several  of  the  bishojis  and  clergy,  lie  returned  to  England. 
Innncdiately  on  Ids  departure,  the  princes  and  chieftains  who  liad  so  recently 
submitted  to  his  authority,  as  if  on  reflection  they  felt  ashamed  of  the 
jnisillanimity  with  which  they  bowed  their  necks  to  the  yoke  of  serxitude, 
revolted  and  commenced  hostilities.  Roderic  O'Conor,  king  of  Connaught  and 
monarch  of  Ireland,  who  tamely  permitted  the  encroachments  of  the  English, 
HOW,  when  it  was  too  late,  roused  from  his  lethargy,  crossed  the  Shannon  with 
a  considerable  army,  and  proceeded  towards  Dublin,  which  he  invested:  but  in 
consequence  of  the  unhappy  dissensions  which  prevailed  among  his  troops,  and 
which,  amongst  the  Irish,  were  at  all  times  the  causes  of  their  ruin,  he  was 
defeated,  obliged  to  retreat,  and  sue  for  peace.  He  accordingly  dispatched  deputies 
to  England,  who  met  the  king  at  Windsor,  and  there  a  ])eace  was  most  solemnly 
concluded  between  the  two  monarchs.  Roderic  consented  to  do  homage,  a]id 
j)ay  tribute  to  the  king  of  England  ;  whereupon  he  was  to  hold  his  kingdom  of 
Connaught,  with  the  title  of  king,  under  him,  Jie.r  sub  eo,  and  that  in  as  ample  a 
manner  as  he  had  done  before  the  coming  oi"  the  English.  Our  historians  are 
unanimous  in  declaring  that  there  never  was  any  treaty  more  scrupulously 
adhered  to  than  this  by  Roderic,  while  few  Mere  ever  more  flagrantly  violated 
than  it  afterwards  was,  by  Henry. 

In  the  year  II7S,  the  English  first  set  a  hostile  foot  in  Connaught.  Murrougli, 
one  of  Roderic's  sons,  having  recei\ed,  or  probably  pretending  to  have  received, 
some  supposed  injury,  privately  dispatched  messengers  to  Milo  de  Cogan, '  who 
then  lay  in  Dublin  inviting  him  to  march  into  Connaught,  with  a  sufficient 
force,  and  pronusing,  that  he  would  be  ready  to  assist  him  :  holding  forth,  at 
the  same  time,  great  prospects  of  plunder.  Milo,  who  only  wanted  the 
invitation,  immediately  set  out,  with  upwards  of  500  men,  and  soon  arrived  in 
Connaught;  but  having  there  met  with  a  reception  far  difllerent  i'rom  what  he 
expected,    h.e  was  obliged  to  make  a  shameful  retreat,    with  considerable  loss. 


'  This  nolilciiian,  was  the  great  ancestor  of  the  power-  rariis  titulis  et  siinima  reruni    ailmiiiiitratione  potita. — 

ful  iiiMiil}'  of  De  Burgo  and  the  Earls  of  Clanricarue,  (pf  Camlirensis  Eversm  pa.  53. 

•vhoni   frcqiier.l.  mention  will   be   made  throni;hout  this  "John  de  Cogan,  a  descendant  of  this  Milo's,  about 

work.     Of  his  numerous  and  opulent   posterity   by  two  the  year  120O,  built  the  Franciscan  Friary  at  Clare-yn- 

wives,  the  fuv.t  the  daughter  of  the  king  of  EnL'land,  and  dowl  now  Clare  Calway.     It  is  a  beautiful  and  curious 

the  second  tlui  daughter  of  Daniel  more  O'BiJi'n,   the  piece  of  gothic  architecture,   and  is  still  in  considerable 

lust  king  of  Cashel,  Ciratianus  Lucius  s|)eaks  as  follows —  |)rcservation ;  particularly  the  high  tower,  which  is  raised 

Cujus  jiropa'^o  adeo  loiige  latcque  per  bibferniani  ditl'iisn  on  ai'ches.     The  castle  was  afterwards  erected  by  one  of 

est,  ut  in  singulis  Insula-   regioiiihus   latil'unilia  pluriuia,  the  fauiily  of  the  De  Burgos, 
ft   sunuuaui   nlenuiKiue   duuiiii.ilioncui   letulei'it;    liono- 


i 


IIISTOnV    OF    GALWAV.  45 

nu  traitor  Murrough,  was  ilescrvccUy  sentenced  to  lose  his  eyes,  and  suffer 
jHrrpetual  imprisonment;  but  having  been  soon  afterwards  liberated,  he  became 
the  Riu'lty  cause  of  the  most  lamentable  dissensions. 

William  Fitz-Andclm  de  Ikirgo,  who,  during  his  government  of  Ireland,, 
formed  the  plan  of  obtaining  u  grant  of  tlie  entire  ])rovince  of  Connaught, 
(where,  he  hoped,  in  consequence  of  its  distracted  state,  to  be  able  to  establish 
himself,)  was  no  sooner  recalled,  than  he  confidently  applied  to  Henry  on  the 
subject;  of  course  representing  llodcric  as  only  waiting  for  an  opportunity  to 
retrieve  his  ruined  affairs.  Tlie  king,  who  ought  to  have  recoiled  with 
indignation  from  such  a  request,  on  the  contrary,  in  open  violation  of  the 
treaty  which  lie  had  so  recently  entered  into,  (and  which,  it  could  not  even 
be  alleged  was  infringed  on  in  any  one  article  by  Roderic,)  in  the  year  1179> 
made  the  desired  grant  to  William  Fitz-Andelm  and  his  heirs ;  and  although  the 
grantee  never,  during  his  life,  gained  any  benefit  by  the  concession,  the  country, 
notwithstanding,  became  thenceforward,  the  melancholy  theatre  of  war  and 
confusion. 

Soon  after  this  grant  was  obtained,  Hugo  de  Lacy,  one  of  the  boldest  of  the 
adventurers,  entered  Connaught  for  the  purpose  of  jffundering,  but  being 
resolutely  opposed,  he  saved  himself  and  his  men  by  a  precipitate  flight.  The 
province  is  described  as  particularly  disturbed  in  1181,  and  these  disturbances 
seem  to  have  continued  for  the  five  succeeding  years.  In  1186,  the  rebellious 
sons  of  the  unfortunate  Roderic  were  the  first  to  dethrone  their  unhappy 
father ;  they  abstained,  it  is  true,  from  the  heinous  crime  of  i)arricide,  but  they 
obliged  him  (perhaps  to  prevent  it,)  to  fly  and  take  refuge  in  the  venerable 
abbey  of  Cong,  in  the  present  County  of  Mayo,  where  he  found  an  asylum  for 
the  remainder  of  his  life.  Connor,  one  of  his  sons,  ])laced  himself  on  the 
throne,  and  soon  signalized  himself  by  routing,  with  great  slaughter,  John  de 
Courcy,  who,  in  11  SO,  taking  advantage  of  the  existing  broils,  made  an 
incursion  into  Connanglit.  Connor  did  not  long  enjoy  his  usurped  dignity,  he 
was  killed  by  one  of  his  brothers,  who,  in  return  was  slain  by  his  nephew,  one 
of  Connor's  sons,  whereupon  Cathal,  or  Charles,  surnamed  Crovdearg,  or  the 
hloodfi  handed,  succeeded,  and,  soon  after  his  succession,  gained  a  victory  over 
Ue  Courcy,  whom  he  defeated  with  the  loss  of  200  foot  and  30  horse;  in 
commemoration  of  which,  he  founded  the  abbey  of  CoUis  Victoria,  now  called 
Knockmoy  in  the  County  of  (Jalway. 

Roderic  O'Conor,  the  last  of  the  Irish  monarchs,  died  in  Cong,  where  he  had 
lived  in  retirement  for  the  last  twelve  years  of  his  life.  Immediately  on  his  death, 
William  Fitz-Andelm  made  every  preparation  to  assert  his  claim  to  Connaught, 
and  with  an  intention  of  making  Cathal  Carragh  O'Conor,  who  had  views  oit 
the  throne,  subservient  to  his  designs,  he  joined  with  him,  routed  Crovdearg, 
and  the  confederate  troo{)s  of  Ulster  and  Mcath,  and  established  Carragh :  but 
not  finding  him  so  obedient  to  his  wishes  as  he  had  expected,    he  soon  after 


46  HISTOKY    OF    GALWAY. 

declared  against  him,  and  joining  with  Crovdearg,  tlicy  defeated  Carragh,  ul\o  was  ' 
slain  in  the  field,  and  his  death  led  to  the  restoration  of  his  more  fortunate  rival. 
Tlie  power  and  fame  of  De  Burgo  now  became  so  extensive,  that  he  openly 
declared  himself  independent  of  the  crown  of  England ;  made  Limerick  the 
seat  of  his  power,  determined  on  war  and  jjcace  at  pleasure,  and  was  both  feared 
and  hated  as  well  by  the  English  as  by  the  Irish  chieftains.  Cathal  Crovdcaro-,  who 
experienced  his  changeable  disposition,  was  obliged  again  to  have  recourse  to 
arms  for  his  protection  ;  and  joining  with  IMeiler  Fitz-Henry,  the  Justiciary,  they 
marched  towards  Limerick,  where  they  soon  forced  that  powerful  chief  to 
surrender  and  return  to  his  allegiance.  He  appears  to  have  remained  quiet  the 
remainder  of  his  life.  In  the  year  1^200  he  founded  the  famous  abbey  of 
Athassell  in  the  county  of  Tipperary ;  and  having  died  in  U^04,  he  was  there 
interred,  leaving  Richard,  Lord  of  Connaught,  his  heir  and  successor.  It  is 
observed  by  our  historians,  that  the  foregoing  expedition  of  Cathal  and  the 
Justiciary,  was  the  first  instance  in  which  an  Englishman  was  ever  seen  at  the 
head  of  the  native  troops  of  Ireland. 

The  death  of  William  Fitz-Andelm  did  not  retrieve  the  aftairs  of  Cathal,  but 
ratlier  opened  upon  Jiim  more  dangerous  foes;  to  avoid  whom,  he  wisely 
determined  to  enter  into  a  treaty  with  king  John,  and  if  possible  to  depend 
lipon  him  for  safety  and  protection.  Accordingly  in  the  year  1200,  he 
surrendered  two  parts  of  Connaught,  and  agreed  to  pay  one  hundred  marks 
yearly  for  the  third  part,  which  lie  was  to  hold  in  vassalage ; '  but  notwithstandino- 
this  treaty,  it  appears  that  this  proverbially  perfidious  English  monarch,  on  l'2th 
September  1215,  granted  to  Richard  de  Burgo,  the  entire  of  Connaught,  which  was 
stated  to  ha\e  been  held  by  his  father,  at  the  yearly  rent  of  three  hundred  marks. 
This  grant  was  confirmed  in  1218,  by  Henry  III.  who,  for  the  fine  of  a  thousand 
marks,  granted  "  the  whole  kingdom  of  Connaught"  to  Richard  de  Buroo  and 
his  heirs ;  but  in  this  concession  it  was  provided  that  it  should  not  take  effect 
until  alter  the  death  of  Cathal,  who  still  maintained  some  shadow  of  rule  and 
dignity,  which  he  preserved  until  1223,  when  he  died.  Tirlougii,  his  brother, 
succeeded,  but  he  was  soon  after  expelled  by  Gcofi'ry  de  Maurisco,  the  Justiciary, 
arid  Hugh,  a  son  of  Cathal,   was  established;    who,   soon  after  endeavouring  to 


«  The  following  coinniiinication  was  ninde  by  Jolin  to  esse  nostrum  melius,  iil  fieri  facialis,  quia  ad  hoc  bene 

Moilor  Fitz-Hcnry  on  this  occasion. — "Rex  Mcilcro  filio  .nssentinius,  si  vos  vitlerctis  e.xpeilire,  \crnntanien  ciiram 

Ker.i-ici    Justiciario    Hilieriiite,    Sciatis    quoil   Dcrcmiiit  et   opcram   adhibeatis   diligenlem,   si   poteritis  opjwnere 

fxposiiit  nobis  ex  parte  Regis  Connacic,  quod  idem  Rex  increnientinn   de   dono  propter  hoc  ci)iicedcndui]i,  quia 

e-Ligit  tenere  de   nobis,  terciam  partem  terre  de  Comwc  sicut  audivimus,  ipse  CCCC  niarcas,  propter  hoc  ilabit,  ad 

pro  C  Marcis  per  annum,  sibi  et  lieredibus  suis,  i^oniine  minus,  de  gersuni,  et  effuiatis  eciam  quod  doiiat  de  vaccis 

Karonie,  et    pro   duabus  partibus   ejusdem   terre,  reddet  et  aliis  rebus,  i)er  annum  ad  sustincnduui   eastra   nostra 

nobis  annuatim,  debituin  tributuni,  scilicet  CCC  Marcas.  que  ilhic  firmaviiuns.    Teste  ine  ipso,  a'pud  Ibelnill,  L'odie' 

Et  preterea  concedet   nobis,  duos  cantredos  cum  nativis  Uecembris;    per   ipsum    He,!,'eui. — Itv(.  CI.   7   Ju'li.  Tar. 

cornndem    cantrcdorum,    de    predictis    duabus    partibus  I.mul.     For  a  subsequent  dispatch  li-oui  the  Kim;  to  the 

ad  firmandum   in  eis,  yel  ad  facieiuhun  inile  voluutatem  Justiciar),  containing  a  recital  of  the  answer  of  the  laltcr 

Dostrani  ;  et  ideo  vobis  niandannis,  quod  si  hoc  viderctis  to  the  above,  sec  Lelaud's  Hist.  Vol.  I.  p.  175.       ' 


HISTORY    OF    GALAVAY,  47 

rentier  himself  independant,  was  assassinated  by  order  of  Gcoffry,  and  Tirlouo-h 
was  once  more  restored. 

.Such  was  the  gloomy  picture  of  affairs  in  Connaught,  and  the  melancholy 
state  to  which  its  native  princes  were  reduced,  when  a  mandate,  dated  l'2th  June, 
I'J'^J,  arrived  from  England,  directing  William  Earl  Marshall,  the  Lord  Justice, 
to  seize  on  the  whole  country  of  Connaught,  (stated  to  have  been  forfeited  by 
O'Conor,)  and  to  deliver  it  to  Richard  de  Uurgo,  at  the  yearly  rent  of  three 
hundred  marks,  for  the  first  five  years,  and  after  that  period,  of  five  hundred 
niaiks,  for  ever:  excepting  however  five  choice  cantreds  of  lands  near  Athlone, 
which  were  supposed  to  have  been  reserved  for  the  use  of  that  garrison.  This 
unprinci])led  grant  was  obtained  through  the  influence  of  the  famous  Hubei't  de 
Burgo,  Justiciary  of  England,  in  fiivour  of  his  kinsman,  it  was  finally  confirmed 
at  'Westminster,  21st  December,  1226,  and  in  the  year  following  Richard  de 
Burgo  was  appointed  to  the  government  of  Ireland. 

The  new  governor  with  a  view  of  promoting  his  views,  and  advancing  his 
interest  in  Connaught,  stirred  up  the  usual  cause  of  dissension  in  this  unhappy 
province.  He  deposed  Tirlough  from  the  sovereignty,  and  established  Fedhlim 
O'Conor,  another  son  of  Cathal,  who  afterwards  proved  himself  the  bravest  and 
most  politic  of  Roderic's  descendants,  and  tiie  only  one  who  for  any  time  retained 
the  appearance  of  power.  This  prince,  after  acquiring  his  independance,  i-esolutely 
resisted  De  Burgo's  claims  on  his  territory,  and  fortunately  for  him,  his 
adversary's  great  friend,  the  Justiciary  of  England,  having,  at  the  very  time, 
fallen  into  disgrace,  the  former  was  removed  from  the  government  here ;  and 
the  Irish  prince  profiting  by  the  temporary  embarrassment  of  his  rival,  consider- 
ably augmented  his  power.  But  still  apprehensive  tliat  he  could  not  long  support 
himself  in  Connauglit  by  his  own  exertions,  he  suddenly  passed  over  to  England, 
attended  by  the  Lord  Justice,  and  there  laid  a  long  detail  of  his  grievances  and 
complaints  against  De  Burgo  before  the  monarch.  Henry  received  his  royal 
visitor  in  a  manner  worthy  of  his  rank  and  dignity,  and  seemed  so  fully 
persuaded  of  the  justice  of  his  cause  that  he  commanded  the  Lord  Justice  and 
nobility  of  Ireland  to  afford  him  every  assistance,  and  use  all  their  efforts  to 
establish  him  in  his  territory. 

About  this  time  the  town  and  castle  of  Galway  (which  the  reader  was 
necessarily  obliged  so  long  to  lose  sight  of,)  became  of  importance  to  the  parties 
contending  for  the  sovereignty  of  Connaught.  After  the  invasion,  in  II70,  the 
castle  was  strongly  fortified,  and  the  town  was  put  into  a  state  of  defence. "  It 
then  consisted  of  a  small  community,  composed  of  a  few  families  of  fishermen 


°  A5  many  readers  niny  be  curious  to  know  the  particular  the  late  county  Court-house.    For  centuries   after   the 

Mtiiation  of  this  ancient  edifice,  it  has  been  ascertained  above  period  it  was  known  by  the  name  of  the  red  Earl's 

that  it  stood  in  tliat  part  of  the  Town,  called  in  the  old  castle,  but  it  has  been  long  since  entirely  dtinolished. 
nia[),   the  red  Earl's  lane,  or  Boalicr  an-Iarlagh,   near 


48 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


and  merchants ;  (many  of  whose  names  have  been  already  given  in  tlie  firet 
chapter,)  and  was  principally  under  the  protection  of  the  O'Flahcrtys,  who  held 
the  castle  and  surrounding  territory,  as  feudal  lords  from  the  kings  of  Connaught. 
Upon  the  return  of  Fedlilim  from  England,  Hugh  O'Flaherty,  chief  of  Ins 
name,  declared  in  his  favour,  and  in  1230  fortified  himself  in  the  castle  of 
Galway. '  He  was  besieged  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  by  Richard  de  Burgo, 
but  being  effectually  relieved  from  the  west  by  Hugh  O'Conor,  De  Burgo,  after 
several  ineffectual  endeavours  to  take  the  castle,  was  obliged  to  raise  the  siege. 
Irritated  at  the  spirited  resistance  of  Fedhlim  and  his  adherents,  he  at  length, 
summoned  all  his  forces,  and  in  1'23'2,  succeeded  in  driving  that  unfortunate 
prince  from  the  province ;  and,  continuing  his  success,  he  finally  took  him 
prisoner,  and  established  Hugh  O'Conor  in  his  place.  Tiie  town  and  castle  of 
Galway,  on  this  occasion,  fell  into  his  hands,  and  having  then  discovered  the 
great  importance  of  the  ])lace,  he,  in  the  same  year,  built  several  considerable 
additions  to  the  castle.  Fedhlim,  having  immediately  after,  regained  his  liberty 
and  kingdom,  by  the  death  of  Hugh,  which  took  place  in  V23S ;  laid  siege  to- 
Galway,  and  having  succeeded  in  taking  the  castle,  he  demolished  all  the  new 
works :  but  his  powerful  antagonist,  Richard  de  Burgo,  soon  after  recovered 
the  town,  and  thenceforth  it  became  the  principal  residence  of  himself  anil 
his  descendants,  "  and  finally  the  capital  of  the  province,  wliich  it  still  continues 
to  be.  He  then  fortified  it  against  the  incursions  of  the  Irish,  and  appointed  a 
magistrate,  who  was  indiscriminately  called  a  provost  or  bailiff,  and  who  governed 
the  inhabitants  by  established  laws. 

Fedhlim  O'Conor  preserved  his  ideal  title,  and  with  it,  a  scanty  remnant  of 
the  kingdom  of  his  ancestors,  until  the  year  1265, "  when  he  died,  leaving  his  son 
Hugii  to  succeed  him.  The  latter  on  his  accession,  having  asserted  and  supported 
bis  claim  to  the  royal  name  and  dignity,  Walter  de  Burgo  levied  a  body  of  forces. 


'   Ann.  Connacirp.  MS.  Hih.  Trin.  Coll.  Dub. 

"  KiLliiiril  lie  Biii\'o  appears  to  have  been  a  man  of 
eminent  military  talents,  lie  was  the  greatest,  most  persc- 
verin'T,  anJ,  fin;'.lly  triumjihant,  enemy  of  the  ancient  race 
of  O'Conor,  « liose  power  in  Connaii^ht  he  effectually  ile- 
stroyeil,  ami  as  firmly  established  his  own,  and  that  of  his 
(k'sccmlants.  lie  bnilt  the  Castle  of  Loniihrea  in  IS.^C, 
and  going  to  France,  to  meet  the  king  of  England,  he  died 
on  the  voyage  in  1^-53,  leaving  Walter,  the  fir»t  Earl  of 
Ulster,  111-  heir  and  successor.  A.  D.  rj-J7  the  Town  and 
C'a  lie  of  Galway  were  burnt. — Jiiinils. 

'  On  a  great  I'oll  of  the  pipe  of  the  4Gth  year  of 
lien.  III.  A.  1).  12'ia,  discovered,  by  the  author,  in  the 
Exchequer  in  Dublin,  there  appear  the  following  entries 
ol'  the  arrears  then  due  by  tho-,e  rival  chieftains  out  of 
this  devoted  province. 

Walter  de  Burgo  owes  91/.  IS.?,  arrears  of  his  last 
account  of  tlie  rent  of  25  cantrcds  in  Connaught. 

j^fethehmis  O'Konechor  (Vedldim  O'Conor)  owes  GOO 
marks,  for  himself  and  Oeth  (Hugh)  his  son,  for  having 


the  king's  pardon  for  all  transgressions  by  them  committed 
in  Ireland.  The  said  Fedhlim  owes  .5000  marks  and  2000 
cows,  for  having  three  cantreds  of  land  in  Connaught,  io 
fee  farm,  viz.  the  cantreds  of  Maekney,  Tyrtotha,  and 
Moylurg;  as  is  contained  in  a  certain  schedule  of  his  fine, 
and  the  fines  of  some  others,  and  in  his  letters  patent  of 
the  obligation  of  the  saiil  fine. 

The  said  Fedlilim  owes  600/.  rent  of  the  said  three 
cantreds  for  this  year,  and  the  year  last  past,  as  is  con- 
tained in  the  writing  obligatory  (jf  him  the  said  Feilhliin, 
in  tile  treasury ;  and  lloo/.  arrears  ol  the  smne  formally 
years  preceding:  and  also  owes  lor  the  cantred  of 
Tirmany,    for  this  and  the  three  la.-t  years. 

Walter  de  Burgo  owes  1000  marks  rtMit  of  25  Cantreds 
in  Connaught,  for  this  year  and  the  year  last  j>ast,  and 
1480/  H.V.  If/,  arrears  of  tlie  same  for  many  years 
preceding. — l{iil.  J'ip. 

On  similar  Rolls  jiresened  in  Berminghain  Tower,  it 
ap)iears  tliat  in  1281,  Cathel  O'Konechor  paid  a  fine  of 
200  cows  for  the  king's  peace,     'i'homas  Mc.  Dcniiod  and 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  49 

Mul  niarclieJ  against  him.  Hugh,  on  liis  side,  made  every  preparation  to  meet  the 
foe,  and  a  battle  took  place,  in  wliicii  he  was  completely  victorious.  De  Burgo 
did  not  long  survive  this  defeat;  he  died  in  the  castle  of  Galway,  in  1271  ; 
k'aving  Richard,  commonly  called  the  Red  Earl  of  Ulster,  his  heir  and 
successor.  "  Hugh  himself  was  afterwards  slain,  with  2000  men,  by  W'Dermott  of 
Moylurg,  who  was  another  rival ;  and  thenceforth,  imtil  the  total  destruc- 
tion of  the  house  of  O'Conor  in  131G,  Connaught  exhibited  a  horrid  scene  of 
blood  and  confusion. 

Amidst  these  troubles,  the  crowded  town  of  Galway  was  sheltered  under  the  pow- 
erful protection  of  the  De  Burgos.  In  the  time  of  Walter  and  Richard,  the  first 
and  second  earls  of  Ulster,  it  increased  considerably  in  trade  and  population,  owing 
{)rincipally  to  their  presence,  and  consequent  protection  against  Fedhlim  O'Conor, 
his  successors,  and  the  surrounding  Irish.  It  was,  however,  found  necessary,  in 
order  effectually  to  prevent  their  incursions,  which  were  frequent  and  destructive,' 
to  fortify  the  town,  and  surround  it  with  walls.  This  work  was  accordingly  com- 
menced about  the  year  I27O  ;  and  there  is  still  extant,  on  the  great  roll  of  the  pipe, 
(i  Kdw.  I. — the  account  of  Stephen  Annery  and  Adam  Albus,  collectors  of  the 
murage  of  the  town  of  Gahy,  in  Connaught,  from  the  festival  of  the  Annuncia- 
tion of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  56  Hen.  III.  until  the  same  festival,  3  Edw.  I.* 
in  which  they  account  for  29/.  7*'  f)^-  received  for  customs  of  wine,  salt,  cloth, 
leather  and  divers  other  merchandize, '  whereout  they  expended  29/.  4*.  5(f.  in 


Brien  Mr.  Doritiod  24  cows  for  the  same.    The  sept  of  in  Connaught,  and  Cathyl  his  brother,  and  other  Irisli  who 

(tie  O'KflliLs  I'-'O  cows  lor  having  the  king's  army  removed  are  against  the  king's  peace,   forcibly  occupy  the  hinds  of 

from  tlicm,  and  O'Flendegan  4  cows  for  having  entry  into  Ricliard  de  Exon'  in  Connaught,  so  that  nothing  could  bs 

two  town  lands  near  Roscommon. — Rnf.  Pip,  9,  li.  T. —  received  out  of  the  same." — Rot.  Pip.  52,  B.  'P. 
A.  D.    J2S5    Katliell   O'Konechor  paid   200   marks   for  '  William,   liis    second    son,    was    called    William    de 

having  entry  into  two  and  a  half  cantreds  in  Connaught  Athenkip,  from   a  place  of  that  name  on  the  Shannon, 

for  .)  years,  and  300  marks  for  the  rent  during  that  time;  where  he  was  put  to  death  by  Hngh  O'Conor,  while  liis 

and  John  Mape  and  John  de  Exon'  were  commanded  not  hostage,  in  the  year  1270. 

»o  deliver  him  the  letters  patent,  until  they  should  get         ''  On  the  roll  of  the  pipe,  51  Hen.  III.   Gillcpatrick 

security  for  the  money. — Cathel  O'Konchor  roth,  240  Mac  Karly  was  fined  50s.  on  obtaining  his  pardon  for 

cows  for  having  the  king's  peace.    O'Fergill  120  cows,  and  burning  the  town  of  Gaivy,  and  for  the  death  of  David 

Gilbert  O'Kelly  and  David  O'Kelly   10/.  for  the  same.  Bree;  and  several  other  instances  of  a  similar  kind  are 

Donald  O'lvelli,   Owcyn  O'Kelly,  Donechad  Moynagh  found  to  have  occurred  in  these  turbulent  and  unhappy 

O'Kelly,  Mackothe  O'Kelly,  Donechad  fil'  Con  O'Kelly,  times. 

«nd  Magnesfil'  Lewelyn  O'Kelly  fined  lOOs.  for  contempt.         '  Murage  was  a  liberty  granted  by  the  king,  for  collect- 

At  the  same  time,  the  burgesses  of  Roscommon  paid  lo/.  ing  money  tow;irds  walling  a  town.   Aiitio  3  Edit:  I.  chap. 

fur  the  farm  of  the  town  yearly,  and  10/.  yearly  for  the  3.  A  murage  charter,  therefore,  must,  about  this  time,  have 

picas  and  perquisites  there. — Rot.  Pip.  15,  P.  T.  been  granted  to  Galway,  to  authorize  the   collectors  to 

On  an  Exchequer  roll,  A.  D.    1324,  there  is  an  entry  levy  the  above  customs;  but,  after  the  most  diligent  search, 

that  in  that  year,    the   three  cantreds,   which  Fedhlim  no  trace  of  it  could  be  discovered  amongst  the  few  records 

O'Conogher  formerly  held   of  the  king  in  Roscommon,  of  these  early  periods  at  present  remaining.    In  our  search, 

were  granted  to  Theodore  O'Conogher  of  Connaught ;  however,  was  found  a  ninrage  charter  granted  to  the  bai- 

paying,    vcarly,   into  the   Exchequer    100  marks,   under  lifts  anil  good  men  of //M»f/'y,  dated  13  Oct,  1312.— /fo/. 

condition  of  his  delivering  to  the  king  a  sufficient  hostage  Pat.  4  Ediu.  II. — On  the  same  roll  there  appears  a  royal 

f<jrpa\ing  said  rent,  and  also  for  keeping  the  king's  peace;  mandate,  to  prevent  war  between  Richard  de  Burgo  and 

and  Henry  Mape  was  ordered  to  receive  and  securely  keep  O'Brien  of  Thomond. 

the  said  hostage. — Rot.   Mem.   18  Kdw.   II. — Not  long         '  de  vino,  sale,  lana,  pannis,  coreis,  pellibus  omnium 

after,  viz.    1331,    John   Morice,    Escheator  of  Ireland,  agnorum  et  caprarum,  piscibus,  alecibus,  et  aliis  diversis 

returned  that  "  Ty  rdelagli  O'Conghy  r,  prince  of  the  Irish  et  niinutis  mercandisis. — Rot.  Pip. 

G 


10 


HISTORY    OP    GALWAY. 


masons  and  cra'pcntcrs  wages,  and  expenses  of"  workmen  assisting  them  in  the 
wood  and  stone  work  during  that  time.  On  the  same  roll,  there  also  appears 
the  account  of  Robert  Bayon,  collector  of  the  murage  of  Galway,  from  the 
Sunday  next  after  the  festival  of  St.  IMartin,  G  Edw.  I.  until  Tuesday  on  the  morrow 
of  St.  Simon  and  Jude,  S  Edw.  I.  wherein  he  accounts  for  27/.  13*-.  11^(/.  customs 
of  wine,  salt,  wool,  cloth,  leather,  skins  of  all  lambs  and  goats,  fish,  herrings, 
and  other  divers  and  minute  merchandize,  at  the  same  place  coming  in  during 
that  time,  whereout  he  expended,  in  making  a  large  fire  to  biu-n  lime,  and  for  wood 
carried  to  the  same,  and  for  the  wages  of  masons  and  other  workmen  employed 
for  breaking  stone,  and  conveying  it  to  the  same  place  during  the  same  time,  and 
for  the  wages  of  workmen  and  others  assisting  the  masons  to  make  walls  on  the 
side  towards  the  sea,  and  to  build  a  tower  beyond  the  great  gate,"  and  in  buying 
iron  for  fabricating  crows,  pickaxes,  nails,  and  other  tools,  5/.  17.s".  4<d.:  and  further, 
for  wages  of  carpenters  working  about  the  tower,  and  for  carriage  of  timber  and 
carpenters  work  at  the  gate,  and  for  various  other  necessary  works,  11/.  5s.  7^/, — 
The  contents  of  this  ancient  record  are  thus  particularly  specified,  as  they  recount 
the  first  considerable  improvements  which  were  made  in  the  town  after  it  was  pos- 
sessed by  the  English  settlers ;  and,  trifling  as  the  amount  of  the  sums  expended 
on  these  works  may  appear  in  modern  times,  they  will  be  found,  upon  a  compara- 
tive calculation  of  the  then  value  of  money,  to  have  been  very  considerable. 

Before  the  erection  of  these  walls  and  works  of  defence,  tlie  town,  thouo-h  it 
was,  even  then,  the  principal  mart  and  most  distinguished  j)lace  in  Connau"-ht, 
was  little  superior,  either  in  extent  or  form,  to  a  considerable  modern  vilian-e  :  but 
after  these  works  and  improvements  were  completed,  it  presented  the  appearance 
of  a  regularly  fortified  town  ;  and,  by  thus  insuring  additional  security  and  pro- 
tection, in  those  turbulent  times,  to  the  lives  and  properties  of  the  people,  it  con- 
tinued gradually  to  increase.  Several  new  settlers,  from  time  to  time,  added  to 
its  wealth  and  trade,  and  considerably  augmented  the  number  of  its  inhabitants ; 
but  particularly  about  this  period  the  families  of  B/akc,  Budlmi,  F/bnt,  Joj/es, 
Lijitdi,  Martin  and  Skerrett,  settled  in  the  town,  and  principally  laid  the  foun- 
dution  of  its  subsequent  prosperity.  Tlie  walls  erected  towards  the  sea  were 
intended  to  prevent  any  descent  from  the  western  parts  of  Munster  and  Connaught; 
and  the  tov/er,  beyond  the  great  gate,  was  erected  as  a  defence  against  any  incursions 
from  the  interior  of  the  country,  and  particularly  by  Lougli  Corrib,  which  it 
seems  to  have  been  particularly  designed  to  guard  against.  The  building  of  the 
walls  was  continued  at  intervals  during  tlie  succeeding  century,  at  the  termination 
of  which  tlie  town  was  entirely  inclosed. 


"  In  factura  iinms  rogi,  ad  calcem  coniburciuluin,  ct  pra  nini,  tractantiiiin  ct  juvantium  prcdictos  ccmentarios,  ad 

brisca,  ibidem  carriando,  ct  in  stipciidiis  oeiiientiirioriii,!,  niiiros  versus  mare  lac;endmn,  et  ad  tiirrim  ultra  jna"iiam 

et  aliorum  operarioruui,  pctrain  lVan..'antiuni,  ct   |)ortau-  portam  facieiuluni. — Rot.  Pip.  li.  T.  ° 

lium  ibidem,  per  iilciu  te;:ir;iis,  et  in  stipciuliis  operario- 


IlISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


51 


Aucr  these  fortifications  were  erected,  the  foreign  trade  of  Galway  improved 
<•orl^iderably.''  Derinod  More  O'Brien,  grandson  of  Soan  Tiege  or  Tiege  Aluinn, 
wluj  resided  at  Troinra  in  Clare  in  1'277,  received  1'2  tuns  of  wine  yearly,  as  a 
tribute  from   the   merchants    of   the    town,    in   consideration   of  protecting   the 


*  Tlie  extent  of  the  commerce  of  Galway,  even  at  tliis 
early  (late,  may  l>c  ascertained  from  the  following  view  of 
il3  cn-^tOMK  anil  rcvumus,  compared  with  those  paid  in 
Limerick  for  corrc-pondin^  periods.  In  the  great  roll  of 
t'lc  Pipe  No.  f ,  preserved  iji  Bcrmingham  tower,  it  appears 
that  the  nrat  prurlnce  of  the  customs  paid  in  Limerick 
from  the  li.lli  ol'  April,  5  Edw.  L  (1277)  to  the  festival  of 
Saint  Michael,  in  the  6tli  year  of  the  same  king,  was  6/.  \Ss. 
End  that  their  amount,  for  the  same  period,  in  Galway, 
was  21/.  l.'i.t.  '2il.  in  roll  9,  it  appears  that  the  produce  of 
the  customs  in  Limerick,  from  Michaelmas  in  thc'Slh, 
until  Easter  in  the  loth  year  of  Edw.  L  was  21/.  5s.  2d. 
and  that  in  Galway,  for  the  same  period,  they  amounted 
to  .'ijl.  5s.  1 0|rf.  In  roll  1 5,  the  customs  of  Limerick,  from 
the  festival  of  All  Saints  in  the  14th,  to  the  same  festival 
in  the  15th  year  of  Edw.  I.  amounted  to  9/.  IBs.  while  iu 
fialwjy  they  proiluced  for  the  same  year,  3SL  l.5s.  Id. 
Soon  after  this,  the  trade  of  Limerick  appears  to  have  been 
reduced  annost  to  nothing,  »vhilc  that  of  Galway  conti- 
nued in  the  same  flourislung  state ;  for  on  roll  1 7,  the  neat 
produce  of  the  customs  of  Limerick  appear  to  have 
amounted  only  to  U-.  Gd.  foraperiod  when  they  amounted 
in  Galway  to  18/.  4s.  5\d. 

The  subjoined  list  and  amount  of  the  customs  paid  in 

(;,\lway,  for  several  years  before  the  year  1400,  have  been 

ciirefully  abstracted  from  the  great  rolls  of  the  Pipe,  pre- 

•ervfd  in  Uermingham  Tower. 

A.D.  127G 

l-'7  7 

1278 

1281 

1282 

1288 

1289  to  1291 

1290  to  1292 

1292  &  129.- 

1293  &  1294 
1296  &  1297 
1302 


Mo 

15 

Of 

24 

15 

2 

7 

8 

0 

53 

5 

"H 

22 

2 

6 

18 

4 

5i 

5\ 


1303 


1311 

1321  &  1322 

13S6 

1387 

1388 

1389 

\ 

1390 

1391 

13C2 

13<;3 

Sc   1394 

118      5    10 
1398  78      5      O 

Fivr  the  years  omitted  above  there  are  no  accounts  on 
reeonl. 

In  12S3  the  following  account  was  returned  of  the 
jxisscssions  which  belonged  to  Wolter  de  Burgo  in  Galway 
and  C'onnaught,  and  which  Avelina  his  widow  held  in 
doAcr,  from  the   day   next  before   the   festival   of   St. 


Urban  the  Pope,  2d  Edw.  I.  to  the  22d  February,  8th 
Edw.  I. 

Town  of  Galway. 


I.  s. 

For  1 1  acres  of  the  demesne  of  the  town, 
which, with  other  lands  before  the  tow  n, 
were  delivered  by  the   king's   writ  to 

Richard,  son  and  heir  of  said  Walter  -  2  0 

For  the  rents  of  the  burgages  there        -  35  17 

For  the  lands  held  byWil.de  Mountenaye  l  7 
For  one  place  which  William  de  Schepe- 

shend  holds  there      -        -        -         -  0  5 

For  the  mill          -         -         -         -        -  3G  15 

For  the  fishing  of  the  salmon  weirs         -  11  0 

For  the  rent  of  the  eel  weirs          -         -  loll 

For  the  toll  there          -         -        -         -  1 1  0 

For  the  rent  of  the  burgages  of  the  town  17  17 

For  the  perquisites  of  the  Hundred  Coiu't  1 1  C 

For  the  increase  of  the  said  penjuisites  -  0  10 
For  the  increase  of  the  salmon  and  eel 

weirs        -        -        -        -        -        -  1  G 


d. 


jC139    11      0 


-  in  Cathernemot  and  Cathoel. 


The  principal  Anglo-Normati  Tenants  of  Walter  de  Burgo 
in  Connaught  A.D.   1280. 

Thomas  Fitz  Lyons  and  John  Fitz  Thomas,  2  cantreds 
in  the  lands  of  Kerymoy  and  Kerylothnarne. 

Henry  de  Rupe  in  Sylmorne. 

John  le  Chaun  in  Moyntcrathy. 

John  Fitz  ^Vil.  de  Cogan  in  Jloyntermolinnan. 

John  Fitz  Robert  in  Olonian. 

John  de  Cogan,  sen.  in  Kenalcthy. 

Hubert  de  Burgo  in  Koratheg. 

Ric.  de  Rupella  in  Monbrach. 

John  Dolfyn  in  Hathgorgyn. 

Mich,  le  Norreys  in  Casselfuligan. 

John  Lynet,  "» 

Norman  Fitz  William, 

Robert  Barun, 

William  Hose,  j 

John  Dolfyn  in  Galboly. 

^Villiam  Core  in  Rathrody. 

Eadmundus  Huskard  and  John  de  Burgo,  Thomas  Fitz 
Jordan  and  Dondonenald  in  Kylmalethyn,  and  Theo- 
bald Pinccrnus  (Butler)  the  castle  of  Mylyck. — Jiul. 
Pip.  \\,  S.T. 

A.D.  1365,  Jime  2.  Joan,  daughter  and  heir  of  Wil- 
liam Sepishend,  chief  miller  of  the  mills  of  the  town  of 
Galway,  gave  and  confirmed  to  Thomas  JIartyn,  and  his 
heirs,  .all  the  profits  and  emoluments  arising  out  of  the  said 
mills  of  Galway,  descended  to  her  by  hereditary  right ; 
to  hold  as  freely  and  quietly  as  lier  said  father,  John  her 
grandfather,  and  William  her  great  grandfather,  held  the 
same  of  the  Lords  Walter,  Richard  and  William  de  Burgo, 
late  Earls  of  Ulster  and  Lords  of  Conuaught.— Tfo/.  Fa(^ 
27,  28  Hen.  VIII. 


5ii  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

harbour  and  trade  from  all  pirates  and  privateers,  by  maintaining  a  suitable 
maritime  force  for  the  purpose/  The  commercial  duties  also,  which  in  these  times 
were  payable  in  the  town,  sufficiently  evince  its  increasing  consequence.  In  the 
year  1303,  the  revenue  called  the  new  customs  (being  an  impost  of  three  pence 
in  the  pound,  due  irom  merchant  strangers  only,  lor  all  connnodities  imported  or 
exported,)  was  first  granted  to  the  crown,  and  in  the  same  year  these  customs  at 
Galway  were  fanned  out  to  Richard  le  Blake,  ibr  one  year,  for  32!.  In  130G 
Thomas  Sage  and  Simon  Long  were  appointed  collectors  of  the  same  duties,  and 
also  of  the  custom  of  two  shillings  for  e\'ery  hogshead  of  wine  imported  ;  and  in 
1307  they  were  granted  for  one  year  to  Thomas  Dolfyn,  on  the  security  of 
Edmund  Ilusee,  Philip  Purcel,  Richard  le  Blake,  and  William  Seman.  In  October 
of  the  same  year,  the  great  customs  of  the  town,  viz.  those  payable  on  wool, 
sheepskins,  or  woolfells,  and  leather  exported,  were  granted  to  Criicheus  Hubert ; 
and  the  new  customs  were,  at  the  same  time,  farmed  to  Crucheus  Delpas,  for 
the  sum  of  24/. '  These  extracts,  of  which  many  more  could  be  produced, 
sufficiently  point  out  the  extent  and  gradual  increase  of  the  commerce  of  Galway 
at  this  period.  It  was  not,  however,  entirely  uninterrupted,  but  had  to  contend 
against  many  difficulties  and  disadvantages,  occasioned  by  those  animosities  which 
always  subsisted  between  the  English  settlers  and  the  original  inhabitants  of 
the  country.  About  the  time  last  alluded  to,  violent  contentions  broke  out 
between  the  Lords  of  the  Pale  and  the  native  Irish,  and  particularly  between  the 
Earl  of  Ulster,  O'Brien,  and  the  Geraldines  in  Thomond  ;  by  which  the  trade  of 
the  town  was  so  much  impeded,  that  Andrew  Gerard,  a  Florentine  merchant,  who 
v»'as  keeper  of  the  customs  in  1310,  had  a  considerable  abatement :  "  for  that  it 
appears  tliat  the  customs  in  Galvy  were  worth  less  in  that  year  than  theretofore. 


*  Tlie  O'Briens  of  Tromra,  a  territory  in  Thomond,  ]ier  Miijesty  and  licr  predecessors,  the  temporal  captains 

which   was  part  ot"  the  ancient  patiinidiiial  Cbtatc  of  the  or  loriU  of  the  islaiuU  of  Arran,  ami  their  territories  and 

O'liriini   ol    Arran,   (doscon;lants   of  Bryan   Bnron)lie,)  hcredltauients  elsewhere,  under  the  name  of  Mac  Tiege 

were  soverci,i;n  Lords  of  tlie  Isles  of  Arran  in  the  hay  of  O'Brien  of  Arran,  time  out  of  man's  nieniory;  and  tiiat 

Cal'.vay,  and   of  Trinnra   in   the  County  of  Chn-e,  until  they  had  seen  the  said  .Murrogh  Mac  Turlogh,  authorised 

t'.ie  rel^;n  of  Oucen  Eii^'abeth;  as  appears  hy  an  address  by  all  his  sept,  as  chief  of  tl)at  name,  and   in  possession 

which   the    Mayors  and  Slieriti's  of  the  Cily  of  Galway  of  the  premises  as  his  own  lawful  inheritance,  as  more  at 

wrote  in  their  favor  to  that  Qncen,  wherein  it  is  menlioned  large,   say   they,  doth    appear  in   our   books   of  records, 

that  the  corporation  of  that  city  paid  them  an  additional  wherein  he  continued,  imtil  of  late  he  was,  by  the  iriurping 

tribute  of  wine,  in  consideration  of  their  protection  and  power  of  the   O'Flaiicrties,  expulsed,  from   whom   it  is 

expenses  in  guarding    the   hay  and  harbour   of  Galway  taken   by   some  in(juost  found   in    her    Majesty's   favor, 

against  pirates  and  coast  plunderers.     An  authentic  copy  "  We  say  uioreovcr,"  add  they,  "  lliat  the  sept  of  Mac 

of  that  address  is  possessed  hy  John  O'Brien  of  Clontis,  TicL'e  O'Brien  of  Arran,  since  the  foundation  of  this  city 

in  the  county  of  Limerick,  esip.iire,  who  is  now  the  wortliy  nud  town,  were  aldijii;  and  assisting  to  ourselves  and  our 

direct  cifief  of  that  princely  fanfdy. — U'Jiiieu  Dirt.  predecessors   against  her  . Majesty's  and  her  predecessors 

It   uray   not  be  uninteresting   to  annex  a  copy  of  the  enemies,  in   all  times  and   places   whercunto  they   were 

address  here  alluded  to.     It  was  signed  on  30th  March,  called,  as  true,  faitlii'ul  and  liege  people  to  the  crown  of 

1S88,  by  John  Blake,  the  mayor,  and  Walter  Martin  and  England,  to   maintain,  succour  aiul  assist  the  town." — 

Anthony  Kirrivan,  hailitrs,  and  countersigned  by  Anthony  Ciil/eclrtuca. — For  more  of  this  sept  see  the  account  of  the 

Dermot,  notary,  wherehv  they  testily  to  Queen  Elizabeth  islands  of  Arran  in  another  part  of  this  book. 
in  favor  of  Murrogh  Mac  Turlogh  O'Brien,  then  living,  '  J{ut.  Mliiu  iScac. 

tliat  tlic  Mac  Tieges  of  Arr;ai  his  ancestois,  were,  under 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


53 


by  reason  of  the  war  lately  raised  and  carried  on  between  Richard  de  Burgo  and 
Richard  dc  Clare  in  Totheinond,"  in  the  year  following  he  had  a  regrant  of  the 
customs,  paying  yearly  into  the  Excheqner  fifty  marks,  for  so  long  as  he  should 
thenceforth  hold  the  same.  These  impediments,  however,  appear  to  have  been 
but  tein])orary  ;  tliey  were  generally  of  short  duration,  and  were  finally  overcome 
by  the  perseverance  and  industry  of  the  inhabitants.  Tlie  improvement  of  the 
town  was  also  a  constant  object  of  their  attention,  and  in  the  year  1-312  they 
added  considerably  to  its  strength,  by  the  addition  of  the  great  gate  and  the 
adjoining  works,  which  were  erected  under  the  superuitendence  of  Nicholas  Lynch,, 
siirnanied  the  "Black  Marshall." 

In  1'315,  Ireland  was  invaded  by  Edward  Bruce.    Richard  Earl  of  Ulster,  joined 
by  Fedhliui  O'Conor,  then  the  chief  of  his  name,  marched  against  him,'  but  wiis 


'  The  readiness  with  which  Fedlilim  O'Conor  co-ope- 
mtuil  uith  tlie  English  forces agiiinst  Briiof,  as  he  appears 
to  have  (I me  on  this  occasion,  is  one  oCthe  many  proofs, 
«lfrch  history  and  our  records  furnish,  of  the  early  and 
continued  inclination  of  tlie  Irish  to  be  obedient  to  the 
lan's  and  irovernment  of  England  ;  unless  when  prevented 
h\-  the  rulers  in  Dublin,  and  the  interested  settlers 
throughout  the  land.,  by  whom  the  persecuted  natives 
«crc  constantly  L'oaded  into  rebellion.  In  the  particular 
instance  here  alluded  to,  this  disposition  was  peculiarly 
c\eniplified  ;  and  it  is  the  more  remarkable,  as  these  Irish 
princes  had,  lint  a  short  ti?iie  before,  been  mo-.t  unjustly 
deprived  of  the  oidy  remaining  portion  of  their  ancient 
faiiiilv  possessions,  by  the  following  process.— In  the  year 
1 30.')  the  Earl  of  Ulster  presented  a  memorial  to  Edward  I. 
again-.t  Fedhlim,  under  the  name  of  '•  O' Conoghur  (in 
friJniifin,"  {(>'Cuiiii;^Jiur  llilicrnicus,)  charging  hiui  with 
committing  several  enormities  on  his  (the  Earl's)  lands  in 
Cinnaught :  contiguous  to  which,  he  stated,  that  O'Conor 
held  certain  lands,  in  farm  of  the  king,  called  Seilmorthy; 
which  he  required  should  be  granted  to  him,  or  to  any 
oilier  Englishman,  either  at  the  same  rent  which  was  paid 
hv  O'Conor,  or  in  exchange  for  other  lands  of  tlio  same 
value,  in  the  reduced  and  peaceable  parts  of  the  countrv. 
Edward,  by  letter  d.ited  at  V/yinlyngwelde  13th  July, 
s;inic  year,  directed  Sir  John  Wogan,  loril  justice  of 
Ireland,  to  ascertain  whether  it  would  be  to  his  prejudice 
lo  accede  to  this  rei]uc^t ;  andto  ascertain  the  value  of  the 
lands  in  question,  and  apprize  him  thereof  without  delay. 
The  lord  justice  accordingly  lield  a  court  of  inquiry  at 
Tristledermod,  before  a  jury;  who  found,  that  "  the 
lands  of  Seilmorthy,  wiiich  contained  five  cantreils,  caine 
to  the  kin-^'s  hands,  after  the  coniiuest  of  Connaught  by 
Wilt'am  d  •  Rnrgo.  That  a  certain  Irishman  of  tlie  name 
of  I'evKin  C)'Conoghur,  who  stiltd  himself  king  of  Con- 
nauidit,  held  those  lands  from  Henry  HI.  for  500  marks 
\earlv.  Tli,;t  the  said  Feylyni  during  his  life  kept  the 
king's  peac",  and  faithfully  paid  liis  rent;  but  that  after 
his  il-ath  his  son  arose  and  became  a  traitor,  and  destroyed 
the  king's  liege  Engl'^h  subjects  in  those  parts  ;  and  waged 
war  against  the  'xiug  that  now  is,  and  prostrated  his  castles 
of  Roscommon  and  liandon,  (which  castle  of  Roscommon 
Robert  O'URbrd,  when  first  lie  was  ap])ointed  lord  justice, 
liaJ  repaired  and  strengthened  at  considerable  expense,) 


in  consequence  of  which  he  was  outlawed,  and  died' 
the  king's  enemy — so  that  from  the  death  of  Feylym 
O'Conoghur,  to  the  time  that  said  Robert  D'Utlbrd  was 
again  appointed  lord  justice,  the  king  received  little  or 
nothing  out  of  said  lands,  except  one  cantred  called 
O'.Many,  which  he  granted  to  Robert  dc  la  Rokelc  in  fee 
farm.  That  Robert  D'Ufibrd,  at  his  second  coming,  by- 
iiieans  of  a  considerable  army  and  at  great  expense,  again 
repaired  the  castle  of  Uoscommou  ;  and  demised  two 
cantreds  and  a  half,  part  of  said  lands,  to  one  O'Conoghur ; 
and  that  other  lords  justices  had  afterwai'ds  granted  the 
same  to  several  of  the  O'Conoghurs,  who  rarely  paid  any 
rents  thereout.  That  the  lands  wouhl  lie  worth  250  marks 
yearly,  if  tlie  Irish  were  driven  from  those  parts;  but  this,, 
they  say,  cannot  be  done  without  great  power  and  expense, 
(far  exceeding  the  value  of  the  land,)  as  O'Conoghur  is 
one  of  the  five  captains  of  Ireland.  And  tliey  finally  sav, 
that  the  king,  without  any  prejudice  or  injury  to  himscif, 
or  any  other,  might  grant  the  same  to  the  said  Earl,  or 
any  other  Englishman;  hut  that  it  would  be  more  for  the 
interest  of  the  king,  and  of  his  faithful  subjects  in  tlio-ii 
parts,  if  they  were  granted  to  the  Earl :  because  he  holds 
all  his  lands  in.  Connaught  and  Ulster,  and  has  a  great 
power  of  English  and  Irish  contiguous,  by  which  h(-  could 
more  effectually  keep  down  the  natives." — lint.  I'lacil. 
B.  T.  c-j-  Exempt,  in  ()[jic.  Uvtulai: 

The  grant  was  accordingly  made  ;  and  bv  patent,  dated 
I'ith  Aug.  3  Edw.  II.  (I30<i,)  rccitim;,  that  Richard  de 
Burgo  held  all  his  huids  and  possessions  in  (!onnaught  lor 
500  in:u-ks  yearly,  and  other  tenures,  the  king,  in  consi- 
deration ol  his  good  and  faitlil'ul  services  to  Edw.  1. 
remitted  the  said  yearly  rent,  and  granted  that  all  his  lands 
should  thenceforth  be  held  by  the  other  tenures  or  services 
due  and  accusto  ned  thereout:  and  bv  patent  dated  the 
same  day,  he  was  appointed  keeper  of  the  castles  of 
Roscommon,  Randon  and  Athlonc,  together  with  all  the 
lands  and  tenements  belonging  to  the  same,  during  his  lile. 
lilcm. 

Notwithstanding  all  these  services  and  rewards,  it 
appears  that  the  Earl  of  Ulster,  soon  after  the  invasion  of 
Bruce,  was  put  under  ai'rest,  and  imprisoned  in  the  castle 
of  Dublin,  on  suspicion  of  having  invited  over  that  leader. 
He  was  soon  after  liberated;  but  not,  however,  until  he  uhs 
previously  obliged  to  swear,  that  neither  he,  his  friend-. 


5-i  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

defeated.  On  tlieii-  reliirn,  Roderic  O'Conor,  who  in  the  absence  of  Fcdliliin 
made  pretensions  to  his  territory,  was  taken  prisoner  and  put  to  death  ;  but  the 
latter,  soon  after  driven  to  desperation,  declared  for  Bruce  ;  and,  though  he  niade 
several  incursions  on  the  Eng-liiiii  settlers  in  Connaught,  he  never  was  able  to 
do  any  injury  to  Galvvay.  Sir  \\'illiam  Leigli  de  I^urgli  (who,  in  Iv'jG,  founded 
the  Franciscan  friary  in  Saint  Stcpiien's  island,  outside  the  north  gate  oi'the  lov.n,) 
and  Richard  de  Berminghani,  the  fourtii  baron  of  Athenry,  ^  were  sent  against 
him.  Fediilim  met  them  with  a  numerous  army,  and  the  most  sanguinary  engage- 
ment recorded  in  our  history  since  the  invasion  was  fouglit  near  Athenry,  in  the 
County  of  Galvvay,  in  which  the  native  troops  were  signally  defeated.  Fediilim, 
the  last  of  his  name  who  assumed  sovereignty,  fell  in  the  field,  and  with  him 
(as  is  stated)  8000  men.  The  walls  of  Athenry  are  said  to  have  been  built  from 
the  spoils  of  the  battle  ;  and  the  power  of  the  O'Conors,  which  here  received  its 
final  blow,  was  totally  destroyed. 

This  signal  defeat  of  the  Irish,  which  effectually  established  the  dominion  of 
tlic  English  settlers  in  Connaught,  was  followed  by  a  short  interval  of  peace, 
the  happiest  cflects  of  which  were  experienced  by  the  town  of  Gahvay.  The 
victorious  De  Burgos,  who  had  now  no  enemy  able  to  contend  against  them, 
ruled  the  entire  province  from  the  Shannon  to  the  sea  :  they  made  Galway  the 
chief  point  wherein  all  their  power  centered,  and  in  which  the  principal  heads  of 
the  family  resided;  in  consequence  of  which,  its  trade,  buildings  and  inhabitants, 
continued  rapidly  to  increase.  The  church  of  Saint  Nicholas  was  founded  in 
1320,  and  many  other  useful  improvements  were  made ;  but  the  peace  of  the 
town  was,  about  that  time,  disturbed  by  some  deadly  disputes  which  arose  between 
the  rival  families  of  Blake  and  Athy  ;  and,  in  the  commotions  occasioned  by  them, 
several  of  the  latter  were  slain.  The  church  of  Saint  John  of  Jerusalem,  which 
belonged  to  tlie  knights  templars,  and  stood  contiguous  to  the  chapel  of  Saint 
Nicholas,  was  suppressed  in  1321'.  In  the  same  year  Sir  William  Leigli  de  Burgh 
died,  and  was  interred  in  the  abbey  of  Saint  Francis,  founded  by  himself.  lie 
left  seven  sons  ;  the  eldest  of  whom.  Sir  William   or  Ulick, "  called  Ulicus  de 


nor  followers,  would  do  any  niisiliief  to  the  citizen';,  in  in   which     the   king  of    Connaught,    O'Kelly  I'ing  of 

ivvciigc  foi'hisi:;iprisonniciit — ii  siii^'idiii' condition,  which  Maneach,  and   most   of  the  nobility   of  Connaiii;ht  aiul 

indicates  as  well  the  weakness  oltlie  then  government,  as  JNlnnstcr,  (calleil  in  those  days  petty  kings  of  the  territo- 

tlie  great  inlluencc  of  tins  i>i)werrul  Earl.   He  died  on  '2inh  ries  they  possessed,)  were  slain. —  1  ru/.HJHS.  Pedigrees, 

June,   loiifi,  in  the  priory  of  Athastal,  (founded  in  1200  Ujp're  of  Arms. 

l)y  his  ancestor  Wiljiaui  j'itz-Andelin,)  and  was  succeeded  '  This  christian  name,  which  at  first  was  peculiar  to  this 

iiy  his  grandson  William,  the  third  Earl,  who  was  the  son  family,  but  which  was  al'terwards  used  by  sc\eral  others 

of  John,  who  died  in  Galwirt'  in  1313.  in  the  province,  originated  accorihng  to  the  author  of  the 

^  This  nobleman  was  the  fourth  baron  in  descent  from  HiberniaDominicana  as  follows:  "£um"(i.  e.  Gnlielmum 

William  de  Benningham,  who  accompanied  Strongbow  to  deAnaghkecn,)vocal)ant  Hibcrni  "  Uliog,"  nomine  scilicet 

Ireland.      He  was  one    of   the    principal   eon<inerors   of  composito  ex  vocalis  "  Uliam"  et  "  Oge,"  siguificantibus 

Connaught,  and  was  called  by  the  Irish  Ilisdeiird-nn-^cnl/i,  Gnlielnnun  juveneni  scu  juniorem,  per  syncopen  auteni 

i.  e.   Richard  of  the  battles,  from  tl)e  many  engagements  "  Willog,"  aijt  "  Ulog"  apud  Hibernos,  ct  Ulick  vcl  Ulic 

hy  him  fought,  and  won  from  the  natives,  viz.  the  battle  apud  Angloa." — liib.  Vniii. 
of  Togher,  the  battle  of  Flulo  and  the  battle  of  Athenry, 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


55 


Ana^hkccn,  v/as  the  first  Mac  JViUiam  Eighter.  He  had  a  son  named  Rickard, 
(from  whom  tlie  name  Clan-Rickard  originated,)  whose  three  sons,  Sir  William  or 
Ulick,  (the  progenitor  of  the  earls  of  Clanricarde,)  Thomas  and  John, '  were 
ibiiiidcrs  of  several  branches  of  this  powerful  and  widely  extended  family. 

William,  the  third  earl  of  Ulster,  survived  his  grandfather  Richard  but  seven 
years.  He  was  basely  assassinated  by  his  own  attendants,  at  his  castle  of 
Carrickfergus,  in  \SSo;  leaving  an  only  daughter,  Elizabeth,  to  inherit  his  vast 
possessions."     This  circumstance  occasioned  a  revolution,  memorable,  not  only 


I  This  John,  according  to  the  same  author,  was  founder 
of  tlic  rcipcctiible  family  of  the  name  of  Galway  in  Mun- 
jtir.  He  savs,  that  John  De  Bnrgo,  sometime  after  the 
voar  HOO,  in  whicli  year  he  was  chief  magistrate  in 
'G;vlwav,  went  to  reside  in  Miinster,  where  he  was  called 
Joiin  Galway,  as  coming  from  thence,  by  which  name  his 
dc^ccnilants  are  called  to  this  day.  This  statement,  how- 
ever, requires  examination  hcfoie  it  can  he  entirely  ad- 
initicd;  for  in  a  close  roll,  is  Uich.  II.  preserved  in  the 
Chief  Kcmemlirancer's  office,  Dublin,  there  is  an  entry 
iiinccniing  "  Juhanncs  Galwiy  Ciris  Cifildtis  Walcrford" 
which  proves  that  the  name  existed  there  before  the  al- 
lci,'fd  removal  of  John  de  Bnrgo.  It  may,  no  doubt,  be 
olijcctcd,  tliat  this  was  the  same  person ;  but  even  if  so, 
the  autlior  is  still  wrong  as  to  the  time  of  his  emigration. 
The  n;uiic,  however,  occurs  much  earlier ;  for  in  tlie  Bod- 
leian library  at  Oxford,  S.  5,  there  is  preserved  an  original 
mandate  from  Hen.  III.  to  put  Alen  de  Galwexj  into  pos- 
scssiun  of  the  i>le  of  Rathlines  and  other  lands  in  Ireland  ; 
and  in  an  inquiMtion  taken  in  Dublin,  in  1259,  (found  by 
the  author  amongst  several  ancient  documents  relating  to 
the  old  abbev  of  (^t.  Thomas  the  martyr,  near  that  city, 
nnd  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Earl  of  Meath,)  one 
of  the  jurors  is  named  Ilenrims  Galvy :  and  again  in  the 
account  of  John  de  Slane,  Richard  deLyt,  John  le  Poher 
and  Henry  de  Bermcngham,  yheriffs  of  Connaught  from 
r.".i2  to  121)9,  contained  on  the  great  Roll  of  the  Pipe 
No.  26,  preserved  in  Beriningham  Tower,  there  occurs  the 
name  I'ttriis  de  Gnliy.  All  whicli  circumstances  shew 
how  cautiously  assertions,  unsupported  b}'  authentic  docu- 
ments, ought  to  be  received. 

'  By  incniisition  post  mortem,  taken  after  his  death  at 
Clare,  before  John  Moris,  Escheator,  on  the  8tli  Decem- 
hi.T,  7  Edw.  III.  he  was  found  to  possess  one  half  of  the 
liur.:age  of  Caiway,  "  cum  dimidio  in  btirgngic  del  Gnllir" 
which  the  burgesses  there  hoid  in  free  burgage  in  fee. 
Al>o  a  stone  house  which  used  to  be  set  for  ."/.  6s.  Sd.  a 
year,  but  which  then  produced  nothing,  having  fallen  to 
the  grourd;  another  house  which  the  earl  bought  from 
William  Mareschall,  value  2s.  yearly,  and  the  pleas  and 
jiercjuisites  of  the  hundred  court,  which  were  worth  yearly 
J/. — Inr;.  in  Tnr.  Land. 

By  a  similar  inquisition,  taken  about  the  same  time  at 
Athcnry,  the  earl  was  found  to  have  held  of  the  king,  in 
capite,  amongst  others,  the  lands,  tenements  and  rents 
following,  in  Connaught,  viz.  In  the  cantred  of  Owill- 
Botill.r;  part  of  the  manor  of  Loghrye,  10/.  yearly  from 
John  Ic  Botiller;  in  the  same  10/.  13.?.  -Ir/.  for  four  town 
l.iiids  held  by  John  de  Bnrgo  ;  10/.  1".!.  Ad.  for  the  like 
held  by  O'N'ayl ;   \Cl.  l.'ijf.  -id.  for  seven  town  lands  which 


Robert  Lawless  held  there  ;  2/.  l."j.  4f/.  for  one  town  land 
in  Moyntraghin  which  William  de  Burgo  held ;  and  2/. 
IDs.  arising  out  of  Knappaugh  ;  13/.  (;.«.  8i/.  out  of  the 
cantreds  of  Buk  and  Clew,  held  in  freehold  by  the  heirs 
of  William  Baret  ;  13s.  4(/.  out  of  one  town  land  in  Irth- 
loghton,  but  then  producing  nothing,  in  consequence  of 
the  war  in  those  parts;  22*.  out  of  one  town  land  in 
(,'abragh  and  Raytrayny;  Hi.  ad.  out  of  CVirbcggan  one 
quarter;  18.?.4rf.  out  of  Lisfarewell  one  tjuartcr ;  1  U.  «(/. 
out  of  Calhyrbolan  one  quarter;  L'i.  out  of  Inchawyn  by 
Richard  Baret ;  12(/.  out  of  Row  ;  and  2.«.  out  of  a  snuiil 
portion  of  land  held  there  by  (ieortry  Marty n  ;  and  in 
Hathberk  divers  tenements  which  \ield  yearly,  for  suit  to 
the  lord's  mill,  six  craunacks  of  oats,  wortli  yearly  -Ju.v. ; 
13/.  Gs.  Sd.  yearly  out  of  the  canUed  of  Twlaunl\"f;  2ij;. 
8d.  out  of  one  town  lanil  in  Co:,tchhmgy,  llitn  producin;; 
nothing,  on  account  of  th.e  war  there;  100s.  out  of  one- 
town  land  in  Carne,  and  the  pleas  and  perquisites  of  the 
court  there,  worth  yearly  4.\.;  13/.  fo.  nd.  yearly  out  of 
the  cantred  of  Orruz,  which  John  de  Exon  holds  in  tee; 
13/.  r,s.  Sd.  yearly  out  of  the  cantred  of  Ty:tmoy,  and 
40*.  out  of  three  town  lands  in  Duiicoghy;  13/.  (..v.  Sil. 
yearly  out  of  the  cantred  of  ConuonloiuMor,  and  1/.  lOv. 
out  of  three  town  lands  in  Lcjghuill,  but  nothing  then 
received  thereout,  on  account  of  the  war  there.  I'hat 
there  was  at  Tobberbride  one  old  castle,  (inclosed  with  a 
stone  wall,)  of  great  utility  towards  preserving  the  peace 
ill  thoaC  parts,  if  properly  ke|)t  up,  but  that  it  stood  much 
in  want  of  repair;  in  the  same  place  two  carucates,  and 
si\ty  acres  of  land,  each  carucatc  containing  120  acres, 
but  i!OW  producing  nothing,  because  they  lie  uncultivated 
for  want  of  tenant-.,  occasioned  by  the  war  there;  also  1  'J 
acres  of  pasture,  worth  yearly  i'2.s.  one  pastiira-.;e  worth 
13.V.  4d.  a  wood  pasturage  in  Rnthfarnan  worth  2(>4-.  St/. 
and  another  pasturage  worth  lo.v. ;  a  water  mill  at  Rath- 
farnan  worth  46i.  nd.  '20s.  annual  rent  arising  out  of  the 
prisage  of  ale ;  a  water-mill  at  Tobberbride  worth  .nSs.Sd. 
and  2b'i-.  sd.  out  of  the  prisage  of  ale  there;  l-l/.  out  of 
one  town  land  in  Ballymakegan,  and  three  town  lands  in 
Duydunns  which  M'Cortan  held  at  v.ill ;  the  pleas  and 
])erquisites  of  the  hundred  court  of  Tobberbride,  40s. 
yearly  out  of  one  to'.vn  land  in  Ounan,  which  David  de 
Burgo  held;  12/.  13.?.  4d.  out  of  five  town  lands  in  the 
burgages  of  Rathfarnan  ;  2o/.  out  of  leu  town  lands  at 
Tobberbride ;  20/.  out  of  the  cantred  of  Slot-slow,  but  that 
the  entire  country  was  burned  and  destroy  cd  by  the  Irish  ; 
5Gs.  sd.  yearly  out  of  one  Theod  in  Arkagh,  and  SGi:  sd. 
out  of  one  Theod  in  Kerymeyiig  and  Kcryloghnaun,  all 
which  were  unproductive  in  consequence  of  the  war  alure- 
said  :  13/.  tJ.v.  sd.  \carlv  rent  arising  out  of  the  serjtMi;ivV 


56'  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

as  it  related  to  this  family  in  particular,  but  also  as  it  concerned  our  town  and  the 
entire  province.  The  De  Burgos,  thougli  hitherto  generally  stedfast  in  their 
allegiance  to  the  crown  of  England,  while  the  heads  of  the  name  fVocjJiently  filled 
the  highest  oHices  of  the  state,  were  henceforth,  for  a  period  of  nearly  three 
centuries,  at  continual  variance  v>ith  the  government,  frequently  risiu"-  in  arms 
and  openly  setting  its  authority  at  defiance.  Immediately  upon  the  outra<'cons 
and  premature  death  of  the  carl  of  Ulster,  the  chiefs  of  the  junior  branches  of 
the  family,  then  residing  in  Connaught,  and  princijially  in  the  extensive  districts 
comprehending  the  present  counties  of  Galway  and  Mayo,  dreading  that  all  his 
possessions  would  fall  into  the  hands  of  some  stranger,  tiirough  a  marriage  with 
the  heiress,  took  advantage  of  the  favorable  opportunity  that  ofTered  for  seizin"- 
on  his  estates.  Accordingly,  Sir  William  or  Ulick,  before  alluded  to,  and  Sir 
Edmund  Alhanacli,  or  tlie  Scot,  (ancestor  of  the  earls  of  Maj'o,)  being  the  two 
most  powerful  of  the  family,  entered  into  a  confederacy,  declared  themselves 
independent,  and  then  took  possession  of  the  entire  territory;  on  the  division  of 
which  the  town  of  Galway,  with  the  country  to  the  Shannon,  fell  to  the  lot  of 
Sir  William.  Aware,  however,  that  by  the  course  of  the  laws  of  England  they 
would  be  deprived  of  their  illegal  acquisitions,  they  at  once  shook  ofi"  obedience 
to  those  laws,  renounced  their  allegiance  to  the  crown,  and  came  to  a  determina- 
tion of  protecting  their  newly  acquired  possessions,  if  necessary,  by  force.  Their 
next  care  was  to  conciliate  the  natives  in  their  favor;  to  effect  which,  they  dis. 
continued  the  use  of  the  English  language,  threw  off  their  English  dress,  and 
adopted  both  the  language  and  apparel  of  the  Irish.  They  next  changed  their 
names:  Sir  William  adopted  the  title  of  Mac  U  iU'iam  E'lLiliter,  and  Sir  Edmund 
that  of  Mac  JVilliam  Oughter :  they  then  embraced  the  Irish  laws,  transmitted 
their  possessions  in  the  course  of  tanistry  and  gavelkind ;  and  Mac  William 
Eighter,  having  taken  possession  of  Galway,  thenceforward  took  the  title  of 
lord  of  the  town. 

That  so  daring  and  successful  an  encroachment  upon  hereditary  right  should 
be  permitted  by  the  government,  would  appear  unaccountable,  were  it  not  known 


of  Connaught,  but  now  only  Cl.  :5s.  Id.  on  account  of  the  toxed  totliesame,  the  advowson  and  presentation  of  both 

war,  and  the  poverty  of  the  tenants  of  those  parts.     That  of  which  belong  to  the  Earl  and  his  heirs;  and  another 

the  pleas  and  percjuisites  of  the  great  court  of  Connaught  cluirch  at  Archdrahyn,  taxed  to  six  marcs,  the  advowson 

were  worth  yearly  .TOO  nuu-ks,  but  that  no  more  could  and  presentation  of  wiiicli  belonged  to  the  Earl,  and  the 

be  received  than  100/.  for  the  cause  aforesaid.    That  the  heirs  of  Kichard  de  Clare,  alternately.     That  there  are 

Earl  held  in  his  demesne,  as  of  fee,  71  acres  of  land  of  the  divers  other  lands,  ns  well  in  Connaught  and  Ulster  as 

sec  of  Clonfert,  at  the  yearly  rent  of  ols.  6d.  but  then  in  other  ])arts  of  Ireland,  which  are  situated  in  the  Irish 

worth  nothing  from  the  poverty  of  the  tenants.     That  he  parts,  so  that  no  jierson  could  come  near  the  same,  or 

also  held,  under  the  same  services  as  all  his  other  lands,  receive  any  profit  thereout ;  because  the  Irish,  in  those 

the   manors  of    Sligagli,   Corne,    Lune    and    Carbry,  in  places,  would  not   permit  any  of  the  Jring's   niinislers  or 

Connaught,  which  had  been  worth    3331.  Cs.  8rf.  yearly,  any  Englishman  there.    It  was  finally  found  that  Elizabeth 

but  which   were  then   unproductive  on   account   of  the  de  Burgo,  aged  one  year  and  an  half  or  thereabouts,  was 

war  there  between  the  English  and  Irish.     That  there  is  the  daughter  of  the  said  Earl,  and  his  next  heir. — Jmj.iu 

one  church   taxed  to  six  marcs,  and  another  at  Owill  eod. 


HISTORY    or    GALWAY.  51 

to  liavc  been,  at  tlie  time,  too  deeply  embroiled  witli  the  native  Irish  :  and 
jHrhaps,  as  the  possessors  were  of  Englisli  descent,  it  was  the  less  inclined  to 
proceed  with  lig-our  against  them  ;  and  might  have  also  been  inflnenced  by  an 
apprehension,  similar  to  that  which  at  tirst  agitated  the  De  Bnrgos,  that,  by 
tlie  marriage  of  the  heiress,'  tlie  pro))erty  might  fall  into  more  dangerous  hands. 
This,  however,  was  not  the  case,  for  siie  afterwards  intermarried  with  Lionel,  duke 
of  Clarence,  third  son  of  Edw.  III.  who,  in  her  right,  became  earl  of  Ulster; 
and  from  Jicr  descended  Edward,  tlie  iburth  of  that  name,  alterwards  kii;g 
of  England. '"  Lionel,  in  right  of  his  \\\{'c,  laid  claim  to  the  usui-ped  possessions 
of  the  De  Burgos,  and  amongst  the  rest  to  Gahvay ; "  but  his  claims,  however 
founded  in  justice  and  right,  were  unattended  to,  or  ineftectual :  either  from  the 
policy  of  government,  not  wishing  to  embroil  the  country  in  his  cause  ;  or,  as  is 
much  more  likely,  from  tlie  turbulent  state  of  the  times. 

The  De  Burgos,  for  some  time  after  their  revolt,  retained  possession  of  Galway, 
but  it  soon  returned  to  its  allegiance.  During  the  troubles  which  took  place,  its 
improvement  appears  not  to  have  been  unattended  to.  In  the  year  13-J.<2  the  great 
v.cst  bridge  was  built,  luidcr  the  direction  of  Edmond  Lynch  Fitz-Thomas,  who 
v.as  conimonly  called  Emon-a-Tuanc,  from  the  great  quantity  of  Ibreign  wines. 
wliicli  he  annually  imported.  Tlie  trade  and  revenues  of  the  town,  however,  were 
considerably  diminished,  for  on  3d  December,  131.(),  a  commission"  was  issued 
by  the  treasurer  of  Ireland,  to  Walter  Blake,  for  the  custody  of  the  great  custom 
of  Galway  and  elsewhere  in  Connaught,  he  paying  into  the  Exchequer,  for  the 
entire,  only  'I'll,  yearly;  and  tiic  slieritf  of  Connaught  was  commanded  that  taking 
from  him  sufficient  security,  and  the  usual  oaths  that  he  would  faithfully  serve 
tlie  king,  he  should  deliver  to  him  the  letters  patent :  and  John  Lawles,  sou  of 
John  of  Portraghery,  late  keeper  of  the  customs,  was  ordered  to  deliver  him  the 
seal  of  office.  This  depression  of  trade  was  of  short  duration,  ibr  in  the  year 
l;i()l,  soon  after  the  accession  of  Edw.  W.  the  countess  of  Ulster  applied  to  the 
king  on  behalf  of  the  town,  and   obtaincil   a  murage  charter  for  the  purpose  of 


'  By  infjuisition  post  mortem,  taken  in   !.'!]2,  on  tlie  azure,  on  a  chief  of  the  first,  tliree  pallets  between  two 

(I'.'Lith  of  her  mother,  Matilda,  Countess  of  Ulster,  wiilow  esi|uires  dexter   and   sinister  of  the  second,  over  all  an 

o'  tlic  !atc  Earl,  the  tonn  of  Galway,  "  Biirgus  Gaivy,  inescnteheon,  ar';ent ;  and  in  the  second  and  third  for 

('onmacnr.niara   cantred,    and  Lon^-hrye    niancr,"    were  De  Bnr^o,   or  a  cross  i;tdes. — These  iu-nis  continued   to 

fonnd  to  belonj;  to  her. — Inij.  in  Tiir.  Loud.  be   occasionally   used   in   the  official   proceedings  of  the 

'"  The  only  issneof  this  inarriaj;e\vasa  daui;htei-,PhilIipa,  torporation  of  Gah\ay,  even  so  late  as  the  last  century, 
who  was  married,  in  l.TGH,  to  Edmund  Mortimer,  Earl  of  "  By  iii(|uisition  post  mortem,  taken  at  Dublin  after  his 
March,  Baron  of  Wigmore  and  Marshal  of  England,  by  dci'.tli  in  l.-r;;),  the  manor  of  Galway  was  found,  aiiion"st 
di-cciit,  and  Baron  of  Clare,  Trim  and  Coniuuight,  and  others,  to  have  belonged  to  hiui  in  right  of  his  wife. 
Earl  ul'  Ulster  in  right  of  his  wife ;  all  which  descended  "  I.youellns  Dux  Clarcncie,  tenuit  de  domino  Rege,  iij 
to  liii  son  Hoger,  and  his  granilson  Edunnid,  until  the  capite,  die  quo  obiit,  et  de  jure  Elizahcthe  uxoris  sue,  filiu 
right  merged  in  the  crown  of  Enf;laiul,  in  the  pers<m  of  Wilhelnii  ComitisUllonie,  nianneria  deLon!.'hrea,'l'ohbe^- 
IMw.  IV.  The  arms  of  fialway,  which  were  adopte<l  about  bride,  'i'yloghohan,  Longlimasipie,  Sligoe,  Galvy  et  Port- 
tlli^  tiiuc,  were  coni|iosed  of  the  armorial  ensigns  of  the  dcninie,  que  valent  'MOl.  per  annum." — Iiiij.  in  Tiui'j 
Earls  of  March  and  IJIster.  They  were  quarterly  of  four:  Lniid. 
ui  the  first'and  fourth  for  Mortimer,  harry  of  six,  or  and  "  Kot.  Jllem.  19  Eilw.  III. 

H 


58 


IIISTOUY    OF    GAL  WAY. 


effectually  inclosing  it  v,-itli  walls.  The  subjoined  extract  from  tliis  instrument 
will  give  the  reader  a  view  of  the  several  articles  of  traiiic  and  commerce,  v/hich 
in  these  times  were  prevalent  in  this  part  of  Ireland. "  The  beneficial  effects  of 
the  charter,  and  the  subsequent  encouragements  v.hich  were  given  to  trade,  were  so 
great,  that  even  so  early  as  137<5,  the  town  was  esteemed  of  sufHcicnt  importance 
to  have  the  king's  staple  established  in  it,  for  the  sale  of  wool,  sheepskins  or 
woolfells,  and  leather.  Before  this  time  tlie  staple  for  the  sale  of  these  com- 
modities was  confined  to  two  places  in  Ireland,  viz.  Cork  and  Drogheda ;  a 
circumstance  which  was  found,  by  experience,  to  have  been  attended  with  most 
serious  evils,  exposing  to  continual  danger  the  lives  of  those  who  were  obliged  to 
sail  from  the  other  parts  of  the  kingdom  to  pay  their  duties  at  these  ports,  and 
which,  being  frequently  evaded,  occasioned  considerable  loss  to  the  public  revenue. 


^  The  original  charter,  from  '.vhic]t  the  following  extract 
is  translated,  remains  on  record  in  tlie  tower  of  London. 
— The  king  to  the  bailiffs  and  good  men  of  Galvy  in 
li-eland  greeting. — At  the  request  of  our  beloved  daughter 
il!iz.;bcth  countess  of  Ulster,  we  have  granted  to  you,  in 
aid  of  the  inclosing  the  said  town,  that  for  five  years  nc.\t 
following,  you  may  take  for  saleable  commodities,  coming 
to  tlie  town  aforesaid,  the  following  cnstonis,  \iz. 

For  every  cranuocU  of  whatsoever  kind  of  corn,  malt, 
meal,  and  sa't,  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  every  erannock 
of  wayde  for  sale,  two  pence.  For  every  erannock  of 
corker  and  symack  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  every  eran- 
nock of  bark  for  sale,  one  lialfpenny.  For  twelve  cran- 
iiocks  of  every  kind  of  coah  fur  sale,  one  penny.  For 
twelve  crannocks  of  lime  for  sale,  one  halfpenny.  For 
every  horse,  nuirr,  liobby,  ox  or  cow  for  sale,  one  half- 
]:enny.  For  ten  sheep,  goals  or  pigs  for  sale,  one  penny. 
For  five  bacon  hogs  for  sale,  one  halfpenny.  For  ten 
wooh'tlls  for  s-ale,  one  half|)enny.  For  every  bide  of  horse 
or  mare,  hobby,  ox  and  cow,  fresh,  salt  or  tanned  for  sale, 
one  farthing.  For  every  one  hundred  lamb-skins,  goat- 
skins, bare-skins,  wolf-skins,  cat-skins  and  squirrel-skins 
for  sale,  one  halfpenny.  For  every  one  hundred  lamb- 
skins, hides  of  stags,  hinds,  bucks  and  does  for  sale,  one 
penny.  For  every  niill-.tone  for  sale,  one  penny.  For 
two  band  niill-stoncs  for  sale,  one  farthing.  For  every 
large  sack  of  wool  for  sale,  (our  pence.  For  every  mea- 
sure of  licrrings  for  sale,  one  farthing.  For  twenty  lame 
ilsh  in  ship  or  boat  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  ever^  horse- 
load  of  sea-libh  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  every  nian's-li.ad 
of  sea-6sh  lor  sale,  one  fartliing.  For  every  himdred  of 
large  fresh-water  eels  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  e\try 
salmon  for  sale,  one  farthing.  For  every  lamprey  for  tale, 
one  farthing.  For  eve/y  tun  oi  wine  and  ashes  for  sale, 
foiu"  pence.  For  every  tun  of  hone}  for  sale,  four  pence. 
For  everj'  horse-load  of  honey  lor  sjle,  one  penny.  For 
every  horse-load  of  ash.es  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  every 
liorse-load  of  cloth  for  sale,  one  hallpenny.  For  every 
enti'e  cloth  of  assize  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  twenty  ells 
of  Irish  clotli,  saie-wyche  and  v.orsteile  for  bale,  one 
(jcnny.  For  twenty  el's  of  English  or  foreign  linen  cloth 
'ii;r  sale,  one  penny.  For  twenty  ells  of  canvas  for  sale, 
<  •  •  f:'jtbing.  For  ten  felt  ci'.ps  lor  sale,  one  hah'penny. 
io.-  e\ery  ca-pel  or  chaloim  I'or  sale,  one  farthing.     F(jr 


every  cloth  of  silk  or  baudekin  for  sale,  one  halfpennv. 
For  every  Irish  cloak  for  sale,  one  farthing.  For  every 
ship  coming  to  the  aforesaid  town,  laden  with  saleable 
commodities,  three  pence.  For  every  horse-load  of  cloth 
for  sale,  one  haU'iicnny.  For  everj  bundle  of  iron  for  sale, 
one  halfpenny.  For  one  hundred  gads  of  steel  fcr  sale, 
one  halfpenny.  For  one  hundred  large  boards  for  s.''!e, 
one  penny.  For  every  thousand  large  sandals  for  sale, 
one  jienny.  For  evejy  thousand  small  sandals  for  sale, 
one  half]ienny.  For  one  hundred  large  hoards  for  sale, 
one  farthing.  For  one  hundred  pounds  of  pitch  and  rosia 
for  sale,  one  halfpeimy.  For  every  stone  of  tallow,  grease, 
butter  and  cheese  for  sale,  one  hahpenny.  FtTr  two 
thousand  onions  for  sale,  one  farthing.  For  eight  shancs 
of  garlic  for  sale,  one  farthing.  For  every  Ixjat  laden  with 
brush-wood  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  every  boat  laden 
with  timber  for  sale,  one  penny.  For  every  thousand  nails 
for  sale,  one  farthing.  For  every  one  hundred  horse-shoes 
and  clout-nails  for  carts  for  sale,  one  halfpennv.  Foreverv 
thousand  dislies  and  wooden  platters  for  sale,  one  hair- 
penny.  For  tw  eh  e  ropes  tor  tackling  for  ships  for  s;Je, 
one  farthing.  For  ever)'  thousand  hinges  for  sale,  one 
farthing.     For  every  dozen  of  cordewune  [  ] 

for  sale,  one  halfpenny.  Fer  every  one  hundred  of  tin, 
brass  and  copper  for'  sale,  two  iience.  For  every  one 
hundred  of  scalpyn  and  dried  fi^h  for  sale,  one  penny. 
For  ten  stone  of  hemp  and  Max  for  sale,  one  f;utliing. 
For  ten  gallons  of  lamp  oil  I'ur  sale,  one  halfpenny.  For 
ten  gallons  of  olive  oil  lor  ointment  lor  sale,  one"  penny. 
For  e\ery  hundred  of  coloured  glass  for  sale,  one  penny. 
For  every  hundred  of  white  glass  for  sale,  one  hallpenny. 
For  every  hundred  of  averdupois  for  sale,  one  penni. 
For  ever_\  other  article  exceeding  the  value  of  five  shilhngs, 
luit  herein  specified,  coming  to  the  aforesaid  town,  one 
farthing. — By  the  Kegcnt  liimtelf — J  til.  34  Ldw.  III.  p. 
1,  m.  20. 

'ibis  miirage  charter  was  afterwards  renewed,  and  on 
enih  October,  1574,  a  writ  issued  to  the  sherifi'ol  Con- 
naught,  to  distra'u  the  provuft  and  haildls  of  (>'al\y,  by 
all  their  lands  and  chattels,  until  tlicy  .'liould  render  an 
account  of  the  murage  and  pavagc  by  them  levied  and 
renewed,  of  all  saleable  commodities  coining  to  the  town. 
Rut.  Mem.  48  E(hv.  III. 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALAVAY. 


59 


III  order,  tl)eret'ore,  to  obviate  these  inconveniencies,  and  also,  as  the  charter 
expresses  it,  "  for  tlic  relief  of  the  burgesses  and  merchants  of  the  town  of  Galvy, 
Mid  that  they  and  the  other  merchants  of  Connauglit  might  no  longer  incur  the 
dangers  of  sliipwrccks,  and  otiier  losses  as  they  had  theretofore  suffered,  by  going 
towards  tiie  city  of  Cork  to  pay  their  customs,"  the  staple  was  extended  to 
Gal  way.  '' 

The  revenues  of  Ireland  were  so  reduced  at  this  period,  that  the  king  (Edw.  III.) 
found  it  necessary  to  send  an  agent  (Sir  Nicholas  Uagworth,)  from  England,  to 
ascertain  and  report  the  real  cause  of  these  distresses.  One  of  the  consequences 
of  his  mission  appears  to  have  been  the  removal  of  tlie  staple  so  lately  established 
in  Galway,  for  tlie  charter  was  soon  after  revoked  by  letters  patent  under  the  great 
seal  of  England  ;  and  by  writ  of  the  lord  justice  of  Ireland,  dated  loth  May 
lo77, '  the  sovereign,  provost,  burgesses  and  merchants  of  the  town,  were  enjoined, 
that  on  market  days,  when  the  greater  part  of  the  people  were  assembled  within 
the  town,  they  should  cause  proclamation  to  be  made  that  all  merchants,  who  had 
theretofore  paid  their  customs  at  Galway,  should  thenceforth  pay  them  at  the 
city  of  Cork. '  This  measure,  however  it  originated,  appears  to  have  materially 
injured  the  trade  of  this  part  of  tiie  kingdom  ;  and  affords  anotlier  proof  of  the 
impolicy  of  the  general  system  with  which  Edward  III.  conducted  the  affairs 
of  Ireland. 

A  few  pages  back,  the  reader  was  presented  with  a  comparative  view  of  tlie 
customs  paid  in  Limerick  and  Galway,  for  several  years  ])revious  to  1300 ;  which 
proved  the  great  superiority  of  the  trade  of  Galway.  This  superiority  was  pre- 
served for  several  centuries  by  our  merchants,  and  was  a  continual  source  of 
jealousy  to  their  southern  neighbours.  In  the  year  1377>  David  BotiJlcr,  one  of 
the  citizens  of  Limerick,  complained  to  the  lord  justice  against  the  provosts  and 
bailiffs  of  Galway  and  Athenry,  stating,  that  notwithstanding,  amongst  other 
charter  liberties  granted  to  that  city,  it  was  particularly  provided  that  the  citizens 
and  their  successors  sliould,  for  ever,  be  free  of  all  customs  for  tiieir  <mods  and 


'"  Stuplicn  do  Valle,  Bisliop  of  Mcatli,  \vas  thereupon 
■jppuintcJ  collector  of  the  great  ami  siiiall  customs  in  the 
port,  ])aying  into  the  Excliecjuer  40  marks  yearly  ;  and  the 
king's  seal  called  the  cocket  was  to  remam  in  his  instodv. 
U<i'l.  Put.  -19  Edw.  III.  On  the  same  day  Nicholas  CalV, 
one  of  the  bnrgesses  of  the  town,  was  constituted  his 
deputy;  and  on  the  12th  May,  same  year,  Stephen  Penrys, 
aiiether  hurgcss,  was  appointed  comptroller:  and  it  v. as 
urJered  that  one  part  oi'  the  seal,  called  the  cocket,  should 
veinain  in  his  custody. — JRot.  J\Ivm.  Scac.  49  Edw.  Ill, 

'  Rot.  Pat.  51  Edw.  III. 

'  The  following  is  one  of  the  many  instances  which 
occurred,  of  the  general  inconvenience  occasioned  hy  the 
removal  of  the  staple. — Thomas  Lynche,  John  Athie, 
William  Botiller,  William  Wcbbe  and  Edmund  Blake,  of 


Galvy,  merchants,  am!  John  liede,  Ileory  Hcryng  and 
John  O'Morkowe,  meichantsof  Alluu-ry,  havin;;  freighted 
a  ship  of  Liibyk  in  S|)ain,  with  5.3  lasts,  and'is  dacres  ' 
(ISO,)  and  7  hides  in  the  port  of  Galway,  she  began  her' 
voyage  on  St.  Laurence's  day,  141.3,  for  Kyn.sale,  there 
to  pay  the  custom  due  for  the  said  hides,  because  tlic  king 
liad  then  no  collectors  of  his  customs  at  Galway;  but 
being  driven  by  a  storm  from  the  Irish  coast,  to  the  port 
of  ScUise  in  Flanders,  after  her  return,  they  deposited  the 
custom  (which  the  storm  had  prevejited  them  fiom  |)ayin" 
at  Kynsale,  as  was  intended,)  in  the  hands  of  the  said 
Thomas  Lynche;  the  king,  njran  their  petition,  pardoned, 
the  contempt  of  carrying  thehidesout  of  Ireland,  without 
liaving  first  paid  the  iluti',  '..Mth  Julv,  1415. — Rut.  Put.  r. 
lien.'}'. 


60  HISTORY    OF    GAI.WAY. 

merchandizes  in  any  jilace  eitlicr  in  EngUinJ  or  Ireland,  where  they  sliouhl 
bring  them  for  sale  ;  yet  tliose  magistrates,  from  time  to  time,  exacted  divers 
heavy  customs  from  In'm  and  his  merchants,  who  frequently  came  ^vith  goods  and 
merchandize  for  sale  to  the  said  tov/ns.  They  were  commanded  by  letters  of  tiie 
lord  justice,  dated  at  Tristledermot,  I8t!i  May,  lo77/  to  desist,  under  heavy 
penalties,  from  making  those  exactions  for  the  future  ;  and  thus  v,as  thrown  ojjen 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Limerick  a  freedom  of  trade  in  the  port  of  (jalv.ay,  which 
those  of  the  latter  were  not  entitled  to  in  that  city.  The  mercantile  i^alousies, 
above  alhuled  to,  occasioned  se\'eral  contentions  between  those  rival  comnni- 
iiities,  Vihich,  in  another  place,  there  will  be  occasion  to  mention. 

About  this  time  Thomas  Alwyne  was  seneschal  and  receiver  of  the  town  :  he 
was  succeeded,  on  4th  July,  1885,  by  Thomas  O'Casy,  who,  in  addition  to  those 
offices,  was  also  appointed  receiver  of  all  the  king's  lordships  in  Connaught ;  was 
invested  with  power  to  hold  tlie  king's  courts,  appoint  ofiicers  and  sub-ieceivers, 
levy  the  king's  rents  and  the  issues  of  liis  lordships,  constitute  portrieves  and  other 
ofJicers,  and  receive  their  oaths  ;  superintend  and  collect  all  the  fishings  and  other 
profits,  and  set  them  to  farm  yearly  for  the  king's  benefit;  take  the  accompts,  upon 
oath,  of  master  Thomas  Alwyne,  the  late  officer,  and  receiver,  and  return  the 
same  into  Chancery ;  and,  finally,  to  collect  all  debts  due  to  the  king,  and  return 
nccon.nts  thereof  into  the  Exchequer.  For  the  better  execution  of  all  these  exten-  - 
sive  trusts,  he  was  invested  with  ample  powers  of  distress  and  imprisonment." 
The  many  important  duties  which  appear  to  have  been  thus  concentred  in  one 
jierson,  were  soon  afterwards  divided  amongst  several ;  and  those  which  related 
to  tlie  town  devolved  principally  on  its  chief  magistrates,  by  the  force  of  sub- 
sequent grants  and  charters  from  the  crown. 

Sir  "William  De  15urgh,  who  was  the  then  Mac  JV'iUiam  Eightcr,  and  conse- 
quently lord  of  Galwa}',  having,  after  repeated  provocations,  revolted  ay-ainst  the 
Aveak  and  vacillating  government  of  the  day,  once  more  involved  the  town  in  those 
rebellious  proceedings.  Amongst  the  plea  rolls  preserved  in  Bermingham  tower,  "■ . 
there  is  still  extant  the  record  of  a  pardon,  pleaded  by  one  Henry  Blake  against 
an  indictment  for  high  treason,  for  joining  Sir  William  on  tliat  occasion.  This 
])roccss  was  held  before  Milo,  bishop  of  Cloync,  and  Thomas  Hill,  justices  in  the 
Connaught  Districts,  at  the  town  of  Robe,  (now  Eallinrobe,)  on  the  Wednesday 
next  after  the  festival  of  Saint  Barnabj^  the  Apostle,  \S\)0,  when  it  was  presented, 
that  Henry  Blake  of  CJalvv,  with  other  burgesses  of  the  town,  and  also  all  the 
commonalty,  by  common  agreement,  in  Nov.  1388,  rang  the  common  bell,  and 
])aid  the   fealty,  which  they   owed   the  king,   unto  William,   son  of  llickard  de 


■  Rat.  Pat.  1  Jtirh.  II.  pointed   snporvitors,  keepers   and   reccivci's  of  the  new 

"  Hot.  I'dt.  D  H'wii.  II. — On  C'ltli  Api-il,  loKG,  Gi-onVcy      loeket,  in  the  town. — Hot.  Pnt.   10  H'uli.  II. 
El:ike,  Stephen  JJyvelync  and  V/iiiiaiii  Seuian  were  ap-         *  i\'o.  289,  18  likli.  II. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAV.  61 

IJurc'o,  the  king's  enemy  ;  who,  in  the  name  of  dominion,  received  from  them  the 
y.i'ui  fealty,  fishing  weirs,  fisheries,  mills,  rents,  services,  and  all  other  emolu- 
ments in  the  said  town  belonging  to  the  king :  that  they  aided  the  said  William 
to  resist  the  king  and  his  ministers,  and  afterwards  rang  the  common  bell,  and 
delivered  to  him  all  the  keys  of  the  gates  of  the  town,  to  resist  and  prevent  the 
entrance  of  the  king  and  his  ministers.  Sir  William  de  Burgh  having  afterwards 
submitted  ''  and  obtained  pardon,  the  town  returned  to  its  allegiance,  and  peace 
and  tranquility  wore  once  more  restored. 

From  this  ])eriod  Galway  continued  gradually  to  increase.  Its  situation,  trade, 
and  rising  population,  soon  attracted  the  attention  of  goverinncnt ;  and  it  was  at 
length  resolved  to  give  the  town  every  encouragement,  and  render  it  a  ])lace  of 
prrmancnt  defence  and  security.  Accordingly  on  8th  Nov.  1306,  a  new  and 
;)cri)etual  murage  charter  was  granted  to  the  inhabitants  by  Richard  the  Second.'' 
'i'he  preamble  to  this  grant  states,  that  the  king,  as  well  in  aid  of  the  town  of 
(Jahy,  (which  is  described  as  being  situate  in  the  marches,  between  divers  his 
enemies  and  rebels,  as  well  English  as  Irish,  and  by  their  daily  incursions  very 
nmch  impoverished,)  and,  for  the  preservation  of  his  faithful  people  therein,  to 
be  inclosed  with  a  stone  wall,  as  of  the  parts  adjacent,  and  in  aid  of  the  paving 
of  the  town,  granted  to  the  ])rovost,  bailiffs  and  commonalty,  and  their  succes- 
sors, that,  for  all  saleable  things  coming  to  the  town  by  land  or  water,  or  passing 
from  the  same,  they  might  take  the  several  c'ustoms  and  tolls  therein  specified : 
and  he  commanded  that  they  should  cause  tlie  same,  from  day  to  day,  to  be  levied, 
collected,  received  and  had.  Provided  always,  that  the  produce  thereof  should 
be  faithfully  expended  towards  the  walling  and  paving  of  the  town.  The  various 
commodities  comprised  in  this  charter  prove  the  foreign  and  inland  trade  of  the 
town,  at  this  period,  to  have  been  very  considerable ;  and,  by  comparing  them 
with  the  articles  contained  in  the  charter  of  1361,  commerce  will  be  found  to 
have  increased  very  considerably  between  both  periods. 

Previously  to  this  grant  the  town  was  a  corporation,  by  what  the  law  tei'ms 
prescription,  and  was  governed  by  magistrates  appointed  by  the  family  of  De 
15urgo,  or  by  those  deriving  under  them.  But  provision  being  now  made  for 
])crpetual  defence  and  security,  it  was  deemed  necessary,  for  its  greater  encou- 
ragement and  future  preservation,  to  establish  a  corporate  body,  by  royal 
grant,  and  to  bestow  upon  it  such  privileges  and  immunities  as  other  chartered 
towns  in  Ireland  enjoyed.  The  king  accordingly  granted  a  second  chartei-,  dated 
iiGth  January,  139(),  the  recitals  of  which  give  rather  a  melancholy  description 


'  It  is  stated  !n  tlie  Hibernia  Dominicnna  that  he  was  land;  the  close  and  patent  rolls  of  the  I9th  and  20th  years 

appointed  deputy  of  Connaii^^bt  on  8th  December,  1388,  of  his  reign  being  lost:  nor  could  tliey  be  found  in  the  towel' 

though  he  was  in  that  year  declared  the  king's  enemy,  as  of  London,  though  diligent  scarcli  was  made  for  them. 

a)ipe;irs  bv  the  above  recited  record.  The  oldest  inspeximus,  in  which  they  are  recited,  is  that 

'  Neithex  this,  nor  the  succeeding  charter  of  Rich.  II.  in  the  charter  of  Edward  IV.  which  is  iiindled  in  the 

iiunicdialely  after  mentioned,  are  extant  on  record  in  Ire-  tower. — Rat.  Pat.  4  Edw.  IV. 


G2  HISTOnV    OF    GALWAY 

oi'  the  tlien  exposed  and  defenceless  state  of  the  town  ;  but  it  is  such  an  account, 
liowever,  as  reflects  considerable  credit  on  its  inhabitants.    It  states  that  the  town 
was  the  key  of  those  parts  of  the  king's  land  in  Ireland,  in  which  all  his  faithful 
and  liege  people,  as  well  strangers  as  others  resorting  thereto,  were  received, 
protected,  comforted  and  relieved  ;  but  that  it  was  then  daily  encompassed  on  all 
sides,  as  well  by  Irish  enemies  as  English  rebels,  so  that  the  burgesses  and  others, 
residing  in  and  resorting  to  the  same,  dared  not,  without  a  considerable  guard, 
either  by  laud  or  water,  come  to  the  town,   or  go  out  of  it,  lor  the  purpose  of 
traffic  and  transacting  their  necessary  business :  and  that  the  burgesses,  for  the 
safe  custody  of  the  tov/n  against  the  malice  of  the  said  enemies  and  rebels,  con- 
tinually, day  and  night,  provided  and  maintained  divers  men  at  arms,  at  their  own 
charges,  to  the  evident  impoverishment  of  their  estate.     The  king,   therefore, 
towards  the  relief  and  encouragement  of  the  town,  and  that  merchants  and  others 
might  be  the  more  induced  and  'encouraged  to  reside  and  dwell  in  it,  for  the  better 
resisting  the  said  enemies  and  rebels,  granted  and  gave  license  to  the  provost  and 
burgesses,  their  heirs  and  successors  for  ever,  yearly  to  elect  among  themselves  a 
sovereign  ;  and  he  also  granted  that  no  merchants  or  otlier  persons  whomsoever, 
stranger  or  native,  of  whatever  state  or  condition  he  might  be,  who  should  not 
be  continually  resident  in  the  town,  and  sworn  a  burgess,  should  buy  or  sell  any 
merchandize  or  victuals  within  the  town,  except  by  wholesale  or  in  gross :   and 
further  granted,   that  they  might  thenceforth   ibr  ever  enjoy  all  the  privileges 
used  and  enjoyed  by  the  town  of  Drogheda ;  saving  to  the  lord  of  the  town  and 
his  heirs,  the  rents,  services,  fines,  amerciaments,  issues  and  profits  to  him  and 
tliem,  from  the  town  and  the  courts  thereof,  belonging,  and  as  they  and  their 
ancestors,    lords  of   the    town,    were  accustomed  to  receive.      Such   were  the 
leading  municipal  regulations  which  were  made  at  this  period,  and  the  beneficial 
effects  of  wliich  the  town  soon  afterwards  began  to  experience.     The  privileges 
granted,  though  not  particularly  expressed,  were  very  extensive,  as  appears  by 
inspection  of  the  ancient  charters  of  Drogheda ;  and  the  progress  of  the  town 
must,  at  the  time,  have  been  very  considerable,  when,  in  its  first  charter  of  incor- 
poration, it  obtained  all  the  piivileges  enjoyed  by  one  of  the  most  ancient  and 
respectable  corporate  towns  in  the  kingdom. 

Galway,  having  thus  experienced  the  royal  iavour  and  protection,  entirely 
fulfilled  all  the  expectations  of  government,  and  hencelbrth  became  the  principal 
support  of  the  English  interest  in  this  part  of  Ireland.  Fronr  a  document,  how- 
ever, found  on  record  in  the  tower  of  London,  entitled  "  A  license  to  make  war 
against  the  Irish  enemies,"  and  dated  in  the  year  llOO,  it  would  seem  as  if  tlie 
town,  even  after  obtaining  these  charters,  had  revolted  from  its  allegiance,  and 
again  raised  the  standard  of  rebellion.''     This,  however,  was  not  the  case,  and 


"■  The  following  is  an  abstract  of  this  document  tiaiis-  mlniinils,  niavois  Sic.  in  Eni;lanJ  and  Ireland  greeting. 
latttd  fidrn  the  original. — Licence  for  niakinj;  war  asain  t  At  the-  sii[)plicatii)n  of  our  beloved  John  Rodcricc, 
ll'.e  l-.;..ii  cutniics.— The  Kill-.     To  all  ami  sin^uUu-  liis     WiUi.i.ii  l\iiiii,lf,  Edward  White  and  Philip  Tailloar,  of 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  C3 

Jhc  iiistranient  alluded  to  originated  as  follows.  On  the  defection  of  Sir  William 
l)c  liurgli  and  the  town  in  13S8,  Nicholas  Kent,  one  of  the  burgesses,  who  refused 
to  join  them,  departed  privately  for  England  ;  and  prevailed  on  some  merchants 
of  Bristol,  under  great  promises  of  plunder,  to  fit  out  a  predatory  expedition 
against  the  town  and  the  islands  of  Arran,  which  were  then  in  the  hands  of  the 
common  enemy.  To  sanction,  however,  a  proceeding  of  that  kind  by  private 
individuals,  the  king's  licence  was  necessary ;  but  before  this  could  be  obtained, 
or  the  other  necessary  preparations  made,  the  town  retnrned  to  its  allegiance,  and 
this  nefarious  project  having  consequently  fallen  to  the  ground,  it  enjoyed,  from 
tiie  time  of  its  incorporation,  a  long  and  uninterrupted  state  of  peace  and 
tranquiUity.  On  12th  IMarch,  hWi,  Henry  IV.  granted  a  charter  of  confirmation, 
whereby  lie  accepted,  approved  and  ratified,  and  to  the  provost,  bailiffs  and 
commonalty,  granted  and  confirmed,  the  liberties,  franchises,  jurisdictions, 
privileges,  cognizances,  tolls  and  customs,  contained  in  their  former  charters. 
Sir  Stephen  Lescrop  was  ai)pointed  to  the  government  of  the  county  of 
Connaught,  and  receiver  of  the  customs  of  Galway  and  Athenry ;  with  all  the 
profits  as  well  of  the  custom  of  the  cocket,  as  the  little  custom  within  both  towns, 
for  one  year,  reserving  the  salmon  fishery  in  Galway.''  The  year  following.  Sir 
William  de  Biu'gh,  John  Lyverpull,  "William  Mirreson  and  John  Mirreson,  were 
appointed  justices  in  the  lordship  and  county  of  Connaught;  the  town  of  Galway, 
which  was  under  the  rule  of  its  own  magistrates,  only  excepted.  Sir  William  was 
soon  afterwards  (.5th  December,  1403,)  constituted  deputy  of  Connaught,  at  the 
fee  of  80  marks ;  with  power  to  grant  and  receive  all  the  revenues,  issues  and 
profits  of  the  town  of  Galway,  appertaining  to  the  king  by  reason  of  the 
minority  of  Edmund,  son  of  lloger  late  earl  of  March,  and  also  of  the  great  new 
customs  in  the  port  of  Galway.*^ 

During  this  century  the  town  extended  considerably  in  trade  and  population. 
On  iGth  May  1425,   William  Botiller  and  John  Rede  were  appointed  to  inquire 


Bristol,  and  Nicholas  Kent,  Burgess  of  Galway  in  Ireland,  capture  and  plunder  our  lioje  Enclisli.     To  the  end  and 

and  in  as  much  as  they  have  given  surety  that  they  would  cH'uct  that  if  tlie  ai'orcsaid  John,  \Villiani,  Edward,  Pliilip 

not  presume  to  make  war,  or  afford  cause  ot'  making  war,  and  Nicholas,  shall  he  ahle  by  lorce  and  armed  power  to 

against  any  of   the  faithful   Irish,    or  attempt  any  thing  obtain  and  take  the  town  and  i^ilands  aforesaid,  they  may 

against  tlie  form  of  the  truces  entered  iiito  bLtween  us :  liavc,  hold  and  inhabit  the  same  town  and  islands,  taking 

we  have  granted  and  given  licence  to  them,  that  they,  to  their  own  use  and  profit  all  ami  singular  the  |)roperty 

with  as  nr.my  men  at  arms  as  they  shall  chuse  to  have  and  of  the  aforesaid  rebels  and  enemies  of  us,  and  all  that 

provide  at  their  own  expenses,  may  take  tiieir  course  for,  which  they  shall  be  ahle  so  to  obtain  and  take,  the  rights, 

and  pass  over  to  our  said  realm  of  Ireland,  in  four  ships  rents,  revenues,  services  and  other  monies  whatsoever  to 

called  the  Christopher,  the  Trusty,  the  Nicholas  and  the  our  royal  prerog:\tive  there  pertaining,  always  saved  unto 

May  of  Bristol,    and  there  may  make  war  against  the  us;  saving  also  the  right  of  the  son  and  heir  of  Roger  de 

rebels  anil  enemies  of  us,    being   in  the  said  town   of  Mortimer,  late  Earl  of  March,  deceased,  being  within  age 

Galway;   which  in  times  past  was  in  our  liegeance  and  and  in  our  wardship,  and  [tlie  rights]  of  all  other  our  liege 

obedience,  until   now  of  late,  that  by  one   Sir  William  subjects  whomsoever.      Westminster  the  asnd  of  May. — 

liurgh.  Knight,  by  the  assent  and  treason  of  certain  traitors  By  the  King  himself. — Hut.  Pat.  I.  lien.  1 1"^,  7.  m. 

therein,  the  said  town  was  taken  in  war;    and  also  the  '  Rot.  Pat.  3  }hn.  II'. 

islands  of  Aroiis,  which  always  he  full  of  gailies  to  ensnare,  '  Id.  de  anuis  4  and  5  Hen.  If. 


Gl  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

of  all  and  singular  merchants,  as  well  foreigners  as  natives,  and  as  well  those  who 
came  to  the  i)orts  of  the  town  of  Galway  and  Sligagh,  as  to  all  other  j)orts  of  the 
county  of  Connaught,  with  wine,  oil,  honey,  wool,  skins,  hides,  lead  or  other 
articles  whatsoever,  liable  to  custom  or  king's  duty,  and  also  of  all  those  who 
shipped  any  such  merchandizes."  On  20th  May,  1427,  Sir  Ulick  de  Burgo  (son  of 
.Sir  William,)  and  his  brother  received  an  order  for  twenty  marks  and  forty  pounds 
out  of  the  customs  of  the  town,  which  were  paid  to  his  brotlier  on  21th  October 
ibllowing,  to  enable  him  to  reduce  the  Irish,''  and  on  llth  February,  1142, 
WilHam,  son  of  Sir  William  Bourke,  Knight,  was  granted  10/.  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
treasury  of  Ireland,  in  consideration  of  his  laudable  services  in  cnablino-  the  kino's 
collectors  to  collect  the  customs  in  the  port  of  Galway.'  The  records  of  tliis 
period  abound  with  entries,  relative  to  the  collection  of  the  revenues  of  the  town 
and  their  application;  but  as  they  do  not  impart  any  tlu'ng  otherwise  materiallv 
interesting,  they  are,  for  that  reason,  and  also  to  avoid  prolixitv,  omitted. 

The  increase  of  trade  rendered  commercial  regulations  necessary,  and  several 
useful  mercantile  laws  were  accordingly,  from  time  to  time,  devised  and"  esta- 
blished. Amongst  these,  liowevcr,  some  are  to  be  found  of  a  different  tendency; 
and  particularly  in  the  year  MOO,  during  tlie  magistracy  of  William  Biihh  Lynche/ 
then  sovereign  of  the  town,  it  was  enacted  by  the  corporation,  "  that  ne  merchant, 
ne  maryner,  ne  shipman,  should  unlade,  ne  transport  over  the  seas,  unfremens 
goods,  but  only  fremens,  upon  paine  to  Icsse  the  said  goods  or  the  just  value 
thereof,  and  to  forfayte  100  shillings ;  which  goods,  forfayte,  to  be  divided  into 
three  parts,  one  part  to  be  to  the  reparations  and  building  of  tlie  town  walls  and 
works,  the  second  part  to  the  reparations  of  the  ciun-ch,  and  the  third  part  to 
the  officers,  for  the  time  being."  This  bye-law,  which  was  evidently  intended 
to  support  the  monopoly  of  tlie  corporation,  however  it  miglit  serve  to  benefit  that 
body,  and  tend  to  enrich  a  few  individuals,  does  not  seem  to  have  been  calculated 
to  advance  the  general  interests  of  trade  :  nor  could  the  following  enactment, 
v.-hich  was  framed  in  the  same  year,  add  to  tlie  strength  or  increase  the  iiopu- 
lation  of  the  town,  viz.  "  That  no  dweller  should  set  or  sell  land  or  tenement, 
within  the  same  tov.n  of  Galway,  to  no  Irishman,  without  licence  fiom  the  council 
for  the  time  being,  on  payn  of  forfiiiting  said  lands  and  tenements,  and  one 
hundredth  shillings  to  be  divided  as  above  written."^  These  bye-laws,  however 
were  confirmed  in  several  years  after,  by  Picrse  Lynclie,  the  first  mayor  of  the  toAvn. 


lint.  Mem.  3  Hen.  VI.  Hen.  r/._  and  on  21st  April,  I4J5,  James  Bodikvn  wa 


appointed  comptroller  of  the  customs,  in  the  same  porti. 
—Hat.  2Iem.  Pin  lien.   VI. — Soon  alter  tliis  period,  the 


'  lint.  Put.  20  Hen.  VI.— On  2]st  April,  1445,  Alex- 
ander Lynch  and  Nicholas  Slicrct,  merchants,  were  ap-  prisage  of  Galway  was  granted  to  Edmomi  lloVd  Dun- 
pointed  collectors  of  the  above  customs,  in  the  ports  of  boyne,  during  his'liie,  for  signal  services  a"ainst  the  Irish 
Sligo  and  Galway.— Tio/.  I'nt.  -23  Hen.  VI.— On  •J2d  and  for  takmg  Con  O'Conor  prisoner,  °and  delivcriu' 
Apr^J,  1450,  Edmund  Lynche  and  Vvilhani  Allen  (or  Den)  him  to  the  lord  dcputv.— {f  nre.  * 
oi'  Gahvay,  were  appointed  to  the  same. — Hot.  Mem.  28.            Corporation  Book.     Liber  A. 


inSTOUY    OF    GAT, WAV.  65 

AVere  any  further  proof  requisite  to  indicate  the  consequence  of  the  town  at  this 
jiciii).!,  that  of  the  estiibhsliment  of  a  mint,  for  the  coinage  of  tlie  king's  monies, 
ill  a  j)..:t  of  tlie  kingdom  so  distant  from  the  seat  of  government,  wouhl  be  sufli- 
cii'iit.  In  the  year  1  t6l,  King  Edward  IV.  by  letters  patent,  dated  at  AVest- 
i;iinster,  on  the  Gth  of  August,  constituted  "  Gcrmyn  Lynch  wardeyn  and 
p.i.iister  worker  of  ourc  monies  and  coignes  within  cure  castle  of  Dyvehn  (Dublin), 
ill  oiu-  land  of  Ireland,  and  within  the  castle  of  Trim;  and  also,  we  have  granted 
and  gyve  full  power  and  auctoritc  to  the  said  Gcrmyn,  and  to  his  depute,  or 
dc'pulees,  duryng  his  said  lyf,  to  make  all  ourc  monies  and  coignes,  and  to  do  all 
things  that  shall  nede  or  long  thereto,  within  the  town  of  Galway,  witiiin  oure 
saiil  land  ol  Ireland."  This  patent  was  confirmed  by  an  act  of  the  succeeding 
Iri-h  ])arliainent, "  in  which  the  impressions,  inscriptions,  weight  and  value,  of  the 
>c\rial  coins,  in  silver,  brass  and  copper,  were  particularly  specified.  Not  long 
;il'ter\\arils  it  was  ordered,  that  English  money  should  advance  a  Iburth  part  more 
in  value  in  Ireland,  than  it  was  current  for  in  England  ;  viz.  that  nine  pence 
I'.nglish  should  pass  for  a  shilling  in  Ireland,  a  shilling  for  sixteen  pence,  kc. ' 
which  was  the  first  time  that  any  difference  was  made  in  the  value  of  money 
liL'twecn  the  two  countries."  Mr.  Simon  says,  that  he  never  met  with  anj'^  of  the 
cuius,  struck  in  Galway,  under  the  foregoing  patent.  ' 

'J'his  grant  was  Ibllowed  by  a  charter,  dated  L'Sth  August  1  iGl',  whereby  tlie 
King,  for  the  better  enabling  the  town  more  strongly  to  resist  his  enemies  and 
rebels,  confirmed  all  the  preceding  charters,  regranted  the  right  to  levy  the  tolls 
and  customs,  but  to  be  expended  about  walling  and  paving,  and  not  otherwise; 
and,  for  the  greater  security  and  safeguard  of  the  town,  he  ordained,  that  no 
person,  of  whatsoever  estate,  degree  or  condition  he  should  be,  (the  lieutenant 
and  chancellor  of  Ireland  wholly  excepted,)  should  in  any  wise  enter  the  town, 
unless  by  the  licence,  assent  and  superintendence  of  the  sovereign,  provost,  bai- 
lilVs,  burgesses  and  commonalty  for  the  time  being.  ™  This  prohibition  was  the 
iirst  eflectual  step  taken  to  get  rid  of  the  control  and  interference  of  the  Dc 
Burgos  within  the  town,  which  was  soon  afterwards  eflected. 

The  annals  of  Connaught,  and  those  of  the  four  masters,  record  a  terrible 
conflagration  wliich  took  place  in  Galway,  on  Friday,  the  '2l\  day  of  June,  Mv^ ; 
by  wjiicli  the  town  was  nearly  destroyed,  and  incalculable  damage  sustained  by 
the  inhabitants.  This  heavy  misfortune  was,  however,  soon  overcome  by  the 
exertions  of  an  industrious  and  already  opulent  community.  During  the  long 
reign  of  Henry  VI.  and  that  of  his  successor,  Edw.  IV.  several  families  settled 
in  the  town,  among  whom  those  cf  Dcaiie,  1-Joitt,  l-yrcnc'i,  Morris,  Biillcr,  Fallon, 


'  r,:j,n,iled  Slalute,  Bn/U  Office.  '  Essm/  nn  Irish  Coins. 

•  ll'ure.  '  CVu-.  •"  liuL  Fat.  i  Edw.  ir.  p.  11,  m.29.     Tur.  Load. 


66 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


NoIa?i,  Port,  Come  or  Qidn,  and  TuUij,  are  particularly  noticed.  At  the  period 
to  wliich  our  narrative  is  now  arrived,  it  was  esteemed  one  of  tlic  most  j)opu- 
lous  towns  in  Ireland :  trade  kept  pace  with  the  increase  of"  population,  and  a 
spirit  of  industry  pervaded  the  minds  of  the  people  ;  but  their  energies  were  now- 
more  particularly  called  fortli,  by  the  melancholy  accident  wliicli  had  just  taken 
place,  and  the  damages  occasioned  by  the  fire  were  not  only  quickly  repaired, 
but  the  town  itself  was  materially  improved,  and  soon  after  took  its  rank  amongst 
the  most  considerable  places  in  tlie  kingdom.  The  relation  of  its  affairs  having 
been  thus  far  continued  through  periods  of  which  almost  every  local  record  and 
monument  has  been  long  and  irrecoverably  lost,  an  era  now  approaches,  from 
which  the  memory  of  its  transactions  was  better  preserved ;  and,  consequently, 
the  future  helps,  for  the  elucidation  of  its  histor}-,  will  be  found  much  more 
abundant  and  satisfactory,  asan  the  following  cliapter. 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAV.  67 

CHAP.  IV. 

FROM  U-8t  TO  THE  COMMENCEMENT  OF  THE  IRISH  REBELLION  IN  1641. 

Jf'a?-de?isJiip  of  Gakvai/  inst'ihiled  hij  the  archbishop  of  Tnam,  and  confirmed  by  Pope 
Innocent  VIII. — Charter  of  Richard  III. — RcmarJcable  instance  cfi  injledibk'  justice 
— Forli/icalions  built — Great  fire  in  the  torcn — Battle  ofiKnoc-  Tuadh — Hospital  built, 
and  several  improvements  made — Disputes  bet'dceen  Gahcai/  and  Limerick — Prisage 
of  icines  claimed — Orders  of  Ilemy  VIII.  to  the  inhabitants — Tlie  lird  deputy. 
Grey,  honorably  7-eceived  in  the  town,  and  several  Irish  chiefs  come  in,  and  submit — 
Sir  JVilUam  de  Burgh  created  earl  of  Clanrickard,  and  deprived  of  all  power  in 
Gakvay — Charter  of  Henry  VIII. — Mercantile  bye-laws — Charters  of  Edward  VI. 
—  The  earl  of  Sussex,  chief  governor,  anives  in  Galway,  and  is  splendidly  received 
— Sir  Hem~i/  Sidney,  his  successor,  airives  in  town — Insurrection  of  the  JMac-an- 
Earlas — llieir  defeat — Charter  of  Elizabeth — The  lord  justice.  Sir  JJllliam  Pclham, 
arrives  in  town,  and  confii-ms  the  charter — Sir  John  Perrot,  lord  deputy,  comes  to 
Gakvay — Prisage  of  wines  in  the  town,  established  by  the  earl  of  Orniond — 0/ie  of 
the  vessels  oftlie  Spanish  armada  wrecked  in  the  bay — The  lord  deputy.  Sir  William 
FitzwilUams,  arrives  in  town,  puts  several  of  the  Spaniards  to  death — Sir  William 
Russel,  lord  deputy,  ar7'ives  ami  investigates  the  state  of  the  toxim  and  province — 
Tlie  town  besieged  by  Hugh  Ruadh  O'Donnel — Licentiousness  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  cotmtry — 'The  chief  governor,  lord  Mounijoy,  visits  the  toxvn — St.  Aiigtis- 
ti/ie'sfort  built — Charter  of  James  I. — The  town  erected  into  a  separate  jurisdiction 
— T/te  lord  dcputi/.  Viscount  Falkland,  arrives  in  Gakcay — His  mun'ficcnce — Foi-t 
of  Ballymanagh  binlt — Several  fortifications  erected — Splendid  entry  into  Gakcay 
and  reception  of  Viscount  Wenlxvorth,  lord  deputy — His  ojipressive  2»'oceedings 
against  a  jury  oj''  the  county — Concluding  observations. 

1  HE  town  of  Galway  having  considerably  increased  in  wealth  and  opulence 
daring  the  two  last  centuries,  (by  its  constant  and  gradually  extending  com- 
merce with  tlie  nations  oi'  Europe,  but  particularly  with  France  and  S})ain,  from 
whence  its  merchants  annually  imported  vast  quantities  of  wine,)  and  the  prin- 
cipal part  of  the  inhabitants  being  connected  together  by  the  ties  of  kindred, 
(which  were  daily  augmenting  by  frequent  intermarriages,)  and  by  the  more  power- 
ful influence  of  mutual  interest;  the  great  and  continual  object  of  their  care  and 
solicitude  was,  to  prevent  any  intercourse  with  the  native  Irish  of  the  surrounding 
country,  from  whose  vindictive  dispositions  (according  to  the  accounts  of  the 


GB  history  of  galway. 

town)  and  implacable,  though,  perhaps,  just,  and  often  provoked,  resentment, 
many  oi'  the  town's  people  had,  from  time  to  time,  been  deprived  of  their  pro- 
perties and  their  lives.  ■"  In  order  effectually  to  attain  this  desirable  end,  and 
entirely  to  cut  off  all  communication  between  the  town  and  the  natives  of  the 
country,  it  became  necessary  to  accomplish  two  points :  the  first  was,  to  obtain 
and  establish  a  separate  religious  jurisdiction  within  the  town,  which  should  be 
independent  of  any  exterior  ecclesiastical  power ;  and,  the  second,  to  new  model 
the  corporation,  and  get  rid  of  the  interference  of  the  De  Burgos,  whose  authority 
liad  now  become  insupportable  to  the  inhabitants. 

Galway  anciently  belonged  to  the  diocese  of  Annaghdov/n,  which  was  united, 
in  1321',  to  the  arch-diocese  of  Tuam  ;  and  since  that  union  it  was  governed  by 
vicars,  nominated  by  that  see.  In  the  year  1 184,  the  inhabitants  prevailed  on 
Donat  O'Murray,  then  archbishop  of  Tuam,  to  release  the  town  from  his  juris- 
diction, and  to  erect  the  church  of  St.  Nicholas  into  a  collegiate,  to  be  governed 
by  a  warden  and  vicars,  who  were  to  be  presented  and  solely  elected  by  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  town.  ^  As  it  was  necessary  that  this  act  should  receive  the  sanction 
and  confirmation  of  the  Pope,  a  petition  from  the  parishioners  of  the  town 
was  transmitted  to  Rome,  in  which  they  stated  themselves  to  be  "  modest  and 
civil  people,"  and  represented  the  inhabitants  of  the  surrounding  country  as  a 
savage  race,  brought  up  in  woods  and  mountains,  luipolished  and  illiterate, 
by  Vihom  they  were  often  disturbed  in  exercising  the  divine  duties  of  their 
religion,  according  to  the  English  rite  and  custom;  that  they  were  often  robbed 
and  nundered  by  them,  and  were  in  continual  danger,  and  likely  to  suffer  many 
other  losses  and  inconveniences  if  not  speedily  succoured,  and  they  therefore 
prayed  that  his  holiness  would  be  pleased  to  confirm  the  institution  of  the  arch- 
bishop. This  petition  was  graciously  received  by  the  Pope,  Innocent  VIII.  who 
granted  a  bull  of  confirmation,  according  to  the  prayer  of  the  })etitioners. 

About  the  same  time,  the  inhabitants  also  solicited  Richard  III.  for  a  new 
charter,  praying  that  they  might  be  at  liberty  to  elect  thenceforth,  for  ever,  a 
mayor  and  bailiffs  ;  that  no  person  whomsoever,  not  ever,  excepting  the  King's 
lieutenant  and  chancellor,  (who  alone  were  then  ])rivi]eged,)  should  enter  the 
town  without  licence ;   and  particularly  that  the  lord  Mac  William,  of  Clanrickard, 


'Such  appears  to  If.ive  been  the  statement  of  tlic  inlm-  XIlv  tijn  coivinon   ;ie   peA/i    ^alSiA  :    ma   n;|t  n; 
liitants  of  Galway;  but,  it"  the  accounts  oi'  the  nccustil  rv.\ji>be  hrjc 

Irish  could  now  be  obtained,  it  is  more  than  probable  that  ,     ,>•',,  C.     ,     ,       ^,v    v^    »,!,„^---^  .    /A,^„_,,^_    ,„ 

.1  1 1 1    r       1      .    •  II    ni-      .1-       .1        L  be  b  co.olc   dn  tin  oo  moctvoccv:  common  en 

tluvwoiddbctoLmdniatcnallyditlercnttroin  those char,L;cs  ■^'-J'-'  ^^t  '  i        i 

III' tlicir  adversaries.    Xo  faet'is  Ixtter  authenticateil  tlian  F^!^   jatbd    |'.J0r. 

that,  lorniany  centaries  anterior  and  su]>se.|nent  to  this  ^^.^^  ^^^  ^^■  j,     jj^,,  ^^^.^,  „„  Iriendship  make  ; 

]>enod    tlic  native  Irish  continned  to  enact    aws  in  tlieir  <^i,„„|,,,t  thou,  destruction  will  thee  overtake  ; 

own  districts,  to  prevent  any  intereoiirse  whatever  with  ,,^,,||  ,;^,  ;_,  ^^;;,  ^^,  ,.^i„  ^,         „,|„,„  i.^  ,,,,„  . 

the  Ensbsh  settlers ;  whose      rapacity  and  want  o.   pnn-  ,   j     ,     iHciidship  of  an  Englishman, 

ciple,     says  the  historian,  "  were  to  notorious,  that  ihey  ' 

:becaaie  proverbial." — V'JJii//uriui.  ''  Appcmlir,  No.  I. 


lUSTOUY    or    GALWAV.  0'9 

aiul  his  licirs,  should  be  for  ever  deprived  of  all  rule  and  rvuthority  witliiii  the 
fywii.  A  new  cliarter  was  accordingly  granted,  dated  at  Westminster,  the  15th 
of  December,  1 1-Sl.,  whereby  the  king  confirmed  all  ibrmer  grants,  and  renewed 
tlic  powers  to  levy  the  tolls  and  customs,  which  he  directed  sliould  be  applied 
towards  the  murage  and  pavage  of  the  town :  he  also  granted  license  tliat  they 
might,  yearly,  for  ever,  choose  one  mayor  and  two  bailiifs,  and  ordained  that  no 
person  whomsoever  should  enter  the  town  without  license ;  and  particularly 
ordained  and  granted,  that  from  thenceforth  neither  the  lord  Mac  AVilliam,  of 
Clanrickard,  nor  his  heirs,  should  have  any  rule  or  power  whatsoever  within  the 
town,  eitlier  to  act,  exact,  ordain  or  dispose  of  any  thing  therein,  by  land  or  by 
water,  as  he  and  his  predecessors  were  anciently  accustomed  to  do,  without  the 
special  license  and  by  the  consent  and  superintendence  of  the  mayor,  baih'ffs  and 
corporation,  to  whom  he  granted  plenary  power  and  authority  to  rule  and  govern 
tlic  town.'  The  first  mayor  and  bailiifs  v.ere  accordingly  elected  under  tliis 
charter,  on  the  1st  of  August,  1185,  and  were  sworn  into  office  on  the  29th  of 
September  following,  whicli  practise  has  continued  without  intermission  to  the 
present  day. 

The  bull  was  soon  after  received  from  Rome,  and  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants 
was  immediately  convened  in  the  town-aouse,  where  it  was  publiclv  read,  in  the 
iiearing  of  all  the  people,  on  the  od  and  Gth  days  of  November,  1485.  Bv  this 
instrument,  which  is  dated  the  8th  of  February,  1481.,  the  pope  coiifirmeil  and 
approved  of  the  erection  of  the  church  of  St.  Nicholas  into  a  collegiate,  to  be 
governed  by  a  warden  and  eight  vicars,  who  should  be  moral,  well  bred  and 
virtuous  men,  and  who  were  to  follow  the  Englisli  rite  and  custom,  in  celebratin'>- 
the  mysteries  of  religion  ;  and  he  also  granted  tlie  right  of  presentation  of  the 
warden  and  vicars  to  the  chief  magistrate  or  mayor,  bailiifs  and  equals  (pares) 
of  the  town  for  ever.  "^ 

These  municipal  and  ecclesiastical  grants  being  obtained,  gave  general  satisuic- 
tion  to  the  people,  and  principally  laid  the  foundation  of  the  future  greatness  and 
prosperity  of  the  town,  which  were  also  much  advanced  by  the  public  faith  and 
integrity  of  its  mercliauts,  and  by  the  unsullied  honor  of  the  inhabitants,  whose 
stw'ict  adherence  to  truth  and  love  of  impartial  justice  became  univei-sally  pro- 
verbial. But  as  a  single  fact,  in  illustration  of  this  statement,  may  prove  more 
■satisfactory,  and  have  a  greater  effect  than  any  general  description  ;  the  reader 
will  find  it  forcibly  displayed  in  an  appalling  instance  of  inflexible  virtue  v/liich 
occurred  about  this  period  in  Galway,  and  which  stands  paralleled  by  very  few 
examples  in  the  history  of  mankind. 


'T'r.-,  cluirtcr  of  Rioli.  III.  with  all  preceding  ;irants,  "  Tlie  original  bull  lias  been  lost  niaiiy  years  a^jo;  Init  a 
is  I'.illv  rociiiJ  in  tiiat  of  (lueeii  Eii/.-.ibL'th. — Appcndt.r,  cupy  from  an  ancient  tranbcri|)t  !;<  yivcn"  iii  tlie  Anijonilix 
-^.•• .'//.  Xo.  II.  .  I         •  -■ 


70 


HISTORY    OK    GALWAY. 


"  James  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen,  an  opulent  merchant,,  and  one  of  the  principal 
inhai)itants  of  Galway,  was  elected  mayor  in  11.93  ;  at  which  time  a  regular  and 
friendly  intercourse  subsisted  between  the  town  and  several  parts  of  Spain.  This 
mayor,  who  froih  his  youth  had  been  distinguished  for  public  spirit,  had,  from  com- 
mercial motives,  on  all  occasions  encouraged  an  intercourse  tiiat  proved  so  lucra- 
tive as  well  to  his  town'smen  as  to  the  Spaniards  ;  and  in  order  the  more  firmly  to 
establish  the  connexion  between  them,  he  himself  went  on  a  voyage  to  Spain, 
and  was  received,  when  at  Cadiz,  at  the  house  of  a  rich  and  respectable  nierciiant; 
of  the  name  of  Gomez,  with  the  utmost  hospitality,  and  with  every  mark  of 
esteem  suitable  to  his  high  reputation  and  to  the  liberality  of  his  entertainer. 
Upon  his  departure  for  his  own  country,  out  of  a  wish  to  make  some  grateful 
return  for  the  numerous  civilities  he  had  received  from  the  Spaniard,  he  requested 
of  him,  as  a  particular  favor,  to  allow  his  son,  a  youth  of  nineteen,  to  accom- 
pany him  to  Ireland,  promising  to  take  parental  care  of  him  during  his  stay, 
and  to  provide  for  his  being  safely  restored  to  his  friends  whenever  he  desired  to 
return.  Young  Gomez,  who  was  the  pride  of  his  parents  and  relations,  was 
rejoiced  at  this  agreeable  opportunity  of  seeing  the  world  ;  and  the  merchant's 
request  was  gratefully  complied  witli  by  his  father.  They  embarked  accordingly, 
and,  after  an  easy  passage,  arrived  in  the  bay  of  Galway.  Lynch  introduced  the 
voung  stranger  to  his  family,  by  whom  he  was  I'eceived  with  that  openness  of  heart 


rAtivc 


ost  of  the  minor  inciJcnts  contained  in  tliis  nar- 
ae  the  ofi'spring  of  fancy  ;  luit  tiiis  by  no  means 


'atliicts  the  truth  of  tlie  principal  occurrence.  It  has  been 
ihielly  ab>.tracteil  from  a  publication,  entitled  "  Georjie 
the  tl'.irj,"  attributed  to  the  cUisiic  pen  of  the  reverend 
Edward  Mani;in,  but  has  Ix'en  liero  extended  for  the  pnr- 
j;ose  of  affijnliiit;  some  variety  amidst  so  many  uniform 
details  from  antjcnt  records. — This,  liowever,  the  author 
ap[ireltcnds  may  justly  be  deemed  an  insufficient  reason; 
but  as  it  is  the  oaly  similar  instance  which  occurs,  he 
depends  solely  lin'  iiiili!li;euce  on  tiie  kindness  of  the  reader. 
Other  tradil.'ouary  accounts  of  this  interesting  trans- 
action, give  a  ilifitrent  description  of  the  nature  and  origin 
of  the  crime  committeil,  which  it  may  not  be  unintcre.sting 
brieHy  to  notice.  According  to  these  accounts,  young 
Lvncli,  t,he  guilty  anil  unfortunate  cause  of  this  inelai:- 
ch(>ly  tragedy,  was  sent  on  a  voy.ige  to  Spain,  as  ca;)t;!in 
(if  one  of  his  father's  shifis,  for  a  cargo  of  wioe;  tmd, 
ha\ing  sq'.'aiiikTed  or  secreted  part  of  the  money  uitli 
whidi  he  was  entrusted,  he  availed  himself  of  his  father's 
c;cilit,  to  cover  and  and  for  a  time  to  conceal  the  defi- 
ciency. The  Spanish  merchant  who  supplied  him  on  the 
occasion,  sent  his  nephew  with  him  to  Ireland,  to  receive 
the  debt,  and  to  establish  a  further  correspondence.  The 
ship  proceeded  on  her  voyage ;  and,  us  every  day  must 
bring  them  nearer  the  place  of  destination,  and  discover 
tiie  fraud  intended  by  Lynch,  he  conceived  the  diabolical 
n solution  of  destroying  his  friend;  and,  having  brought 
the  major  part  of  the  crew  over  to  his  purpose,  by  pri>- 
mises  of^  reward,  and  the  rest  by  fear,  on  the  night  of  the 
fi'tecnth  d.iy,  the  uni'orlunate  Spaniard  was  violently 
seized  in  !i:s  bed,  and  thrown  over  board.  A  few  days 
more  bonJit  them  to  port.      His    father    and   friends 


received  hiin'  with  joy,  and,  in  a  sliort  time,  bestowed  a 
sufficient  capital  to  sit  him  up  in  business.  Security  had 
lulled  every  sense  of  danger;  and  he  proposed  for  a 
beautiful  girl,  the  daughter  of  a  neighbour,  in  ni.arriagc. 
His  terms  were  accepted,  and  the  day  appointed  which 
was  to  crown  his  yet  successful  villainy;  when  one  of  the 
sailors,  who  h-.id  been  with  him  on  the  voyage,  was  taken 
ill,  ami  tiuding  himself  on  the  point  oi  death,  he  sent 
for  the  father,  and  communicated  a  full  relation  of  the 
horrid  deed  bis  son  hiid  con.initti  d  on  tlie  sers  :  thus  far 
these  accounts  vary;  but  in  every  other  circuji/btance 
they  perfectly  agree.  It  must,  however,  be  staled  that 
the  truth  of  the  entire  occurrence  has  been  doubtccL 

Archbishop  King's  collection',  in  pos.-.ession  ofthcDublin 
Society,  vol.1,  p.  .11^,  contain  the  following  entry  of  a 
horrid  murder  coimnilteil  in  (Jalway,  apparently  taken 
from  the  records  of  the  Franciscan  abbey  there  : — "  Hur- 
rcndum  homkidium  accidit  in  villa  Gulwei/,  22''.  aug.  nbi 
ijhidaiii  fill',  Jolianncs,  media  node,  vcridiL  ucunculi  sui, 
(i2tHcluii  rcoi^h  pistoris,  luorein  it  'Jiliuvi  ct  vejivtcvi, 
piicriilinn  12  annormn,  cum  securi,  tjiios  in  /lortiim  nos- 
truni,  fji'i  contiguus  J'uit,  jirujccit-  A".  1C25." — It  has  . 
been  suggested  to  the  author,  that  the  nionuinent  said  to 
have  been  erected  in  1624,  to  perpetuate  Lynch's  crime 
and  punishment,  (vide  the  niisceliancous  plate,)  possibly 
related  to  the  latter  circmubtance,  which,  though 
entered  uiulcr  the  year  1625,  iiiight  have. occurred  the 
year  preceding.  This,  however,  is  mere  supposition. — 
Few  transactions  of  so  old  a  date  stand  better  authen- 
ticated than  that  concerning  young  Lyncli  ;  for,  indcpen- 
deml)  of  the  general  voice  of  tradition,  it  ap|)ears recorded 
in  several  ancient  mannscripts,  many  of  which  have  passed 
through  the  hands  of  the  author. 


IIISTOKY    OF    GALWAY.  71 

and  hospitality  which  has  ever  characterized  the  Irish,  under  any  circumstances  : 
and  he  also  recommended  him,  in  a  particular  manner,  as  a  companion  to  his  only 
son,  who  was  but  a  year  or  two  older  tiian  Gomez,  and  who  was  considered  one  of 
the  fnicst  youths  of  his  time  :  the  beauty  of  his  person,  and  the  winning  softness 
of  his  manners,  rendered  him  a  favorite  with  the  fair  sex  ;  he  was  the  idol  of  the 
people  for  his  affability  and  spirit,  and  respected  by  all  ranks  for  his  abilities.  "With 
su])crior  height  and  dignity  of  mien,  he  possessed  great  muscular  strength  and 
intrepid  spirit,  and  uncommon  vigour  of  body  and  mind.  Thus  highly  gifted  by 
nature,  and  endowed  with  every  great  and  good  quality  of  the  heart,  he  soon 
felt  the  delightful  influence  of  his  own  attractions,  by  the  general  admiration  and 
esteem  which  they  excited  in  others.  But  his  endowments  were  not  unattended 
by  what  is  too  often  seen  united  with  superior  qualities,  a  tendency  to  the  plea- 
sures of  libertinism,  which  greatly  afflicted  his  father,  who  was  himself  exemplary 
for  the  purity  of  his  life.  He,  however,  now  conceived  the  fullest  hopes  of  his  refor- 
mation, from  discovering  that  he  paid  honorable  addresses  to  a  beautiful  and 
accomplished  girl,  the  daughter  of  one  of  his  richest  and  most  respectable  neii-h- 
bours ;  and  he  found  additional  satisfaction  in  procuring  for  his  son  the  company 
of  one  so  serious  and  well  brought  up  as  the  youthful  Gomez,  who,  he  hoped, 
would  assist  to  draw  him  entirely  from  his  licentious  courses.  The  vcar  of  his 
return  from  Spain,  this  worthy  magistrate  was  more  than  usually  solicitous  that 
nothing  shoidd  happen  to  cast  a  stain  upon  his  house  or  native  town,  of  wlu'cii  he 
then  was  mayor — a  rank,  in  those  times,  of  the  greatest  importance,  and  one,  on 
the  management  of  which,  more  than  on  that  of  any  other  civil  cmplovment,  the 
general  security  depended.  The  young  men  lived  togetlier  in  perfect  liarmon)", 
and  frequent  entertainments  were  given  at  the  mayor's  house,  as  well  in  lionor  ot" 
the  stranger,  as  for  the  sake  of  advancing  the  suit  of  his  son  Walter  to  tiie  beau- 
tiful Agnes.  At  one  of  those  festivals,  which,  as  usual,  she  adorned  with  her 
presence,  it  happened  that  her  lover  either  saw,  or  which,  with  lovers,  is  liie 
same,  imagined  that  he  saw,  the  eyes  of  the  lovely  maid  beam  with  rapture  on  the 
young  Spaniard.  Wild  with  astonishment,  the  fairy  spell  was  broken  ;  liis  ardent 
and  inu'uly  passions  took  fire  at  the  thought,  and  he  seized  an  opportunity,  not  of 
asking  his  mistress  if  his  suspicions  were  founded  in  fancy  or  reality,  but  of 
upbraiding  her  for  her  infidelity  in  terms  of  haughty  anger:  she,  in  her  turn, 
astonished  and  irritated  by  such  unexpected  injustice,  and  that  too  from  the 
chosen  of  her  heart,  affected  disdain  to  conceal  her  fondness,  and  refused  to  deny 
the  charge.  "  Love,"  says  some  philosopher,  who  assuredly  had  felt  the  passion, 
"  for  the  most  part  resembles  hatred  rather  than  affection  ;"  and  what  now  passed 
between  these  young  persons  was  a  confirmation  of  the  truth  of  that  remark. 
Though  mutually  enamoured,  one  obeyed  the  dictates  of  jealousy,  the  other  of 
pride :  they  parted  in  violence ;  and,  while  the  forlorn  Agnes  may  be  supposed 
retiring  to  weep  over  her  wrongs,  her  admirer,  racked  by  the  fiends  and  iiuies 


72 


IIISTOr.Y    OF    GALWAY. 


that  possessed  liis  bosom,  withdrew  to  revolve  the  direful  project  of  rev^enn-e. 
Accident  contributed  at  once  to  strengthen  Iiis  determination  and  facilitate  his 
purpose.  The  following  night,  as  he  passed  slowly  and  alone  by  the  residence  of 
the  fair  one,  he  perceived  a  man  come  from  the  house,  and  knew  him  to  be 
Gomez,  who  had  indeed  passed  the  evening  there,  being  invited  by  the  father  of 
Agnes,  who  spoke  the  language  of  Spain  with  fluency,  and  courted  the  society  of 
all  who  could  converse  with  him.  Urged  by  his  rage,  the  lo\er  pursued  his 
imagined  rival,  who,  being  alarmed  by  a  voice  which  he  did  not  recognize,  fled 
before  him.  From  ignorance  of  tlie  streets,  he  directed  his  steps  towards  a  soli- 
tary quarter  of  the  town,  close  to  the  shore ;  but,  before  he  had  quite  readied  the 
water's  edge,  his  mad  and  cruel  pursuer  overtook  him,  darted  a  poinard  into  iiis 
heart,  and  plunged  liim,  bleeding,  into  the  sea. — In  the  nigiit  the  tide  threw  the 
body  of  this  innocent  victim  of  insanity  back  upon  the  beach,  where  it  was  found, 
and  soon  recognized.  The  rash  and  wretched  murderer  (from  himself  tlie  parti- 
culars vvcre  obtained)  had  scarcely  committed  the  sanguinary  deed  than  he 
repented  it ;  but  fear,  or  rather  that  feehng  which  teaches  us  to  preserve  life,  even 
when  we  no  longer  love  it,  caused  him  to  hasten  from  the  scene  of  his  crime,  and 
endeavour  to  hide  himself  in  the  recesses  of  a  wood,  at  some  distance  :  here  he 
could  hide,  but  alas!  not  from  himself;  the  shades  of  the  night  and  tlie  darkness 
of  the  forest  were  unto  him  as  the  noon  of  da}'.  In  agonies  of  desuair,  he  cried 
aloud,  and  rolled  himself  upon  the  earth  ;  and,  wlien  the  first  streaks  of  li'dit 
appeared  in  the  sky,  he  rose  with  a  settled  resolution  of  exjiiating  his  guilt,  as  tin- 
as  he  could,  by  surrendering  himself  to  the  law,  and  with  that  intention  was 
returning  to  town,  when  he  perceived  a  crowd  of  persons  approaching,  amongst 
wliom,  with  shame  and  terror,  he  beheld  his  father  on  horseback,  attended  by 
several  oflicers  of  justice  and  a  military  guard.  On  finding  the  body  of  the 
vS])aniard,  it  was  evident  that  he  was  killed  by  a  dagger  which  was  tbund  near 
him,  his  own  being  unsheathed  by  Iiis  side,  and-suspicion  had  also  arisen  that  his 
assassin  must  have  retreated  towai'ds  the  wood,  as  a  white  hat,  ornamented  with 
feathers,  had  been  found,  by  some  fishermen,  floating  near  the  shore,  as  if  blown 
from  the  road  leading  in  that  direction  ;  while  the  velvet  bonnet,  which  the  per- 
son slain  had  worn,  lay  beside  the  body.  Had  the  imlia])py  criminal  wished  to 
conceal  the  fact,  his  disturbed  appearance  alone  would  have  betrayed  him;  but  with 
])erfcct  consistency,  though  in  broken  accents,  he  proclaimed  himself  the  innr- 
dercr,  declared  liis  contrition  and  remorse  for  the  enormity  to  which  frenzy  had 
impelled  him,  and,  imploring  pardon  of  Heaven,  desired  to  be  conducted  to  prison. 
His  disconsolate  parent,  oppressed  by  a  weight  of  amazement  and  allliction,  could 
scarcely  preserve  his  equanimity,  though  a  man  of  almost  unexani])led  firnniess: 
he  foresaw  the  dreadful  consequences  of  complying  v.  iih  his  frantic  son's  demand, 
and  that,  sliould  he  shrink  from  his  duty,  public  disgrace  awaited  himself.  As 
iiiaypr,  he  had  the  power  of  life  and  death,  and  he  remembered  that  already  in  the 


IIlSTOr.y    OF    GALWAY.  73 

cjsc  of  another,  lie  had  used  the  authority  given  him  with  rigid  severity.  But, 
tlioii/fli  he  perceived  that  calamity  must  now  overwhehii  him  and  his  race,  he 
sacrificed  all  personal  considerations  to  his  love  of  justice,  and  ordered  the  guard 
to  secure  their  prisoner.  The  command  was  reluctantly  obeyed  ;  and  the  mourn- 
t'lii  procession  moved  back  to  the  town,  penetrating,  with  difficulty,  the  immense 
crowds  of  people,  whom,  by  this  time,  curiosity  had  brought  out.  A  more 
extraordinary  scene  has  seldom  been  witnessed :  surprise,  compassion  and  horror 
were  discernible  in  the  countenances  of  all.  "While  some  expressed  admiration 
and  pity  for  their  upright  magistrate,  many  of  the  lower  classes,  feeling  commise- 
ration for  the  fate  of  their  favourite  youth,  filled  the  air  with  lamentations  and 
sighs.  The  uproar  alone  would  have  told  the  sad  intelligence  to  the  merchant's 
family  :  but  tliey  were  doomed  to  a  still  greater  shock  than  wliat  general  rumour 
could  give  ;  for  the  strong  prison  of  the  town  lay  immediately  next  to  their  own 
house,  and  the  mother  and  sister  of- the  wretched  Walter  were  spectators  of  his 
approach,  bare-headed,  pale,  bound,  and  surrounded  with  spears.  Their  outcries 
and  faintings  added  to  this  most  terrific  trial  of  the  father's  fortitude  :  but  such 
moments  are  really  the  test  of  virtue ;  the  ordinary  adversities  of  life  are 
iusullicient  to  shew  it  in  its  genuine  lustre,  or  prove  how  potent,  how  beautiful 
it  is,  or,  indeed,  to  convince  us,  that  there  exists  no  force  by  which  true  virtue 
can  be  subdued.  If  words  are  inadequate  to  describe  the  great  and  sudden 
wretchedness  which  overspread  this,  till  now  happy  ^and  honorable,  family,  they 
arc  still  less  so  to  picture  the  despair  of  the  tender  and  unfortunate  Agnes.  To 
return,  however :  Within  the  short  compass  of  a  few  days,  a  small  town  in  the 
west  of  Ireland,  with  a  population,  at  the  time,  of  little  more  than  three  thousand 
persons,  beheld  a  sight  of  which  but  one  or  two  similar  examples  occur  in  the 
entire  history  of  mankind — a  father  sitting  in  judgment,  like  another  Lucius 
Junius  Brutus,  on  his  only  son,  and,  like  him,  too,  condemning  that  son  to  die, 
as  a  sacrifice  to  public  justice.  The  legal  inquiry  which  followed  was  short;  and, 
on  his  own  confession,  strengthened  by  corresponding  circumstances,  the  young 
man  was  fully  convicted  of  the  mtu'der,  and,  in  public,  received  sentence  of 
death  from  the  mouth  of  his  afflicted  father,  by  whom  he  was  remanded  back  to 
prison.  If  the  Almighty  looks  down  with  pleasure  on  the  virtues  of  mankind, 
here  was  an  action  worthy  of  approbation — a  father  consigning  his  son  to  an 
ignominious  death,  and  tearing  away  all  the  bonds  of  paternal  affection,  when 
the  laws  of  nature  were  violated,  and  justice  demanded  the  blow.  No  sooner 
was  his  sentence  known  to  the  populace,  than  they  surrounded  the  place  of  the 
criminal's  confinement :  at  first  they  were  content  witli  expressing  tlieir  dissatis- 
faction by  murmurs  of  regret  and  expostulations  with  the  guards  ;  but,  by  degrees, 
they  became  tumultuous,  and  were  prevented  only  by  the  military  force  from 
attacking  the  prison,  and  pulling  down  the  magistrate's  house  ;  and  their  disor- 
«lcrs  were  ino'cased  by  luidorstanding   that  the  prisoner  was  now  desirous  of 

K 


74  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY; 

being  rescued  ;  which  in  some  measure  was  true,  for,  as  his  madness  subsided, 
his  love  returned.  The  thought  of  for  ever  parting  from  the  object  of  his 
affections  was  intolerable,  and  he  began  to  see  of  what  value  the  gift  of  existence 
was,  of  which  his  remorseless  hand  had  deprived  an  unoffending  stranger.  By 
strenuous  exertions  the  people  were,  for  the  present,  dispersed,  and  hints  were 
even  conveyed  to  them,  that  mercy  would  be  extended  to  the  prisoner.  On  his 
conviction,  the  mayor  was  waited  upon  by  persons  of  the  first  rank  and  influence 
in  town,  and  solicited  to  consent  to  a  reprieve :  his  relations  and  friends  joined  in 
earnest  entreaty,  beseeching  that  his  blood  might  not  be  shed  ;  but  the  inflex- 
ibility of  the  judge  resisted  the  supplication,  and  he  was  inexorable.  Whatever 
the  inward  struggles  of  the  father  and  the  man  might  have  been,  the  firmness  of 
the  patriot  was  unshaken.  He  was  not  to  be  wrought  upon,  either  by  the  dreatl 
of  popular  clamour,  the  odium  that  it  would  attach  to  his  name,  the  prayers  and 
tears  of  his  kneeling  family,  the  undcscribable  despair  of  the  hapless  young  lady, 
or,  harder  to  withstand  than  all  those,  the  yearnings  of  a  paternal  breast :  buf, 
with  a  magnanimity  that  would  have  done  credit  to  the  sternest  hero  of  Greece 
or  Rome,  he  himself  descended,  at  night,  to  the  dungeon  where  his  son  lay,  for 
the  double  and  direful  purpose  of  announcing  to  him,  that  his  sentence  was  to 
be  executed  on  the  following  morning,  and  of  watching  with  him,  to  prevent  the 
possibility  of  his  escape.  One  can  hardly  fancy  any  thing  more  appalling  than 
such  a  vigil  as  this.  He  entered,  holding  a. lamp,  and  accompanied  by  a  priest, 
(from  whom  tiie  account  was  received,)  and,  locking  the  grate,  kept  fast  the 
keys  in  his  hands,  and  seated  himself  in  a  recess  of  the  wall.  His  son  drew 
near,  and,  with  a  faltering  tongue,  asked  if  he  had  any  thing  to  hope  ;  he 
answered,  "  No,  my  son  ;  your  life  is  forfeited  to  the  laws,  and  at  sun-rise  you 
must  die.  I  have  prayed  for  your  prosperity,  but  that  is  at  an  end — with  the 
world  you  have  done  for  ever — were  any  other  but  your  wretched  father  your 
judge,  1  might  have  dropped  a  tear  over  my  child's  misfortune,  and  solicited  for 
his  life,  even  though  stained  with  murder — but  you  must  die — these  are  the  last 
drops  which  shall  quench  the  sparks  of  nature — and,  if  you  dare  hope,  implore 
that  Heaven  may  not  shut  the  gates  of  mercy  on  the  destroyer  of  his  fellow- 
creature.  I  am  now  come  to  join  with  this  good  man  in  petitioning  Gou  to  give 
you  such  composure  as  will  enable  you  to  meet  your  punishment  with  becoming 
resignation."  Then,  as  if  fearful  of  relapsing  into  his  natural  softness,  and  of 
forgetting  the  great  duty  he  had  imposed  upon  himself,  he  requested  the  priest 
lo  proceed:  they  knelt  down,  and  administered  the  rites  of  the  church  to  tlie 
iniliappy  crir.iinal,  to  fortify  him  for  the  approaching  catastrophe.  The  young 
ni.an's  native  spirit  seemed  gradually  to  be  restored  ;  he  joined  fervently  in  prayer; 
sighed  heavily  from  time  to  time  ;  but  spoke  of  life  and  its  concerns  no  more: 
and  thus,  with  intervals  of  silence,  the  woeful  night  passed  over.  It  was  scaixely 
day,  when  the  expected  summons  to  prepare  was  given  to  the  guards  witliout. 


UISTOKY    OF    UALWAY.  75 

llic  father  rose,  unci  assisted  the  executioner  to  remove  the  irons  which  still 
bound  his  unfortunate  son  ;  then,  unlocking  the  door,  he  ordered  him  to  stand 
between  the  priest  and  liimself,  and  lean  upon  an  arm  of  each.  In  this  manner 
they  ascended  a  flight  of  steps,  lined  with  soldiers,  and  were  passing  on  to  gain 
tlic  street,  where  a  strong  escort  had  been  appointed  to  receive  and  go  along 
witli  them  to  tlie  usual  place  of  punishment,  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the 
town.  Tiie  concluding  scene  of  tlie  father's  struggles  and  the  son's  misery  was, 
it  might  be  supposed,  now  very  nigh  ;  but  a  trial  more  severe  yet  awaited  them, 
and  the  unparalleled  firmness  of  the  former  was  to  undergo  a  still  further  proof. 
The  relations  of  the  imhappy  culprit  surrounded  the  father :  they  conjured  him 
again,  by  all  the  solicitude  of  nature  and  compassion,  to  spare  his  son.  His 
wretched  and  disconsolate  mother,  whose  name  was  Blake,  flew  in  distraction  to 
the  heads  of  her  own  family,  and  at  length  prevailed  on  them,  ibr  the  honor  of 
their  house,  to  rescue  liim,  and  prevent  the  ignominy  his  death  must  bring  on  their 
name.  They  armed  to  deliver  him  from  prison.  Prodigious  crowds  had  gathered, 
and  were  loud  in  their  outcries  for  mercy,  threatening  instant  destruction  to  the 
magistrate,  if  not  complied  with.  In  vain  did  he  exhort  them  to  preserve  tran- 
quillity, and  suft'er  the  law  to  take  its  course.  The  soldiers  themselves  were 
incited  by  the  circumstances  of  this  most  pitiable  case,  and,  no  longer  able  or 
willing  to  do  their  duty,  permitted  the  populace  to  approach  the  house,  and  to 
continue  their  well-meant,  but  unlawful,  opposition.  To  attempt  now  to  pass 
tluough  them  was  hopeless :  but  having  withstood  their  tears  and  prayers,  and 
the  still  stronger  appeal  of  his  own  affections,  this  virtuous,  unhappy  and  resolute 
fiither  determined  not  to  yield  from  a  motive  of  personal  fear,  but,  by  one 
desperate  and  incredible  effort,  to  perform  the  horrid  sacrifice  which  he  had 
vowed  to  pay  on  the  altar  of  justice ;  and,  if  he  fell,  to  fall  as  became  a  man, 
and  not  be  compelled  to  prefer  the  advantage  of  an  individual  to  the  injured  rights 
of  his  coimtry,  and  of  liuman  nature.  It  is  probable  he  was  prepared  for  this 
extremity ;  for,  turning  back,  and  still  keeping  hold  of  his  son,  he  mounted  by 
a  winding  stairs  within  the  building,  which  led  to  an  arched  window  that  over- 
looked the  street  in  which  the  populace  was  assembled  :  he  there  presented 
himself  and  his  victim,  about  whose  neck  he  had  previously  fastened  the  rope 
with  which  he  had  been  bound,  and,  securing  the  other  end  in  an  iron  projecting 
from  the  wall,  "  You  have  little  time  to  live,  my  son,"  said  he  ;  "  let  the  care  of 
your  soul  employ  these  few  moments — take  the  last  embrace  of  your  unhappy 
father  :" — he  embraced  his  unfortunate  son,  and  launched  him  into  eternity !  A 
few  moments  put  an  end  to  his  existence.  Expecting  instant  death  from  the  fury 
of  the  rabble,  this  extraordinary  man  retained  his  station,  satisfied  with  the  silent 
approval  of  a  good  conscience,  perfectly  regardless  of  the  applause  or  censure  of  the 
multitude,  conscious  of  having  fulfilled  his  duty  to  God,  to  man,  and  his  country  : 
but  this  act  of  greatness  awed  them  j   they  stood  motionless  with  amazement ; 


70  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

a  sentiment  of  admiration  and  sorrow  united  alone  prevailed;  and,  when  all  was 
over,  tlicy  slowly  and  peaceably  retired — so  wonderous  is  the  influence  of  an 
exalted  and  daring  mind,  when  actuated  by  the  principles  of  virtue. — The 
innocent  cause  of  this  lamentable  tragedy  is  said  to  have  died  of  grief,  and 
the  father  of  her  lover  to  have  secluded  himself  from  society  for  the  remainder 
of  his  days,  never  having  been  seen  again,  except  by  his  mourning  family. 
His  house  still  exists  in  Lombard-street,  which  is  yet  known  by  tlie  name 
of  "  Dead-man's-lane  ;"  and  the  execution  is  said  to  have  taken  place  at  a 
window  in  the  rear  of  the  house ;  though  the  vulgar  error  is,  that  lie  was 
susnended  over  the  front  window,  which  is  distinguished  by  a  handsome  represen- 
tation, carved  in  black  marble,  of  a  human  skull,  with  two  bones  crossed  beneath. 
It  is  dated  in  1021 ;  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  put  up  by  some  of  his  family, 
as  a  public  memorial  of  a  transaction  which  succeeding  times  looked  upon  witli 
astonishment,  and  wliich  the  production  of  the  arts  in  this  country  sliould 
perpetuate  with  statues.  Opinions  may,  no  doubt,  be  divided  as  to  the  cruelty 
or  inhumanity  of  the  father;  but  few  will  question  the  integrity  of  the  judge, 
or  the  equity  of  the  sentence  ;  nor  can  it  be  any  longer  surprising,  that,  after  so 
brilliant  an  example  of  justice,  united  to  the  general  character  of  the  inhabitants, 
the  town  attained,  as  before  observed,  that  degree  of  universal  credit,  which  it 
will  be  found  to  have  done  within  little  more  tlian  a  century  after  this  period. 

Tlie  corporate  regulations  already  detailed  infused  new  spirit  and  vigour 
among  tlie  inhabitants.  Several  useful  and  considerable  works  were  now  un- 
dertaken by  the  corporation  ;  and,  in  the  mayoralty  of  Andrew  Lynch  Fitz- 
Stephen,  in  1498,  the  important  communication  from  Lough-a-thalia  to  Ponla- 
vourline,  which  would  have  opened  an  easy  passage  from  Lough-corrib  to  the  sea, 
(and  which  is  still  so  desirable,)  was  commenced,  but  never  completed.  The 
remains  of  this  useful,  but  neglected,  work  are  yet  visible,  and  are  distinguished 
by  the  name  of  "  Lynch's  Folly."  In  the  same  year  the  curfew-bell  was  intro- 
daced,  and  a  considerable  part  of  the  fortifications  from  the  shoemaker's-tower 
to  the  quay  was  built.  These  improvements  were  for  a  while  impeded  by  an 
accidental  fiie  which  took  place  in  1500,  and  consumed  a  great  part  of  the  town. 
The  inhabitants,  however,  soon  repaired  these  losses,  and  afterwards,  from  time  to 
time,  beautified  the  town  with  several  most  superb  structures,  many  of  which 
remain  entire  to  this  day;  bearing  dates  and  inscriptions  which  generally  contain 
the  names  of  their  fbimdcrs,  and  denote  the  particular  periods  of  their  erection. 

The  town  had  hitherto,  for  a  considerable  time,  enjoyed  the  blessings  of  peace, 
except  the  predatory  attempts  of  the  Lish  may  be  deemed  exceptions;  but 
William  de  Burgo,  O'Brien  of  Thomond,  M'Namara,  O'Carroll  and  other  chief- 
tains, having  in  1504  risen  in  arms,  they  suddenly  invested  and  took  possession  of 
the  town.  Gerald,  earl  of  Kildarc,  the  lord  deputy,  assisted  by  O'Neal  O'DoncU 
and  others,  marched  against  them  with  a  considerable  force  :  both  armies  met  at 


I 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  Y7 

tiio  liill  of  Knoc-tuaclh,  about  seven  miles  N.  W.  of  Galway;  and  although  the 
ln«!i  army  is  stated  to  have  been  the  most  numerous  that  had  assembled  since  the 
arriia!  of  the  Eiiglisli,  it  was  routed  with  dreadful  slaughter ;  Mac  William  and 
•uic  other  leaders  were  taken  prisoners,  and  the  towns  of  Galway  and  Athenry 
••jrri'ndored.  ' 

Foacc  being  tlius  restored,  the  inliabitants  again  resumed  their  improvements. 
Ill  I JOJ  the  streets  were  paved,  and  ^Stephen  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick,  tiie  mayor, 
futimletl  an  hospital,  in  tlie  liigh  street,  for  the  relief  of  such  of  the  respectable 
citizens  as  might  happen  to  be  reduced  by  sickness  or  other  misfortunes :  he  then 
drew  a  deep  Ibsse  round  the  walls  on  the  east,  into  which  a  branch  of  the  river 
was  turned  that  completely  insulated  the  town ;  and  for  these  public-spirited  works 
the  corporation  rewarded  him  w^ith  a  grant  of  a  considerable  portion  of  the  ad- 
jacent land.  In  1519  the  town  wall  was  extended  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet 
westward  of  Michael's  tower  ;  part  of  the  quay  was  also  built  at  the  joint  expense 
of  the  town  and  government;  and  the  "  young  men"  entered  into  a  milibary 
association,  and  instituted  a  company  amongst  themselves,  with  the  approval  and 
sanction  of  the  corporation. 

Daring  the  greater  part  of  tlie  reign  of  Henry  VIII.  the  town  enjoyed  undis- 
turbed repose ;  trade  flourished  ^ ;  several  useful  bye-laws  were  enacted  for  the 
well  ordering  of  the  corporation,  and  many  were  also  made  to  prevent  any  inter- 
course with  the  native  Irish.  As  these  bye-laws  and  regulations  generally  exhibit 
a  curious  and  correct  picture  of  the  customs  and  manners  of  the  town,  at  the 
successive  periods  of  their  enactment,  since  the  year  ItSl,  many  of  tliem  will  be 
(bund  in  another  part  of  this  work. 

The  city  of  Limerick,  from  an  early  period  of  our  history,  was  jealous  of  the 
growing  trade  and  prosperity  of  Galway,  although  the  latter  long  retained  its 
superiority.  This  jealousy  was  shewn  on  many  occasions,  but  broke  out  violently 
in  consequence  of  a  mercantile  dispute,  which  happened  some  time  previously  to 
1521-,  between  David  Comyn,  a  citizen  of  Limerick,  and  some  merchants  of 
Galway.    Comyn  complained  that  he  could  have  no  justice  administered  to  iiim  in 


'  The  annaU  of  the  four  masters  state,  that  "  The  battle  town,  cheerfully  elate,  after  the  fore-nieiitioneJ  victory." 

Ill"  Kiiuc-tiuulli  was  fou^'lit  ou  the  19th  of  Auijust,   150  1.  Trntisl. 

Aficr  gaining  the  victory,  the  loril  justice  advised  with  ^  A.  D.  l.';2:),  the  Kinj  granted  to  Robert  Cowley,  of 

O'DoncIl  to  proceed  iiiiinediately  to  Galway:    O'Donell  Dubhn,  merchant,  the  lastuL'e  of  hides,  commonly  called 

«iiJ, '  Many  of  our  people  are  overpowered  and  slain,  anil  the  tees  of   the   town  of   Galway;    beinir  two  shillinys 

others  of  them  separated  from   us ;  I  therefore  think  it  sterlins   money  for  every   last  (twelve  dozen)  of   hides, 

hi->t  to  remain  this  nis;ht  on  the  field,  as  a  sign  of  our  in   every   ship  v\ithin  the  port  of  Galway,  and  the  bavs 

victory,  ami  to  form  our  camp;  our  scattered  troops  (lite-  and  creeks  thereof,  fun  a  term  of  30  years,  theretofore 

rally,  our  heroes  and  the  dregs  of  our  people)  will  then  held  by  Stephen  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick. — Fiaiit  17  //»■». 

return  to  us,  upon  knowing  our  standards  and  colours.'  VI !I. — Steplien  Fitz-Arlhur  Lynch    was  appointed   rc- 

Tliat  was  done  by  them.      On  the  next  day  the  lord  jus-  ceiver  of  the   cocket  duties  with  the  ancient  fees,  as  T. 

ticc  and  O'Donell  went  to  Galway,  where  the  two  sons  Kirwan  or  any  other  held  them. — Jiot.  Pat.  27,  nO  llrii. 

of  Mac  William  and  liis  daughter  were  made  prisoners;  VIII. — And  John  Goldawiith  was  appointed  scarcJicr  of 

alter  which  the  lord  justice  remained  some  time  in  the  the  port. — Id.  oj. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY 


Galway  ;  and,  waiting  lor  an  opportiniity,  he  seized  the  person  of  Ambrose  Lynch 
Fitz-James,  one  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  and  kept  him  cloi^;e  prisoner, 
until  he  was  ransomed  for  a  large  sum  of  money.  In  consequence  of  this  outni"e, 
hostilities  commenced  between  the  city  and  town,  and  great  depredations  were 
committed  both  by  sea  and  land  ;  until  the  peojjle  of  Limerick,  weary  of  the  con- 
test, dispatched  two  of  tlieir  citizens,  Christopher  Artluu"  and  Nicholas  Arthur, 
to  Galway,  to  conclude  a  peace ;  or,  as  the  record  of  this  transaction  expresses 
it,  "  to  pacylicat  and  put  awaye  all  manner  adversitye,  rancour,  and  inconvenyeiis 
that  have  rysen  or  insurged  between  the  city  and  town  and  habitantes  of  the 
same."  Upon  their  arrival,  the  mayor,  bailiffs  and  commonalty  assembled  in  the 
town-house,  and  with  one  assent  elected  Walter  and  Anthony  Lyncli  Fitz-Thomas, 
to  conclude  "  a  perpetual  peace  and  concorde"  with  tiie  deputies  of  Limerick. 
The  terms  being  agreed  upon,  a  public  meeting  was  convened  on  the  7tli  of  May, 
1521,  and  the  subjoined  curious  articles "  were  signed  and  ratified  on  both  sides, 


•''  Iv  THE  NAME  OF  GoDE,  Amen.  Tliis  endentur 
made  the  sevcnthe  daye  of  Maye,  the  xvi  yeare  of  the 
roisne  of  Kii)L'e  Hcnrye  the  eight,  and  of  our  Lorde 
l;V-'l,  in  llie  coiirte  house  of  Gaiweye,  before  Stcphyne 
Lvnche  Fitz-Domynycke,  then  beinge  mayor,  John 
ridlon  and  Jolin  French,  baylyff'es,  with  tlieyr  cohurgcns 
theyr  resembled;  hctwexte  the  city  of  Lynicryk  of  that 
one  partye,  and  the  towne  of  Gaiweye  of  tliat  other 
juu'tve,  VVytne*5Ethe,  that  Chrystofor  Artur  and  Nich' 
Artur  came  and  it^jpeyred  in  the  same  corte-house,  and 
the\T  shewed  a  letter  of  power  and  auctorytye,  of  the 
said  cyty,  and  cytyzens  of  the  same,  for  to  pacyficat  and 
put  awaye  all  manner  adversitye,  rancor  and  inconve- 
nyens,  that  have  rysen  or  insnrjred  betwexte  the  said 
cytve  and  the  towne  of  Galway,  and  betwexte  the  cyte- 
ZL-ns  and  habitauntis  of  the  cyty  of  Lymeryk,  and  betwexte 
the  conburgens  of  Gaiweye  and  habitantes  of  the  same: 
and  speciallye,  as  touchinge  the  matter  dependinge  be- 
twexte David  Comen,  of  Lymcryke,  cytczen,  and  the 
low ne  of  Galweje,  for  certeyne  travers  maU)er  towchinge 
a  bargayne  of  sake,  the  which  bargayne  IJaviil  Conicn 
alleginge  for  hym,  that  he  cowde  have  no  ryght  minis- 
treili  to  hyni  in  the  said  towne  of  Gaiweye.  VV'herefore 
the  said  David  attached,  rested  and  rainesomcd  one 
named  Ambrose  Lynch  Fitz-Janics,  merchantc,  of  the 
-laid  towne  of  Gallweye,  for  the  which  tachein  and  rain- 
scnnvnge,  ai'ose  and  insurgedc  grcate  inconvenyencys  be- 
twexte the  said  citye  and  the  towne  of  Gallweye.  ^\  hcar- 
forc,  in  considci-alion,  and  angmetitacon,  and  fortyfvnge 
trauniinylytye,  and  of  rcaste  and  peace,  and  concordabic 
aniytye  and  frendsbipj),  betwexte  the  said  cytye  and  the 
towne  of  Gallweye,  the  said  niayr,  ballyves,  conburgens 
and  comers  of  Gallweye,  in  the  said  courte  house,  with 
one  assente  elected  and  chosed  Walter  and  Anthon\e 
Lynchc  Fitz-Thonias,  arlntratonrs  to  be  assocyate  wjth 
tlic  said  Chrystofor  and  Nich'  Arthure,  yn  the  towne  of 
Gaiweye,  ys  belialfe,  to  the  augmcntacon,  pacificacon  of 
a  perpetuall  peace  and  concorde  betwexte  the  cytye  of 
Lymryk,  for  the  said  matter,  i;nd  the  towne  of  Gaiweye. 


Then  the  said  arbvtrators,  Chrystofor,  Nicli'  Walter 
and  Anthonye,  so  cliosen  and  elected,  betwexte  the 
said  cytye  and  towne,  have  for  the  universal  welte, 
and  augmentacon  of  charity  and  amytye  betwexte  the 
said  cytye  and  towne,  concordcd,  a|ipointed,  affirmed, 
and  concluded  jjcace  betwexte  the  said  cytye  of  Lymryk 
and  Gallweye,  betwexte  the  cytyzens  and  conburgens 
of  both  for  ever;  so  that  this  accordcniente  and  fynal 
peace  maye  never  be  sepiirate,  be  none  inconvenycnce, 
rancor  ne  dyscorde. 

Item,  we  the  fbrs-aid  arbitrators,  have  concorded,  for 
the  more  affirmacon  of  the  peace,  and  have  leftc,  that 
there  shall  be  ne  warycnce  ne  dyscorde  betwexte  the 
said  cytye  of  Lymeryk,  ne  the  towne  of  Gallweye,  from 
thensforwarde,  for  enye  accon  or  demandys,  as  towchin" 
David  Comen  and  Ambrose  Ljnchc,  ys  waryence,  saivc 
that  all  forgyven  in  eyther  syde,  fro'  the  begen}nge  of  the 
worlde,  unto  this  presente  daje  and  date. 

Item,  if  so  befalls  that  onye  suyte  or  demande  be  made 
to  eny  person  or  persons  before  the  mayrof  Lymeryk, 
by  eny  of  Gallweye,  tliat  the  mayr  of  Ljmeryk,  for  the 
tyme  beinge,  shall  mynyster  justyce  and  lawe  to  them  of 
Gallweye,  accordinge  the  consuetude  of  the  cytye;  and 
yn  lykewyse  the  mayr  of  Gallweye  shall  mynyster  and 
liolde  rygiit  to  them  of  Lymerjk,  in  lyke  manner  and 
forme. 

Item,  more,  we  the  forsaid  arbytrours  have  left  and 
accorded,  in  one,  that  Ambrose  Lynchc  shall  have  of  the 
crtye  of  Lymeryk,  37/.  I3«.  iri.  and  this  to  be  deter- 
mined at  Lymeryk  as  Xpofor  Artur  and  Xich'  Artur 
shall  ileme  and  ixdresse;  and  the  said  moneye  shall  be 
payde  to  the  said  Ambrose;  that  ys  to  saye,  the  17/.  13^. 
4(/.  that  Ambrose  made  of  costys,  shall  be  payde  in  this 
wyse,  as  to  seye,  tyve  jiycccs  of  silver,  wliych  Ambi-ose 
lefte  att  Lymeryk,  that  ys  to  saye,  four  jneces  wjih 
David  Comen,  and  the  other  pece  wyth  John  Kyce,  which 
five  peces  sliall  be  dealyvered  to  Chrystofor  Artor  js 
handys,  incontynente,  yv)  thoute  eny  del.nye,  and  the  rest 
to  be  paiil,  halfe  by  Mychellmas  next  followinge  the  date 


HISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


79 


i.iul  apparently  to  the  mutual  satisfaction  of  all  parties :  but  as  treaties  are  more 
rrt'fjiiently  entered  into,  than  inviolably  preserved,  so  the  people  of  Galway  com- 
jilaiiicd  that  those  of  Limerick  still  indulged  their  resentment,  although  every 
matter  in  dispute  was  supposed  to  have  been  peaceably  settled  ;  and  charged  tlieni 
with  having  again  involved  the  town  in  fresh  troubles,  by  insidiously  instio-atiu"- 
Pierce,  earl  of  Ormond,  to  make  a  demand  for  the  prisage  of  wines,  an  impost 
which  had  never  been  tlieretofbre  paid  or  demanded  in  Galway. 

The  importation  of  tliis  article  formed,  Irom  a  very  early  period,  the  most  con- 
jiiilerable  feature  in  the  ibreign  connnerce  of  the  town  ;  and  our  annals  assert  that 
more  wine  was,  for  a  considerable  period  of  time,  annually  imported  into  Galway 
tiian  into  all  the  other  parts  of  the  kingdom.'  As  the  Ormond  family  was  entitled, 
by  a  grant  from  King  Edw.  III.  to  the  prisage  of  all  wines  brought  into  Ireland, 
\iz.  one  tun  out  of  every  nine,  and  two  out  of  every  twenty,  the  loss  to  them, 
ill  consequence  of  its  retention  ih  Galway,  was  very  considerable.  The  earl 
made  the  demand  in  the  year  1526,  and  the  town  resisted  payment.  His  lordship 
then  made  complaint,  before  the  lords  of  the  Star  Chamber  in  England ;  agents 
attended  on  the  part  of  the  town  ;  the  question  was  solemnly  debated  ;  and,  after 
mature  deliberation,  it  was  decreed,  that  "  Inasmuch  as  the  earl  could  not  prove 
that  either  King  Edward  III.  under  whose  grant  he  claimed,  or  any  other  before 
the  grant,  or  himself,  or  any  of  his  ancestors,  received  any  prise  wines  of  any 
stranger  or  denizen,  by  any  prerogative,  custom  or  other  law  in  the  toM'n  of 
Galway,  so  the  town  and  corporation  should  pay  no  prisage,  custom  or  toll  unto 
the  King,  or  any  other  person,  other  than  they  have  used  to  pay  in  times  past."  " 
This  decision,  which  was  so  flivorable  to  the  town,  caused  great  rcjoicin"-.s 
amongst  the  inhabitants,  but  had  a  contrary  efl^ect  on  the  people  of  Limerick, 
■who,  irritated  at  the  success  of  their  rivals,  dispatched  private  information  to 
Henry  VIII.  that  Galway  had  degenerated  into  the  manners  and  customs  of  the 
Irish,  with  whom  they  corresponded,  and  to  whom  they  afforded  every  assistance. 
This  new  attempt  to  injure  the  town  also  failed  ;  for  the  King,  de})endiit<T  on  its 
well-known  fidelity,  was  satisfied,  without  further  inquiry,  by  sending  over  certain 
instructions,  dated  28th  April,  153G, '  that  the  inhabitants  should  use  the  Eno-Hsli 


(icrrof,  and  the  other  halfe  to  be  paid  be  Maye  nextc 
cn>uiiij,'c  the  same  date;  and  the  'Jo/.  that  Ambrose  paidc 
(0  David  Cornell  shal  be  dcallyvered  and  payde  to 
Leonard  Artur,  for  the  20/.  that  Ainlirose  tookc  anti  had 
of  the  saiil  Leonard  Arture,  and  to  be  iliscempted  oi'tlie 
soin  aforesaid. 

Id  wytncs  of  which  \vc,  the  foresaiti  arb}'trors,  liave 
prayed  and  reijuyred  Jlathewe  Lorcane,  notorye,  to 
wrytc  and  si^n  this  our  arbytracon  und  paeificacon, 
enJented  under  his  si;,'n  manual,  and  have  subscribed 
our  names  with  the  meraltye  ys  seall,  sett  to  tiie  same, 
■chanireablv,  wrytten  at  Gallwcye,  llie  day  and  year 
iifonaid. 


XroFon  Autur.     M.vt.  Lorcant..    AV.ai.teh  Lynchp. 
Nich'  Artuk.  Notariut.        Antiio.nye  Lv.vent. 

'  They  furtlier  relate,  that  previously  to  the  reign  of 
Henry  VII.  and  loni;  suliscquent  to  the  |)enod  mentioned 
above,  the  merchants  of  Galway  rurni>hcd  almost  the. 
entire  kin^fdom  with  wine;  and  lliat  for  the  convenience 
of  supjilying  Dublin,  Droj;luda,  and  other  circumjacent 
towns,  they  had  vaults  and  stores  at  Athboy,  in  the 
county  of  Mealh,  the  ruins  of  which,  it  is  added,  remain 
there  to  this  dav. 

'  Hrcital  of  Decree;  Uolls  Off.  Dublin. 

'  From  the  curious  and  interesting  nature  of  this  <  oui- 
niunication,  it  is  here  subjoined. 


so 


HISTORY    OF    GAL  WAY. 


order,  habit  and  language,  hold  no  correspondence  with  the  Irish,  and  particularly 
Miat  they  should  desist  from  forestalling  the  markets  of  Limerick,  an  olftncc  of 
which  they  were  also  accused.  Such  were  tlie  petty  animosities  which  subsisted 
between  these  rival  communities;  until  Limerick,  in  the  end,  owing  to  political 
causes,  gained  the  ascendancy,  which  it  holds  to  this  day. 


Ordinances  kou  Galway. 
Py  Tin;  King. 

WlU  beloved,  we  pi'ete  yoii  well,  signifyinge  unto  you, 
tliat  we,  willing,  of  our  tciulcr  ami  zeale  we  bearo  unto 
you,  to  the  furtheringe  of  _\  our  weale,  profit,  and  com- 
"nioiiitie,  and  the  extearpation  of  all  abuses,  hetherto 
used,  or  accustomed  among  you,  will  and  require  you, 
and  nevcrthclessc  straightly  charge  and  command  you, 
tiiat  ye,  firmly  and  unfeiguedly,  observe  tlie  devises  and 
articles  ensueinge,  perpctuallye. 

Item,  that  no  marchant  man,  or  any  other  man,  or 
man's  servant  or  servants,  within  oure  towne  of  Galleway, 
or  suburbs  of  the  same,  goe  with  no  manner  of  merchan- 
dize nor  victuals  in  the  country,  within  20  miles  conipas 
of  onrc  said  towne,  save  onlye  to  oure  markett  townes, 
but  sufiisr  thinhabitants  of  the  country  to  resorte  to  the 
market  of  oure  said  towne,  to  sell  theire  wares  and  cat- 
tells,  in  our  said  market,  according  to  the  purporte  of 
our  charters  given  by  us,  and  our  noble  progenitors  of 
famous  memorie,  to  you  thinhabitants  of  oure  towne. 

Item,  that  everie  inhabitant,  as  well  within  the  said 
towne,  as  the  suburbs  of  the  same,  doesbave  theire 
over  lipps,  called  croiiipeanlis ;  and  sufier  the  haire  of 
there  hedds  to  growe,  till  it  cover  theire  earcs,  and  that 
every  of  them  weare  English  cap[is. 

Item,  that  noe  man,  nor  man  child,  doe  weare  noe 
mantles  in  the  streets,  but  cloaks  or  gowns,  coats,  dubletts 
and  hose,  sbapeu  after  the  English  fashion,  of  the  country 
cloth,  or  any  other  cloth  it  shall  jjlcase  them  to  buy. 

Item,  that  noe  man,  woman  or  childe,  weare,  in  their 
shirts,  or  any  other  garments,  no  saffron  ;  ne  have  any 
more  cloth  in  there  shirts  or  smocks  but  fyve  standard 
files  of  that  country  cloth. 

Item,  that  every  man  pro\'yd,  with  all  speed,  long  bowes 
and  En;;lish  arrowes,  and  hunt,  shooting,  and  speciallye 
every  holyday,  and  to  leave  all  other  unlawful  games. 

Item,  that  eveiy  inhahitniit  within  oure  said  towne 
endeavour  themselfes  in  spenke  Eugli':/!,  and  to  use  theni- 
sulfes  after  the  English  facon ;  ami,  speciallye,  that  you, 
an<l  every  of  you,  doe  put  forth  your  children  to  scole,  to 
lerne  to  spcke  English  ;  and  that  you  fayle  not  to  fnllfill 
theis  our  commandamcnts,  as  you  tender  our  favor,  and 
will  avoyd  our  indignation  and  high  di>pleasin-e. 

I'urthermoro,  wlicrc  we  be  credibi)  informed,  that  con- 
trary to  the  effects  of  your  pryvilcgcs  and  jurisdictions, 
granted  unto  you  by  us,  and  our  noble  firogcnitors  of 
loving  memory,  to  hold  before  the  niaior,  and  bis  baylifl's 
there,  all  manner  of  pleas  and  actions,  and  to  the  jud^es 
of  the  same,  certeigne  joung  commoners  of  obstinacie 
;)rcsume  to  have  their  voyces  in  such  processes  ami  judg- 
ments, inclyninge  inordinate  afl'ectiou  to  ther  adhercut^  and 
friends,  and  the  raysiugof  sysme  and  contrarywise  amongst 
you,  and  the  disturbin^'e  of  administration  of  justice,  we 
therefore  williuge  due  redrcssc  in  t!i;'.t  Jiarty,   in  avoyding 


all  inconveyniences,  will  that  the  maior  and  baylifis  llicre, 
callinge  to 'them  fower  of  the  aldermen,  doe  minister  jus. 
tice,  ui  all  causes,  between  partie  and  [.artie;  and  if  any 
person  find  him  grieved,  for  lack  of  inditfcrcncie,  to  coni- 
plane  to  our  deputy  and  couusaile  in  Ireland;  and  if  ajiv 
commoner  doe  rebuke  the  maior,  and  his  assistants,  or 
repugne  to  obey  ther  decrees  or  judgments,  that  it  be 
lawful  for  the  maior  to  put  them  to  warde,  and  punish 
them  according  to  theire  dcmerities. 

And  also,  where  we  be  further  informed,  that  malcfac- 
torers,  commyting  robryes  and  spoiles,  be  succoured  and 
mayutained,  with  the  freers  niinours,  and  others,  uecre 
that  oure  towne,  who  take  upon  them  to  have  privileges 
as  a  sanctuarye,  for  all  such  malefactors,  and  will  not 
suffer  any  of  them  to  be  attached,  or  to  be  justified  br 
our  lawes;  we  will  and  command  you,  that  \e  do  not 
allow  any  such  pryvyleges  or  saynctnaiies,  but  attache  and 
hringe  to  their  purgation,  before  our  judges,  all  such 
malefactours,  wheresoever  ye  n^ay  apprehend  tlicm,  as 
well  in  any  house  of  freers,  or  other  religious,  as  in  other 
prophane  places ;  and  this  our  letterii  shall  be  your  suffy- 
cient  warraunt  and  dischardge  in  that  behalf;  and  in  case 
any  freers  wille  make  resistance  against  you,  in  executinge 
the  premises,  that  you  take  such  freers,  and  them  briiige 
before  our  judges,  to  be  punished  accordinge  their  dcser- 
vings,  and  rede  this  clause  to  the  freers. 

Moreover,  yf  O'Brene,  or  any  otlier  Irishmen,  be  at 
warre  with  our  deputy,  or  our  subjects  of  oure  citty  of 
Limericke,  that  in  ne  wise  by  any  coulor,  practise  or 
covyn  yon  sufl're  ne  vytoyls,  iron,  sault,  or  other  como- 
ditie,  to  passe  from  you  to  them  during  the  time  of  their 
contention,  till  they  shalbe  perfytly  reconsiled,  uppon 
paine  of  your  allegiances,  and  allways  that  ye  observe  the 
articles  before  writtyn,  speciiUlye  concerninge  the  keeping 
of  marketts,  and  that  of  your  resorte  with  any  merchan- 
dize amongst  Irishmen,  at  any  time. 

And  where  we  be  informed,  that  at  such  seasons  as 
estraungers  repaire  within  the  haven  of  Limerick,  cer- 
teigne of  you  forstail  the  markett  of  our  sayd  cittie, 
ahuing  and  procuringc  the  stranger  marchants  to  repaire 
out  of  the  haven  of  Lymericke  to  you,  oflering  them 
advantage  above  the  protire  of  the  said  cittie,  to  their 
great  dfsailvantage  and  comoditie,  and  jnihaunsinge  the 
jirice  of  forraiue  and  alien  marchandize,  to  the  profitt  of 
of  alyens :  We  therefore  will  and  conunaunde  yon,  that 
you  doe  not  alure  and  provoke  any  marchandyse  aryving 
in  the  said  haven  of  Limericke  to  vou,  ne  they,  to  pro- 
cure any  marchandjse  aryvjng  in  theire  haven,  liom  you 
to  them. 

See  that  wee  heare  no  further  complaynt  in  this  belianlfe, 
or  in  any  of  the  premises,  uppon  you,  as  you  intende  our 
favours,  and  avoidingc  of  the  contrary. — t;y\_^n  at  our 
manor  of  Oreenwych,  the  2Sth  day  of  April,  in  tlic  28th 
year  of  our  reign. — Lair.bcth  MS.  501,  J'cl.  106. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  81 

Leonard,  lord  Grey,  the  lord  deputy  of  Ireland,  having,  about  this  time,  re- 
rvivcil  instructions  Irom  the  king  to  oblige  the  Irish,  by  indenture,  to  acknowledge 
his  supremacy,  and  renounce  the  Pope,  ™  departed  from  Dublin  on  the  lytli  of 
Jtiiie,  1.537,  with  an  army,  for  the  purpose  of  enforcing  obedience  to  these  orders, 
.-.lUi  on  the  11th  of  July  arrived  in  Gaiway.  The  corporation  treated  him  and 
his  English  soldiers  gratis  ibr  seven  days;  and  the  mayor  and  aldermen,  according 
to  .Sir  Richard  Cox,  in  his  history,  following  the  example  of  Limerick,  took  the 
oath  of  supremacy,  and  renounced  the  authority  of  the  Pope.  While  his  lordship 
remained  in  town,  O'Flaherty,  O'Madden  and  Mac  Yeoris,  (or  Bermingham,)  came 
ill,  and  made  their  submissions ;  but  when  the  king  received  an  account  of  what 
had  taken  place,  he  wrote  to  the  lord  deputy,  that  ♦'  their  oaths,  submissions 
and  indentures  were  not  worth  a  farthing,  since  they  did  not  give  hostages." " 
About  the  same  time,  Finglas,  chief  baron  of  the  Exchequer,  recommended  that 
half  the  fee-farm  of  Gaiway  should  bfe  paid  to  the  lord  deputy  for  the  time  being, 
and  that  the  other  half  should  be  applied  for  repairing  the  walls,  and  providing 
ibr  its  security.  The  town  was  accordingly  put  into  a  state  of  defence  ;  the  south 
(jnay,  or  new-tower  gate,  was  built,  and  the  walls  were  repaired  and  provided 
with  guns  :  which  latter  circumstance  gave  rise  to  one  of  the  articles  of  impeach- 
ment against  the  unfortunate  lord  Grey;  for,  having  brought  the  artillery  in  a  small 
vessel  to  Gaiway,  lie  made  the  town  pay  34/.  for  the  carriage."  The  hospital  of 
St.  Bridget,  in  the  east  suburbs,  was  founded  for  the  poor  of  the  town,  and , 
eacli  burgess  was  obliged,  in  his  turn,  to  send  a  maid  serv^ant  to  collect  alms  every 
sabbath  day  for  its  support ;  a  custom  which  was  long  afterwards  observed. 
This  charitable  institution  was  fortunately  completed  in  the  year  15'13,  when  the 
sweating  sickness  broke  out,  and  raged  with  great  violence,  destroying  multitudes 
of  the  natives,  and  particularly  the  tradesmen  of  the  town. 

The  period  at  length  arrived  which  was  to  put  an  end  to  the  hereditary  feudal 
intlnence  and  interference  of  the  fiimily  of  De  Burgo  in  Gaiway.  In  the  patent 
of  creation  of  Sir  William  de  Burgh,  the  last  Mac  IVilUam  Eightcr,  to  be  earl 
of  Clanrickard  and  baron  of  Dunkyllen, ''  dated  at  Greenwich,  1st  July,  15 13,  the 


"  Cox.  ordre  of  education  and  nianjiers,  iiiluibitinc;  within  the 

"Lord  Grey,   who  was  afterwards  beheaded  for  mis-  towne  of  Galwav;  and  the  said  William  Burke,  before 

cniuluct  in   the  government   of   Ireland,   was   a  violent  that  he  was  created  earl,  being  a  man  of  wylJe  govern- 

rifoniicr.     During  his  slay  in  Gaiway  he  seized  and  con-  auncc  in  those  parties  where  he  dwelled,  obeying  neither 

fi>catcd  the  sacred  utensils  and  ornaments  of  the  church  the  king  nor  his  grace's  lawes,  for  good  and  reasonable 

of  Saint  Xicholas,  of  whicli  see  more  in  the  account  of  considerations  was  coupled  in  lawful  matrimonic  with  the 

the  cluirch.  said  Deame  Marie,  and  by  leason  thereof  he  was  brought 

°  Cvx.  into  soche  civilitie,  good  order  and  conversation  with  the 

Mil  the  first  year  of  the   reign   of   Edw.  VI.    \SA1,  king's  honorable   counsel),    and  his  subjects    within    his 

Pierce  Martin,  of  Gaiway,  and  Dame  Mary  Lynch,  his  grace's  rcalnie  of  Ireland,  that  he  the  rather  was  procured 

Ril'c,  "  late  wife  of  William  Burke,  earl  of  Clanrickard,"  to  repaire  into  England  to  visite  the  king's  majestic,  where- 

p'Jtioncd  the  duke  of  Somerset,  protector  of  England,  upon  he  was  created  earl."     The  petition  further  stated, 

•'.ating,  "  tliat  the  said  Marie  was  of  a  civile  and  Englishe  that  articles  were  executed  on  their  intermarriage,,  bj. 

L 


82 


HISTORY    OF    GAL',VAY. 


cockets  of  Galway,  to  wliich  he  was  theretofore  entitled,  and  all  pensions,  profits 
and  exactions  within  tiie  town,  were  reserved  to  the  crown,  in  lieu  of  which  he 
■was  granted  an  annual  sum  of  30/.  sterling,  payable  out  of  the  treasury,  and  the 
third  part  of  the  first-fruits,  and  the  abbey  of  Via  Nova  or  Clonfert.  The  following 
is  the  reservation  : — Excepting  always,  and  reserving  unto  us,  our  heirs  and  succes- 
sors, all  that  portion,  custom,  profit  or  pension  of  the  cockets,  and  all  and  singular 
jicnsions,  exactions,  profits  and  commodities  whatsoever,  which  the  aforesaid 
William  pretends  or  claims  to  have  and  receive  from  our  town  of  Galv.ay,  in  our 
kingdom  of  Ireland  aforesaid,  so  as  that  neither  he,  the  said  William,  nor  his 
heirs,  shall  henccforlh  have  or  claim  any  thing  whatsoever  within  the  said  town, 
but  that  they  shall  be  totally  excluded  therefrom  for  ever.'""  Thus  ended  the 
authority  of  this  ancient  and  powerful  family  in  Galway,  of  which  they  were 
originally  the  principal  founders  and  protectors,  and  afterwards  governed  with 
almost  absolute  control,  for  upwards  of  two  centuries. 

This  exemption  was  followed  by  a  new  charter  from  the  crown,  granted  by 
Henry  VIII.  on  .'id  July,  1515,  wliereby  he  confirmed  all  former  charters,  and 
added  several  very  considerable  privileges.  The  limits  of  tiie  port  were  described 
from  the  islands  of  Arran  to  the  town  ;  the  corporation  were  freed  from  se\'eral 
excessive  tolls  within  all  the  king's  dominions ;  and  it  was  particularly  granted 
that  no  person  should  pay  any  prisage  for  wines  imported  into  the  town,  "  because 
prisagc  had  not  theretofore  been  accustomed  to  be  paid  there,"  ""  nor  any  customs 


v.'Iiich  tlic  manor  anil  castle  of  Ki/lcolgnn  were  settled  on 
I'.LT  ilnring  Iier  miturai  life,  and  that  the  earl  had  entered 
into  several  other  covenants,  none  of  which  he  carried 
i;!to  execution :  that  at  the  time  of  their  marriage 
b!;e  "  was  a  woman  of  f;reat  substance,"  and  that  she 
was  entitled  inito,  and  claimed  the  third  part  of  all  his 
real  and  personal  propeity  :  that  notwithstanding  his 
urace'^s  orders  to  the  lord  deputy  and  counsel  of  Ireland 
to  take  coi;ni/aiice  of  their  complaint,  thev  coidd  obtain 
no  final  order  iVom  them,  save  that  they  ordered  that  the 
j)etitioners  "  should  have  a  chain  of  golil,  with  a  crossc 
iianging  thereatt  of  fourteen  ounces,  value  at  oCl.  \0s. 
sterling ;  and  also  a  cuppe,  called  a  nutte,  with  a  cover 
of  silver,  gilte,  of  sixty-eight  ounces,  valued  at  17/. 
sterling,  and  another  standing  cuppe  of  silver,  with  a 
cover,  double  gilte,  of  forty-three  ounces,  valued  at  10/. 
IGi.  ■!(/.  sterling,  in  part  of  100  marks,  rcceiveil  with  her 
in  marriage;  and  of  50  marks  bciiueathed  unto  her,  niul 
of  '■251.  IS*,  belonging  to  the  children  begotten  by  her  first 
husband,  which  she  delivered  the  said  eric;  wherefore 
they  jnostc  humbly  bcseechethe  your  most  noble  grace, 
for  the  love  of  God,  to  regarde  and  ponder  the  said  cause, 
that  it  may  be  called  to  examination  before  }our  grace." 
An  order  was  accordingly  sent  from  Englaml  to  Sir 
Thomas  Luttrell,  chief  justice  of  the  common  ji!v''a';; 
Walter  Kardiil)  second  justice;  and  Patrick  I'.arMewall, 
Serjeant  at  law,  dated  the  2.jd  January,  15-17,  authorizing 
them  to  finaily   hear  am!   .iL-tticaine  the  iii.uur  of  ilie 


petition.  This  was  accompanied  by  a  letter  from  the  duke, 
wherein  he  writes,  "  Surulie  it  might  be  lameutalile,  th^it 
so  noble  man's  wyfie,  dehcrvinge  so  well  towanle  the  king's 
majestie,  by  conforminge  her  husband,  shoulde  be  lefte 
without  livinge  for  lacke  of  justice." — The  judges  made 
their  award  or  decree  on  the  1,1th  of  Xovember  followins, 
stating,  that  tliey  had  sunmioned  Hickard,  then  carl  of 
Clanriekard,  John  Wackley  and  others,  iigainst  whom 
the  petitioners  complained;  and  that  it  appeared  by  proofs 
taken  before  them,  "  that  the  late  earl  was  first  married 
unto  one  Graii'tc  iii/  Kcroil/,  wiio  was  living  at  the  time 
of  the  marriage  bet« ten  him  aiul  the  petitioner,  Mary; 
and  that  consequently  the  latter  marriage  was  void,  and 
she  was  not  entitled  to  tliirds.  But,  as  he  bound  himself 
in  the  forfeiture  of  200/.  sterling  and  100/.  worth  of  plate, 
to  convey  the  castle  and  manor  of  Kylcoli;au  to  her  at  liis 
death,  which,  by  his  will,  he  left  unto  the  present  earl, 
and  as  he  received  the  said  Dame  .Mary  in  marriage, 
afhrming  and  swearing  there  was  no  impediment  to  the 
same,"  they  therefore  ailjudged  the  zivjl.  forfeited,  and 
awarded  same  forthwith  to  be  paid  to  the  petitioners,  with 
a  special  provisoe,  that  Dame  .Mary,  and  her  children  hy 
the  late  earl,  should  be  at  all  times  at  liberty  to  disprove 
the  niarn'a!;e  between  him  and  Gruiiie  ni/  Kcroill, — Jiut. 
Vat.  2  Etiw.  VI. 

''  liol.  I'ld.  .3.3,  .34.  35  tUn.  VIII. 

'  Tlii:,  clause  was  inserted  in  consei|uencc  of  the  attempt 
of  the  earl  of  Ormoml,  in  152G,  to  compel  the  pauiicut 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  83 

■•h.-vtsocvcr  for  any  other  goods  imported,  save  such  as  of  old  were  accustomed 
to  be  paid.  All  manner  of  goods  and  merchandizes  were  allowed  to  be  exported, 
I'xccpt  woollen  and  linen  goods  :  all  such  liberties  and  privileges  as  were  enjoyed 
by  the  town  of  Uroghcda  were  fully  granted  and  confirmed,  saving,  however,  to 
tJie  king  and  his  heirs,  all  emoluments  to  him  and  his  ancestors,  lords  of  the 
town  '  issuing  thereout,  and  also  the  customs  of  the  cocket ;  and  also  saving  to 
tlie  portrevc  and  burgesses  of  Athcnry,  and  their  successors,  all  such  privileges 
ns  tlicy  were  accustomed  to  have  in  times  past,  in  the  town  and  port  thereof. ' 
Tlie  flourisliing  state  of  conunerce  in  Gahvay  is  fully  evidenced  by  this  charter  ; 
and  at  J  his  period,  and  for  upwards  of  a  century  afterwards,  it  was  considered  one 
of  the  first  emporiums  for  trade,  not  only  in  Ireland,  but,  with  very  few  exceptions, 
in  the  British  islands.  Its  overflowing  wealth  and  prosperity  led  the  town  to 
adopt  measures  and  lay  down  certain  regulations  whicli  proved  contrary  to  the 
cstablislied  laws  of  the  land.  Thus,  a  bye-law  was  enacted  by  the  corporation  in 
l.H'J,  whereby  it  was  "ordered,  that  no  person  of  this  town  shall  buy  or  sell  with 
any  mcrcliants  of  Lymbricke,  Corcke,  "Watterford,  Dublin,  or  other  towns  or 
cillics  for  any  goods,  or  cause  same  to  be  transported  by  land  or  sea,  unless  they 
come  to  this  town  as  other  strangers  and  merchants,  in  shipps,  on  pain  of  for- 
feiting the  goods  and  '20/."  This  bye-law  being  in  force,  one  Tliomas  Filz  Simon, 
a  Dublin  merchant,  in  the  year  1518,  imported  a  parcel  of  cloth  into  the  town, 
wliich,  after  paying  the  accustomed  legal  duties,  was  found  to  be  forfeited  under 
this  corporate  regulation,  and  was  accordingly  seized  by  John  Lynch  and  Edward 
Lyncli,  then  ci'stomers  of  the  town.  The  importer's  only  remedy  was  by  com- 
phiint  to  the  chancellor  of  Ireland,  the  sole  resource  in  those  times  for  many 
cases,  which,  at  present,  can  be  redressed  by  the  common  law.  The  corpora- 
tion, in  tiieir  defence,  represented  that  none,  except  the  inhabitants,  were  allowed 
to  sell  any  wares  witliin  the  town,  except  in  gross  ;  and  that  even  for  such  wares 
fold  in  gross  custom  should  be  paid  according  to  the  ancient  form,  "  used  tyme 
of  mindc,"  and  confirmed  by  their  charters.  They  also  stated  that  the  usage  of 
the  town  was,  that  if  any  inhabitant  should  retail  or  sell  the  merchandize  or  ware 
of  any  stranger,  colouring  to  be  his  own,  by  fraud  and  deceit,  intending 
thereby  to  save  the  custom  to  the  stranger,  that  such  goods  should  be  forfeited 
to  the  common  use  of  the  corporation,  as  was  the  case  in  tlie  instance  com- 
plained of.     The  chancellor,  however,  on  13th  February,   IJIS,  "  decreed  otlier- 


of  the  prise  wines,  though  the   corporation  afterwards  '  This  was  evidently  an  allusion  to  tlie  rijit  of  the  king, 

allLiitd  It  was  "  rntlier  to  have  strong;  matter  against  tlie  as  descended  Iroin  Lionel,  duke  of  Clarence,  the  husband 

[rincL  than  against  the  lord  Orinond's  title."     Notwitli-  of  Elizabeth,  daughter  anil  heiress  of  the  earl  of  Ulster, 

.•tanding  tliis  clause,  prisage  was  afterwards  established  '  Rul.   j\[cm.  Sine.  36   lien.   VIII. — This   charter  is 

ii;;iiin^t  the  town,   in   1581,  of  which   sec   a  particidar  recited  at  length  in  that  of  Elizabeth. — ylpjir?iil.  Xo.  III. 

iccount  hereafter.  "  2  Ed.  VI.  JJecrijcs  preserved  in  Hulls  UJ/iec. 


84  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

wise,  and  declared  that  the  citizens  of  DubL'n  could  sell  wholr.sale  and  retail,  free 
of  any  custom  whatc\'er,  in  the  port  of  Galway  ;  and  it  was  consequently  ordered 
that  the  customers  should  pay  back  the  customs,  and  restore  the  cloth.  This  deci- 
sion, which  was  made  according  to  the  strictest  rules  of  justice,  however  it  mi"ht 
have  militated  against  the  particular  monopoly  of  the  corporation,  nuist,  by  frecin" 
so  much  of  its  trade,  have  been  essentially  beneficial  to  the  town. 

During  the  short  reigns  of  Edward  VI.  and  lu's  successor,  jMar^',  and  tlic 
beginning  of  the  reign  of  Elizabetli,  Galway,  far  distant  from  those  scenes 
of  turbulent  fanaticism  which  disgraced  these  unhappy  times,  contiiuied  for 
a  while  to  enjoy  peace  and  tranquillity;  but  it  was,  however,  destined  soon  to 
experience  its  reverses,  and,  though  so  remotely  situated,  to  feel  its  share  of  the 
concussion  which  shook  and  agitated  the  great  body  of  the  kingdom.  The  spirit 
of  reformation,  though  it  proceeded  slowly,  at  length  found  its  way  to  the  hitherto 
peaceable  abodes  of  the  town,  and  marked  for  destruction  the  possessions  of 
those  who  were  consecrated  to  their  religion  and  their  God.  Edward  VL  in  the 
third  year  of  his  reign,  granted  a  charter  of  confirmation  to  the  town,  but  con- 
ferred no  new  privileges.  "  The  collegiate  church  of  St.  Nicholas  was  soon  after- 
wards seized  into  the  king's  hands ;  the  catholic  warden  and  vicars  were  dispos- 
sessed ;  iind  by  letters  patent,  dated  29th  April,  15,01,  the  erection  of  the  church 
into  a  collegiate,  by  tlie  bull  of  Innocent  VIII.  was  declared  void;  but  it  was, 
at  the  same  time,  re-established  by  virtue  of  the  king's  power,  as  supreme  head  of 
the  church.  Patrick  Kirwan,  a  layman,  was  appointeil  warden,  eight  vicars  were 
nominated,  and  several  other  alterations  took  place,  which  were  but  introductory 
to  more  important  changes. 

These  revolutions  in  religion,  however  they  might  have  affected  the  morals 
of  the  people,  did  not  damp  their  ardor  for  improvement.  In  1.5.07,  the  east 
end  of  the  tholsel  was  raised  at  the  public  expense,  under  the  direction  of  the 
mayor,  James  Oge  Lynch.  The  year  following,  which  was  towards  the  close  of 
the  reign  of  Queen  I\Iary,  the  earl  of  Sussex,  lord  deputy,  marched  to  Galway,' 
wliere  he  was  splendidly  received,  having  been  previously  met  in  procession  by 
the  archbishop  of  Tuam,  the  bishops  of  Clonfert,  Clonmacnoise,  and  the  clerg;y, 
who  all  testified  their  allegiance  to  the  queen.  The  west  gate  and  tower  of 
defence,  at  the  end  of  the  bridge,  were  then  built  by  Thomas  Martin  ;  '  and,  about ' 


•  This  charter  is  enrolled  on  the  palejit  roll,  3  Ed.  VI.  the  chancellor  of  Ireland,  in   Dublin,  ;,■(  rrasliiw  aim- 

Bolls  Office.         _  siimh.   Not  having  attendcl,  their  hond  bccivne  furleiteil' 

»  About  this  time,  and  indeed  at  much  later  periods,  but  having  signified  by  letter,  "  the  I'earc  tlie\  had  of  the 

travelling  from  Galway  to  Dublin  was  attended  with  con-  waics,  and  douhtins  nioclie,  if  they  shulde  haVe  tra\a\lej 

siderable  danger,  and  wills  wore  frequently  made  b.fore  throiiglie  Irishniens' couutievs,  without  companye,  to  lia\e 

setting  out.     In  l.-iSfi,  Stephen  Fitz-Arthur  Lynch,  Kid),  been  taken  and  spo.U'Hed,"  i"l  was  deemed  sufficient  to  i.a\c: 

Blake  and  Andrew  Browne,  of  Galway,  merchants,  tone-  the  forfeiture.— /I'n/.  Ixcma.  ,-,  4  Phil,  and  Mart/. 
ther  with  the  archbishop  of  Tuam  and  the  earl  of  Chin-         '  By  letters  patent,  dated  L'th  Se[jtcii-licr,  155s   a  "rant 

rickard,  were  bound  i-i  a  bond  for  1200.'.  to  appear  before  was  n'.ade  to  Tlioujas  Martin  and  l.is  heir.,  "  of  one  place 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  85 

tlii*  suimc  time,  several  other  public  works  and  private  buildings  were  erected. 
Arlir  these  improvements  were  made,  the  annals  relate,  that  an  Italian  traveller, 
irjiliicod  by  its  fame  in  Ibreign  parts,  visited  the  town,  and  that  he  carefully 
remarked  and  noted  down  its  situation  and  extent,  the  style  of  its  buildings,  the 
laanners  and  customs  of  the  inhabitants,  and  every  other  particular  worthy  of 
attention.  They  further  state,  that  being  at  mass  in  a  private  house,  (its  celebra- 
tion in  public  having  been  in  that  year,  1568,  first  proliibited)  he  saw,  at  one  view, 
(lie  blessed  sacrament  in  the  hands  of  the  priest,  boats  passing  up  and  down  the 
river,  a  ship  entering  tlie  port  in  full  sail,  a  sabnon  killed  with  a  spear,  and 
Iiiinters  and  hounds  pursuing  a  deer;  upon  which  he  observed,  that  although 
lie  had  travelled  the  greatest  part  of  Europe,  he  had  never  before  witnessed 
a  sight  which  combined  so  much  variety  and  beauty.  At  that  time  the  town 
was  described  by  Campion,  in  his  history,  as  a  "  proper  neat  city  at  the  sea  side." 

In  the  following  year  Sir  Henry  Sidney,  the  lord  deputy,  inarched  to  Galway 
with  an  army,  and  established  Sir  Edward  Fitton,  knight,  in  the  presidency 
of  Connaught. ''  For  more  than  half  a  century  before  this  appointment,  the 
jirovince  was  peaceable,  and  exhibited  no  other  infractions  of  the  laws,  than  such 
as  were  perhaps  inseparable  from  the  then  imperfect  state  of  society ;  but  this 
new  provincial  governor  was  no  sooner  fixed  in  his  appointment,  than  matters 
began  to  change.  Cruel  and  sanguinary  in  his  nature,  his  wanton  severities 
goaded  those,  who  were  hitherto  peaceably  inclined,  into  acts  of  open  rebellion; 
and  particularly  the  sons  of  the  earl  of  Clanrickard,  commonly  called  the  Mac- 
cn-Earlas,  and  their  numerous  adherents,  who  were  driven  into  those  unhappy 
courses,  which,  after  entailing  so  much  misery  on  the  country,  terminated  in 
their  own  destruction. 

Tiiese  troubles  broke  out  with  violence  in  1572,  and  continued  without  inter- 
mission until  1575  ;  when  Sir  Henry  Sidney  again  visited  the  town,  wiiich  was,  in 
the  interim,  miserably  harassed  by  the  incursions  of  the  incensed  Irish,  under 
tiie  Mac-an-Earlas.  "  When  he  arrived,"  says  Stanihurst,  "  he  found  the  town 
much  decayed,  and  almost  desolated  ;  sundry  of  the  good  householders  having 
sought  new  habitations  under  Mac  William  l-lughter." — His  own  description  of 
it  is  as  follows : — "  First,  I  find  the  town  of  Galwayc  moche  decaied,  both  in 


</ a  water-mill,  or  a  parcel  of  land  siifTicicnt  to  build  one  Crofton,    customer    and   collector — Finnt.-~am\     15T0, 

cii,  at  the  farther  end  of  the  bridj;e  from  Galway,  and  June  la,  Eihvard  Adanie,  comptroller  of  the  customs  and 

(•ackwards  from  it  on  the  side  nearest  to  the  sea,  at  four  subsidies  of  the  port  of  Galuay — Id. — On  •JOlh  March, 

fxriicc  a  year ;  provided  that,  within  two  years,  he  build  a  1575,  the  office  of  searcher,   ganger  and   curcitator,  in 

j-ate  nt  the  west  end  of  the  bridge,  at  his  own  expeuce,  and  by  tlic    liver  and  port  of  Galway,   and  within   all 

iinilcr  the  inspection  of  the  mayor  and   bailiffs  of  the  the  creeks  and  lesser  ports  annexed  thereto,  was  granted 

liiHn,  pf   sufficient  breadth  ;md  height,  and   a   tower  of  to  the  mayor,    bailitii  and  commonalty  of  the  town. — 

•trmo  and  lime,   for  the  defence  and  guard  of  the  said  Bot.  Pat. 

gate." — Rol.  Put.  5,  6  Mar.  '    lie    was   the   firet   president  of  the  province,    and 

A.I).  156.'?,  September  7,  Anthony  Fytton,  gent,   was  was  appointed  by  patent,   dated  8tb  June,  I5GP,  during 

a;'puinled  searcher — Hot.  Piil.—\:iQ'j,  November  fi,  John  pleasure,  at  ii  fee  vf  1.5.3/.   6s.  Si/.  English,  yearU',  with 


S6 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


nomber  of  expert  sage  men  of  yeares  and  yonge  men  of  warre,  in  respect  of  that 
I  liave  seene ;  which  great  decay  hath  growen  thorough  the  horible  spoyle  done 
upon  them  by  the  sonnes  of  tlie  earle  of  Chmrickarde,  in  so  moche  as  it  was 
cvidentlye  ])roved  before  me  that  fittie  howsholders  of  that  towne  doe  nowe 
enliabite  under  Mac  William  Croghter,  "^  and  it  seemeth  they  have  not  onlye  lost 
their  wealth,  bnt  with  it  their  wittes  and  hearts.  Surely  it  may  welle  seeme  they 
were  in  point  to  have  given  up  all,  and  almost  to  have  forgotten  that  they  received 
any  corporation  of  the  crown ;  but  I  trust  they  are  now  revived,  and  I  hope  on 
the  mendingc  liande."  " — While  his  lordship  remained  in  the  town,  the  persecuted 
Irish,  taking  advantage  of  his  presence,  flocked  into  him  for  protection :  seven 
of  the  family  of  the  Clandonnells,  and  after  them  Mac  William  Oughter,  "  who 
could  speak  Latin,  althongh  he  could  not  speak  English,""  submitted  by  oath 
and  indenture.  Mac  William, agreed  to  pay  two  hundred  and  fifty  marks  yearly 
for  his  country,  besides  contributions  of  men  at  risings  out ;  and  he  also  con- 
sented that  the  Clandonnells  should  hold  their  lands  of  the  queen.  Upon  the 
ratification  of  this  treaty  he  was  knighted,  and  received  some  small  presents  from 
the  lord  deputy ;  and  he  requested  that  an  English  sheriff  should  be  sent  into  his 
country,  which  was  accordingly  complied  with.  Owen  O'Mayle,  °  chief  of  Bori- 
shoole,  in  like  manner,  came  in  and  submitted,  as  did  all  the  other  chieftains  of 
the  extensive  districts  now  forming  the  county  of  Mayo. 

Tiie  remainder  of  the  country  was  still  destroyed  by  the  ravages  of  the  Mac-an- 
Earlas,    who   obstinately  stood  out,   and  against  whom  infinite  complaints  were 


tlie  Icadinij  of  "0  horsemen,  20  footmen  and  a  lieutenant. 
—Rot.  rat.  12  Elh. 

^  In  tlie  count)'  of  Mayo,  the  inliabitants  ol'  the  town 
■vvho  renioveil  to  this  county,  and  settled  in  it  at  this 
perioil,  were  the  founders  and  ancestors  of  the  highly  re- 
spectable families,  of  the  GaKvay  names,  ever  since  residinii; 
there,  and  possessing  vast  estates,  viz.  the  Blakes,  Brownes, 
FIVcnehcs,  Kirwans,  Lynches,  &c. 

'■  Letter  to  the  lurds  of  the  council,  2Sth  April,  1S7C. 
—Colli  lis. 

*  Co.v  — Stanihurst  sa\s  of  the  Irish,  "  They  speak  Latin 
lixc  a  vulgar  language,  learned  in  their  common  scliools 
of  leachcraft  (i.  e.  physic)  and  law,  whereat  they  begin 
children,  and  hold  on  16  or  20  years." — Even  so  late  as 
the  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century,  the  English 
tongi'O  was  confined  to  a  narrow  space,  while  the  Irish 
was  almo.it  universally  spoken  throughout  the  kingdom. 

The  state  of  education  in  Ireland,  during  the  reigns  of 
Henry  VIII.  and  Elizabeth,  was  truly  lamentable.  It  is  a 
fact,  frequently  mentioned  by  our  historians,  and  authen- 
ticated by  innumerable  records,  that  the  signatures  of 
many  Irish  lords,  even  those  of  English  extraction,  were 
subscribed  with  a  mark,  they  not  knowing  how  to  write 
even  their  own  names. — Holung-head's  description  of  the 
great  earl  of  Desmond,  though  somewhat  overchargeil,  is 
curious :— "  He  was  rude  anil  savage,"  says  this  historian, 


"  both  in  apparel  a?)d  behaviour:  he  had  neither  learning 
nor  manners,  but  lived  after  a  barbarous  fashion  in  the 
country,  am!  perhaps  had  not  so  much  as  a  glass  window 
to  his  house ;  yet  he  was  the  best  landed  subject  in  the 
kiuii's  dominions." — What,  from  a  noble  savage  like  this, 
could  [lossibly  be  expected  but  resentment,  and  revenge 
for  real  or  supposed  injuries;  causes  to  which  may  justly 
be  attributed  his  manifold  acts  of  treason  and  rebellion. 
'  Father  of  the  celebrated  Grace  O'Maley,  better  known 
by  the  name  of  Giana-wciil.  This  celebrated  heroine, 
who  was  wife  of  J\[nc  William  Oughter,  was  so  deter- 
mined and  persevering  in  her  hostility  to  the  English,  and 
committed  so  many  acts  of  depredation,  that  it  was  found 
necessary,  in  1579,  to  send  a  body  of  troops  from  GaKvay, 
under  the  connnand  of  Capt.  William  Martin,  to  l>esiege 
her  romantic  and  impregnable  castle  of  Carrick-a-Uilc, 
near  Newport,  in  the  county  of  Mayo.  This  expedition 
sailed  from  Gahvay  on  the  8th  of  March,  bnt  so  spirited 
was  the  defence  made  by  this  extraordinary  woman,  that 
they  were  obliged  to  retreat  on  the  2Gth  of  the  same 
month,  and  very  narrowly  escaped  being  made  prisoners — 
a  circumstance  which  would  have  been  attended  with 
the  instant  death  of  the  entire.  The  names  of  the  men 
sent  on  this  occasion  are  entered  on  an  old  MS.  book, 
which  formerly  belonged  to  Sir  Edward  Fitton,  and  whicli 
is  now  in  the  posscsiion  of  the  author. 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY.  g7 

nuile  to  the  lord  deputy.  They,  eitlier  dreading  his  power,  or  rather  wisliino-  to 
ilir'iciiible  for  the  present,  as  their  subsequent  conduct  proved,  voluntarily  came 
ti.  Galway,  and,  while  the  lord  deputy  was  attending  divine  service  in  the  church 
I'f  Ht.  Nicholas,  on  the  sabbath  day,  they  entered  before  him,  and,  kneelino-  down 
ill  a  suppliant  posture,  confessed  their  fliults,  submitted,  and  humblv  craved 
pnrdon,  promising  amendment  for  the  future,  and  that  they  would  never  more 
revolt  from  their  allegiance  to  her  majesty,  or  disobey  her  laws.  They  were 
Iiouever,  innncdiatcly  put  under  arrest,  and  sent  close  prisoners  to  Dublin  •  but 
In-  the  advice  of  the  privy  council,  after  receiving  many  sharp  reprehensions,  and 
<i)me  trifling  punishment,  they  were  soon  after  liberated,  and  the  lord  deputy 
having  remained  three  weeks  in  Galway,  departed  for  Dublin,  where  he  arrived 
on  the  Idth  of  April,   1577. 

Two  months  had  scarcely  elapsed  when  he  received  information,  by  express 
from  the  mayor  of  Gahvay,  that  the  ,Mac-an-Earlas,  notwithstandino-  their  late 
pretended  repentance  and  submission,  were  again  in  arms  ;  that  by  the  counsel 
and  consent  of  the  earl,  their  father,  '  they  crossed  the  Shannon  by  ni<rht,  threw 
otf  their  English  apparel,  which  tiiey  had  agreed  to  wear,  and  put  on  the  dress 
of  the  Irish  ;  sent  for  all  their  friends  to  meet  them,  and  brino-  the  Scots  whom 
tlicy  liad  solicited  ;  and  that,  being  assembled  in  considerable  force,  they  marched 
towards  Athenry,  which  they  took  and  sacked,  destroyed  the  few  houses  which 
were  lately  built  there,  set  the  new  gates  on  fire,  dispersed  the  masons  and 
labourers  who  were  working,  and  broke  down  and  defaced  the  queen's  arms,  and 
others  there,  made  and  ready  to  be  set  up.  On  receiving  this  intelligence  the 
lord  deputy  immediately  set  out  from  Dublin  with  an  army,  and  in  three  days 
was  in  Connaught :  the  Mac-an-Earlas'  forces  dispersed,  and  tied  to  the  mountains. 
The  old  earl  endeavoured  to  acquit  himselfj  but  no  excuse  would  be  accepted  ■ 
iiis  castles  were  taken  possession  of,  and  himself  sent  prisoner  to  Dublin,  where 
he  was  kept  in  close  confinement.  The  lord  deputy  then  came  to  Galway, 
where  having  remained  a  few  days,  to  secure  and  strengthen  the  town,  and 
encourage  the  inhabitants  who  were  in  great  consternation  and  dread  that  they 
would  be  surprised,  and  the  town  taken  and  plundered,  as  Athenry  had  been,  he 
departed  for  Limerick. 


'  If  this  chai\^c  oguinst  tlic  carl  was  foiiiulcil  in  trutli, 
his  siibsc(incnt  comliict  was  very  nnicli  altered  lor  tlie 
better;  for,  in  his  last  will,  now  hel'ore  us,  dated  at 
Galway,  ■Itli  August,  1582,  the  following  passage  oceurs: 
"  Item,  last  of  all,  I  leave  my  blessing  witli  my  sonues, 
U|Kin  condition,  tliat  is,  to  sprve  true  and  quietly,  without 
any  nrolestation  or  trouble,  the  Ouene  of  England  and 
all  her  oTicers;  and  he  or  tliey  that  will  doe  contrary,  I 
icave  my  perpetual  curs  with  him." 


Stauiluirst,  who  has  inserted  in  his  history  dcscriinive 
verses  of  the  Irish  noblemen  of  his  tiiiie,  has  the  follow  ing 
of  the  earl  of  Claurickard: 

Quam  mihi  majoruni  fama  bona  gcsta  dedcrurit, 
Hanc  mihi  natoruin  harbara  facta  iiegant. 

That  glory,  which  my  great  ancestors  won. 
Is  by  iny  otlspring's  graceless  deeds  imdont. 


88  HISTORY    OP   GALWAY. 

The  lord  deputy  was  scarcely  out  of  the  province  when  these  turbulent  chief- 
tains again  rallied  from  the  mountains,  assembled  their  followers,  and,  having 
hired  two  thousand  Scotch  forces,  laid  siege  to  the  castle  of  Bailie  RiogJi,  or 
Loughrea,  which  lately  belonged  to  the  earl,  their  father,  being  one  of  tlie  casdes 
taken  possession  of  a  sliort  time  before,  and  then  garrisoned  by  Thomas  Le 
Strange  and  Captain  Collier,  with  one  hundred  foot  and  fifty  horse.  The  castle 
was  strong,  and  tlie  besieged  behaved  with  great  valour,  they  made  diflcrent 
sallies,  in  which  six  of  the  principal  captains  of  the  besiegers  were  killed,  toge- 
tlier  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  their  men.  Despairing  of  taking  the  castle, 
the  assailants  raised  the  siege,  and  directed  their  force  against  Mac  AVilliam 
Oughter,  who  had  never  joined  in  their  proceedings,  and  took  several  of  his 
castles;  but  the  lord  deputy  having  arrived  in  the  mean  time,  joined  his  forces, 
and  the  Mac-an-Earlas  dispersed :  the  greatest  part  of  their  followers  were  de- 
stroyed, and  they  were  never  after  able  to  raise  force  sufficient  to  disturb  the  peace 
of  the  country.  ^ — From  the  detail  of  these  melancholy  transactions,  which  entirely 
originated  in  the  narrow  and  unconciliating  policy  of  the  tiien  government  of 
iMigland  towards  its  Irish  subjects,  there  are  few  who  would  tiot  be  inclined 
not  only  to  commiserate,  but  even  to  excuse  and  pardon,  the  infatuated  resistance 
of  tlie  unfortunate  Irish  to  that  misguided  government ;  and  particularly  so, 
when  tliey  belicld  the  heads  of  a  noble  and  powerful  family,  of  English  race, 
forced,  by  the  unrestrained  atrocities  of  a  petty  provincial  governor,  into  a 
rebellion,  in  which  so  large  a  portion  of  the  kingdom  was  nearly  destroyed. 
Happy  would  it  have  been  for  Ireland  had  the  spirit  of  conciliation  and  peace, 
guided  by  justice  and  tempered  with  mercy,  actuated  its  rulers  for  ages  past: 
its  history  would  not  now  abound  with  the  manifold  and  gloomy  descriptions 
of  murder,  treason  and  rebellion,   which  disgrace   almost  every  page  of  it. 

These  troubles  having  at  length  subsided,  the  town  was  rewarded  by  the  queen 
for  its  losses  and  fidelity  to  her  government.  On  the  14th  of  July,  1579,  slie 
granted  it  a  charter  containing  most  ample  privileges.  All  similar  preceding 
grants  were  confirmed,  ])Ower  was  given  to  create,  yearly,  a  recorder,  coroner, 
cscheator,  comptroller  of  the  customs,  ganger  and  all  other  officers,  and  to  grant 
safe  conduct,  to  and  from  the  town,  to  all  foreign  merchants.  Every  mayor,  for 
the  time  being,  was  created  admiral  of  the  port  and  bay,  as  far  as  the  islands  of 
Arran,  and  was  to  be  entitled  to  all  wrecks  of  the  sea.     The  inhabitants  were 


'  A.D.  1580,  one  of  these  unliappy  men,  whose  name  botli  condemned  to  die.    The  sentence  was  carried  into 

was  Williiira,  and  who  was  tlie  youngest  son  of  the  earl  execution   by  William  Martin,  the  marshal,  who  caused 

of  ClanricUard,  together  with  a  son  of  the  earl  of  Tho-  them  both  to  be  hung  at  the  Market-cross,  outside  the 

mond,  (who,  notwithstanding  his  father's  previous  sub-  east  gate,  and  cruelly  hastened  their  death,  before  their 

mission,  hail  also  joined  in  those  rebellious  proceedings,)  pardon,  which  was  solicited  and  obtained  by  the  mayor, 

wpre  taken  near  Galway,  and,  after  a  sumninr\  trial,  were  cotiM  arrive. — Aiinnh. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  89 

rxcniptcd  from  attending  at  assizes,  juries,  or  other  civil  duties,  outside  the  town. 
'I'lie  customs,  as  contained  in  tlie  grant  of  Richard  II.  were  confirmed  with  many 
adilitions,  but  were  directed,  liowever,  to  be  appHed  to  the  murage  and  pavage 
of  the  town.  The  mayor,  slieriffs,  burgesses  and  corporation  Avere  authorized, 
from  time  to  time,  to  assemble  in  arms,  and  to  pass  and  go  with  flags,  displayed  in 
hostile  array,  to  any  country,  island,  arm  of  the  sea,  or  other  place  whatsoever,  to 
t.ikc,  recover  and  punish  all  robberies,  felonies  and  crimes  committed  against  them. 
The  mayor  and  recorder,  lor  tiie  time  being,  were  created  justices  of  the  peace 
and  gaol  delivery  within  the  town,  the  franchises,  liberties  and  suburbs  thereof ; 
and  no  other  was  to  exercise  like  power  therein ;  nor  was  any  other  officer  of  the 
(jueen,  her  heiis  or  successors,  to  have  any  authority  whatsoever  witliin  the  town: 
power  was  given  to  have  a  prison  and  keeper  thereof;  and,  finally,  all  privileges 
enjoyed  by  the  city  of  "Waterfbrd  and  the  town  of  Drogheda  were  fully  granted." 
The  queen's  bounty  did  not  stop,  even  after  the  extension  of  these  ample  privi- 
lugcs,  but  was  further  extended  by  patent,  dated  11th  September,  1578,  in  pur- 
•Miancc  of  letters  under  her  own  hand,  stating,  "  The  veary  good  comendacon 
ni;\de  unto  us,  for  divers  respects,  of  our  loving-  subjects  of  our  town  of  Galway, 
Ibr  their  dutyfulnes  and  good  service  sondry  times  constantly  showed,  as  occasions 
have  been  ofiered,  for  which  we  would  they  should  be  considered  and  eucoradged:" 
tlic  corporation  was  accordingly  granted  leases  in  reversion  of  the  possessions 
of  the  dissolved  monasteries  of  St.  Francis,  St.  Augustin  and  St.  Dominick, 
adjoining  the  town ;  the  parsonage,  fishing  and  cocket ;  and  as  much  land  as 
should  amount  to  the  yearly  value  of  100  marks,  nearest  the  town,  and  most  com- 
modious to  tiiera.  These,  with  other  grants  to  the  warden  and  vicars,  and  parti- 
cular encouragement  to  individuals,  were  the  marks  of  the  royal  recompcnce  and 
favor  to  tiie  inliabitants  for  their  sufferings  and  loyalty  in  those  perilous  times.' 

On  the  7th  of  November,  1579,  the  lord  justice.  Sir  William  Pelham,  arrived 
in  Galwa}',  accompanied  by  the  earl  of  Thomond  and  the  Berwick  bands.  "  His 
lordship  removed  into  the  towne  of  Galwaie,  twelve  mills,  verie  rockie  way,  and 
tail  of  great  loughes.  The  towne  is  well  bulte,  and  walled,  with  an  excellent 
good  haven,  and  is  replenished  with  many  welthie  merchants.  The  townes-men 
and  wemmen  present  a  more  civil  shew  of  life  than  other  townes  in  Ireland  do, 
and  male  be  compared,  in  my  judgement,  next  Dublin  and  Watterford,  the  only 


'  Rol.  Vat.  20  Elh. — This  charter,  under  which   the  so  many  troubles,  was  removeJ  from  tlie  presidency  of 

town  is  entitled  to  so  many  vahiable  privileges,  contains  Connan^ht;    and   Sir  Nicliolas  Malby,  knight,    was   ap- 

rccit.ils  by  inspeximus  of  all  preceding  charters:  it  is  there-  pointed  by  patent  under  the  privy  seal,  dated  3 1st  March, 

fore  {;ivcn  at  fnll  in  the  Appendix,  carefully  compared  and  1579.     In  his  orders  for  the  better  governinent  of  the 

tniri'lated.     An  imperfect  translation  of  it  was  made  in  province,  the  queen   united  the  country   ot    Thomond, 

the  )car  1693,  by  Elisha  Cole,  M.  A.  for  the  use  of  the  afterwards  called  the  county  of  Clare,  to  his  governinent 

corporation.  of  Connanght. — Hot.  Vat.  21  Wi-. 

'  Sir  Edward  Fitton,  whose  violent  proceedings  caused 

M 


90 


HISTORY    OF     GALWAY. 


lowne."  "  lie  was  most  lionorably  received;  and,  in  order  to  encourage  the  inha- 
bitants, he  confirmed  certain  articles,  which  were  in  effect  as  follows:  — 

The  charter  of  Gallewaie,  with  new  liberties,  confirmed. 

I^'ii'st. — "  That  no  writ  of  subpoena  shall  be  warded  out  of  the  chanccrie  against 
anie  injuibitant  of  Gallewaie,  untill  tiie  partie  which  SLieth  out  the  writ,  have  put 
in  good  and  sufficient  suertics  before  the  lord  chancellor  or  the  maior  of  Gallewaie 
to  ])rosecute  the  same  with  clfect. 

"  That  no  new  office  or  officer  be  erected  in  the  towne  of  Gallwaie  by  anie 
dcputic  or  governour,  otherwise  than  as  they  in  times  past  have  used  to  do. 

"  That  the  maior,  by  the  advice  of  foure  aldermen,  and  other  fbure  discreet 
men  of  the  towne,  upon  good  considerations,  may  grant  safe  conduct  and  protec- 
tion to  English  rebels  and  Irish  enimies. 

"  That  the  merchants  of  the  towne,  which  shall  buie  anie  wares  or  merchan- 
dize  of  strange  merchants,  shall  put  in  good  and  sufficient  bonds  before  tlie  maior, 
that  he  will  well  and  trulie  make  paiment  unto  the  said  merchant  stranger  for  his 
debt  and  dutie. 

"  That  if  anie  inhabitant  of  the  towne  use  anie  undecent  and  unreverent 
speach  to  the  maior,  that  he  shall  be  punished  according  to  the  qualitie  of  the 
fault  and  offense. 

"  That  the  maior,  bailiffes  and  inhabitants  shall  inioy,  use  and  exercise  all 
their  ancient  liberties,  usages  and  customes. 

"  That  in  all  actions  tried  before  tlie  maior,  the  partie  condemned  shall  paie 
reasonable  costs,  and  the  said  maior  shall  not  take  anie  fee  for  anie  sentence, 
called  Olc'igclJie. 

*'  That  no  dead  bodic  shall  be  interred  or  buried  within  the  towne  and  walles 
of  Gallewaie. 

"  That  when  anie  strange  merchants  come  to  their  port  and  haven,  that  the 
same  be  serched  and  viewed  for  weapons  and  munitions,  and  that  none  above  the 
number  of  ten  persons  of  the  said  ship  shall  come  into  the  said  towne. 

"  That  no  stranger  be  suffered  to  take  the  view  of  the  strength  of  the  towne, 
nor  to  walk  on  the  wals. 

"  That  the  maior,  from  time  to  time,  doo  take  the  muster  and  view  of  all  the 
able  men,  and  of  their  furniture  and  armour. 

••  That  all  unserviceable  people  in  time  of  service  be  sent  out  of  the  towne. 

"  That  sufficient  vittcls,  from  time  to  time,  be  prepared  to  serve  the  towne  for 
ten  moneths  at  the  least  before  hand. 

"  That  a  store-house  be  provided  alwais  in  the  towne  for  a  staple  of  vittcls  to 
be  kept  there  at  all  times."  ' 


'  BrcvinI  nf  the  jnocecdiji^s  of  the  Right  Ilnn.  Sir  IV.      I.nmhelh   MS.   597,  27  C. 
Pelham,  began  1  \lh  Oel.lC<'9,  aii'dcndini-  7th  of  Scjil .  \  5»0.  '  Slnni/iunl. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


91 


The  loal  justice,  on  departing,  found  it  necessary  to  leave  a  company  of 
soliiiers  behind  him,  wliich  were  commanded  by  captain  Casey ;  and  there  being 
no  barrack  to  receive  them,  he  was  obliged  to  hire  a  house  for  their  accommoda- 
tion, the  rent  of  which  was  paid  by  tlie  queen.  These  were  the  first  regular 
troops  ever  quartered  in  Galway. " 

Sir  John  Perrot,  lord  deputy  of  Ireland,  visited  the  town  in  1584.  This  able 
and  excellent  man,  who  "  was  renowned  for  valour  and  justice,  and  noted  espe- 
cially for  a  humane  and  equitable  attention  to  the  ancient  natives,"  "  soon  after 
iiis  arrival  divided  Connaught  into  five  counties,  to  which  he  gave  the  names  of 
(jahvay,  Sligo,  Mayo,  Roscommon  and  Leitrim,  and  addeil  Thomond  by  the 
iKune  of  Clare  ; "  he  appointed  a  sheriff  in  each,  and  established  Sir  Richard 
Bingjjam,  knight,  in  the  presidency  of  the  entire.  While  in  Galway,  he  observed 
many  disorderly  practices,  the  reformation  of  which  he  strongly  recommended  to 
the  mayor  and  corporation.  An  inquiry  was  accordingly  instituted,  and  several 
matters  were  presented  for  correction  and  improvement,  upon  the  oaths  of  a  jury 
of  the  most  respectable  citizens.  An  abstract  of  the  proceedings  on  this  occasion 
is  i^iven  in  another  part  of  this  volume  ;  it  will  be  found  curious,  and  may  enable 
the  reader  to  form  an  idea  of  several  manners  and  customs  which,  in  these  times, 
were  prevalent  in  Galway,  but  which  are  long  since  obsolete  and  forgotten. 

Notwithstanding  the  turbulence  of  the  times,  trade,  buildings  and  improve- 
ments were  carried  on  in  the  town  with  persevering  vigilance  and  industry.  Wine, 
tlie  principal  article  of  traffic,  was  imported  in  vast  quantities,  on  an  average,  as 
the  annals  testify,  of  from  a  thousand  to  fourteen  hundred  tuns  annually.  Exemp- 
tion from  prisagc  contributed  not  a  little  to  the  encouragement  of  this  branch  of 
commerce ;  but  the  Ormond  family,  although  worsted  in  their  former  endeavours 
to  establish  this  claim,  determined  once  more  to  revive  it.  Accordingly  the  earl 
of  Ormond,  in  1581/,  instituted  proceedings  in  the  chancery  of  Ireland  against 
the  corporation,  which  they,  relying  on  the  decree  of  the  star  chamber  of  Eng- 
laiid  pronounced  in  their  favor,  in  152(i,  and  on  the  exemption  from  prisage 


"  A.  D.  1601.  Sir  Francis  Berkely  had  1000  foot  and 
50  horse  in  tlie  town,  from  whence  he  inarched  to  Miinster 
to  oppose  the  Spaniards,  who  landed  at  Kinsale  on  the 
i'J  of  September  in  that  year. — J'ncal.  Ilib. — In  April 
I'.illdwini:,  tlicre  were  hnt  200  foot  left  to  giiai-d  Galway 
ind  Atlilone. — Mon/snu,    To/.  //. 

•  Le.'aiiJ,   Vol.  III.  p.  29o. 

°  At  the  reqncst  of  Doiio{;h  O'Brien,  the  fourth  carl  of 
Tlioniond,  Qncen  Elizabeth,  in  1  fiOi,  re-united  the  county 
of  C'laro  to  the  province  of  Munstcr. — The  queen's  mstruc- 
lion-i  to  the  lord  deputy  were — "  Forasnuich  as  our  county 
of  Clnrc  was  of  ancient  time  within  the  government  or 
precinct  of  our  province  of  Munster,  until  of  late  annexed 
10  our  province  of  Connaught,  which  we  understand  was 
I'jion  some  untrue  surmise  made  by  our  conunissioners  for 


Connaghte  to  the  grievance  and  dislike  of  our  snlijects  of 
that  county;  our  pleasure  is,  that  you,  our  deputy  and 
council  there,  shall  speedily  consider  of  this  inforuiiuioii, 
and,  if  you  find  it  not  evidently  an  hindrance  to  our  ser- 
vice, that  then  you  spceilily  give  order,  that,  by  revocatiou 
of  our  former  conunission  and  letters  patent  for  govein- 
inent  of  these  several  provinces,  and  by  granting  new  com- 
missions of  like  authority  and  effect,  and  by  all  other  ways 
requisite  in  law,  you  cause  our  said  county  of"  Clare  to 
be  re-united  and  annexed  to  onr  province  of  Munster, 
and  to  be  reduced  under  the  order  and  government  of 
our  president  and  council  of  Munster,  which  we  are  per- 
suaded will  be  for  the  advancement  of  our  service,  and 
the  good  liking  of  our  loving  subjects  in  tlio^e  parts. — 
Rot.  I'at.  43  Eliz.  D.  It.  5. 


92 


HISTORY    OF    GAL  WAY. 


contained  in  the  cliartcr  of  Henry  YIII.  most  strenuously  defended.  Tliey  were, 
however,  ultimately  defeated ;  and  the  earl's  right  to  this  valuable  impost  was 
established.  As  this  is  a  subject  somewhat  curious  and  interesting,  an  abstract  of 
the  proceedings  is  subjoined. ''  It  was  a  question  of  considerable  moment  at  the 
time,  being,  ])crhaps,  the  most  important  until  then  decided  in  the  kingilom,  and 
one  in  which  there  aj)pears  to  have  been  displayed  a  considerable  portion  of  legal 
knowledge  and  historical  learninij. 


''  111  tlic  year  1584,  the  carl  of  Ormond  exhibited  his 
bill  ill  the  Chancery  of  Ireland  against  the  mayor,  bailiffs, 
Iiurgesses  and  coniiiions  of  Galway,  setting  forth  that  King 
Edward  III.  was  seized  of  all  the  premises  of  all  the  ports 
and  lla^■ens  of  Ireland ;  that  is  to  say,  of  every  ship  or 
barque  of  the  lading  of  nine  tuns,  and  from  nine  to  twenty- 
one  tun,  and  of  twenty  tuns  and  above,  two  tuns  of  the 
ohoicp  of  all  the  wines.  That  being  so  seized,  he,  by 
Setters  patent,  granted  said  premises  to  James  Butler,  then 
earl  of  Ormonde,  from  whom  the  right  thereto  descended 
to  the  ccMiiplainant.  That  this  grant  was  confirmed  by 
letters  patent  of  Philip  and  Mary,  but  that  the  mayor, 
bailirts,  burgesses  and  commons  of  the  town  of  Galway, 
in  the  province  of  Connaught,  not  only  always  gave  impe- 
diment in  talking  said  prise  wines,  but  also  wrongfully 
recei\'ed  and  converted  to  their  own  use  the  value  of 
5000/.  of  the  prise  wines  grown  there  due,  without  any 
colour  of  right,  but  pretending  prescription. — The  de- 
fendants, by  Anthony  Lynche,  Nicholas  Lyiiche,  John 
Skerritt,  Domynick  Islartin,  Marcus  Lynche  and  Edmond 
Frenche,  made  answer;  wherein,  amongst  other  things, 
they  stateil,  that  neither  the  plaiutitt',  nor  any  of  his 
ancestors,  since  the  said  grant  of  Edward  III.  was  seized 
of  any  prisage  in  the  port  of  Galway,  and  that  they,  and 
all  others  bringing  and  discharging  wines  therein,  were 
free  and  discharged  of,  and  from  the  same.  As  evidence 
hereof  they  adduced  an  acquittal,  by  the  privy  council  of 
England  in  the  time  of  Henry  VIII.  and  also  the  charter 
of  that  monarch,  dated  at  Westminster,  the  3d  of  July, 
in  the  ."6th  of  his  reign,  that  no  person  thereaiter  bringing 
■vvincs  in  any  ship  or  boat  to  the  key  or  port  of  Galway, 
and  there  discharging  the  same,  should  pay  jirisage.  They 
fu.-thcr  stated,  that  in  the  reign  of  E<lward  I.  a  compo- 
sition was  entered  into  between  that  king  and  merchant 
strangers,  whereby  he,  his  heirs  and  successors  were  to 
receive  two  shillings  cncrease  of  custom,  out  of  every  tun 
of  wine,  besides  divers  otiier  encrease  of  customs  upon 
sundry  other  sorts  of  merchandize:  in  consideration  of 
which,  the  said  king  granted  that  all  merchant  strangers, 
repairing  to  every  port  of  his  dominions,  should  be  free 
and  (hsclrarged  of  any  payment  of  prise  wine,  which  en- 
crease  of  customs  were  ever  since  paid  accordingly,  and 
said  merchant  strangers  freed  and  discharged  of  prisage. 
— To  this  the  carl  replied,  amongst  other  things,  that  the 
said  composition  was  made  with  merchant  strangers  onlv, 
and  did  not  extend  to  Irelanil,  and  that  if  it  even  did,  it 
was  determined,  as  well  by  the  death  of  Eilward  I.  a^  by 
the  aforesaid  grant  of  Edward  III.  As  to  the  decree  made 
by  the  privy  council  of  England,  he  states  that  it  was  only 
until  better  proof  should  appear;  and  as  to  the  idlegation 


that  no  prisage  was  paid  by  the  defendants  since  the  grant 
of  Edward  III.  the  same  was  detained  by  the  forcible  and 
uncivil  dealings  of  the  defendants,  who  made  anil  meant 
to  make  a  commodity  of  their  dwelling  in  a  rcr  ote  part. 
The  defendants  rejoined,  and,  amongst  other  things,  saved 
that  the  grant  of  Edward  III.  was  made  after  ilie  release 
of  prise  wines  to  strangers,  and  tlierefcre  no  more  could 
pass  than  the  prisage  of  the  deniz<'ns  of  some  other  parts 
of  Ireland,  an.i  not  of  Galway.  That  at  the  lime  of  said 
grant,  si\id  eommi-.sion  was  in  force,  and,  when  L.e.de,  was 
proclaimed  through  said  king's  don'inions,  being  higher 
esteemed  to  redound  lo  the  general  profit  of  both  the 
realms  of  Enidand  and  Ireland,  and  extending  infra  reg- 
iimii  cl  jHilciluluHi  siiniii,  stretched  to  Ireland  as  well  as 
to  England,  the  same  being  then  ei|ually  under  the  govern- 
ment i>(  Edward  I.  that  merchant  strangers  still  took  the 
benefit  thereof  in  England.  As  to  the  prisage  of  denizens, 
they  sayed,  that  the  corporation  of  Galwuy  was,  time  out 
of  mind,  freed  and  discharged  thereof,  paying  six  pence 
tiinnage  for  every  tun,  which  custom  was  grunted  to  llie 
corporation  by  Richard  II.  They  then  boldly  stated, 
"  That  prisage  is  of  that  nature  that  a  subject  may  law- 
fully prescribe  to  be  discharged  thereof  against  the  prince, 
anel  if  not  against  the  prince,  yet  against  the  complainant, 
being  in  respect  of  the  prince  a  private  person,  prescri|»- 
tion  lieth,  notwithstanding  his  estate  to  be  an  estate  in 
tail,  the  reversion  thereof  unto  the  prince  ;  and  that, 
the  rather,  as  the  payment  thereof  is  more  hurtful  than 
beneficial  unto  her  majesty,  for  thereby  trade  with  stran- 
gers is  slakened  to  the  great  decay  of  her  majesty's  impost 
and  other  duties,  wliicii  would  grow  unto  her  majesty  if 
strangers  were  not  discouraged  by  claim  and  demand  of 
the  said  prisage  to  resort  hither,  as  in  truth  late  experience 
declareth  many  strangers  have  been ;  and  :is  to  their  uncivil 
dealing,  and  that  they  meant  to  make  a  eommodily  of  their 
dwelling  in  remote  parts,  they  said  that,  since  the  first 
erection  of  their  corporation,  they  have,  with  willing 
minds  and  furtherance,  planted  and  increased  civility, 
embraced  the  liberty  of  the  law,  and  abandoned  the  con- 
trary."— The  earl  suneplied,  and  the  cause  was  he;:r(l  tor 
several  days.  On  argument  it  was  slated,  in  his  behalf, 
that  the  decree  of  the  star  chamber,  together  with  the 
composition  with  strangers  and  prescription,  being  the 
material  points  of  defence,  were  resolved  b\  Sir  Thoni.is 
Broudy,  knight,  lord  chancellor  of  England,  and  Sir 
Gilbert  Gcrranl,  knight,  master  of  the  rolls  in  Eiigland, 
(who  were  ilirected  by  the  i|ueen  to  decide  tliereon,)  to 
be  no  title  for  stihiects  or  strangers  to  be  discharged  of 
the  payment  of  prise  wines,  and  this  decision  was  openly 
shewed  in  court  under  their  hands.    Wherefore,  and  [larii- 


HISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


93 


'Ilic  year  1588  wa*;  rendered  memorable  for  the  destruction  of  the  celebrated 
Spanisli  Armada.      One  of  the  ships  which  com^iosed  this  ill-fated  fleet   was 
wrecked  in  the  bay  of  Galway,    and  upwards  of  seventy  of  tlie  crew  perished. 
Several  other  vessels  were  lost  along  tlie  coast;  and  such  of  the  Spaniards  as 
escaped   the  waves,    were  cruelly  butchered  by  order  of  the  lord  deputv,  Sir 
W'ilh'am  Fitz-Williams,  who,  finding,  or  pretending  to  find,  fault  with  the  alleged 
li'iiity  of  Sir  Richard  Bingham,  the  president  of  the  province,  commissioned  one 
rowlc,  deputy  marshal,  who  dislodged  these  ini fortunate  men  from  their  hiding. 
])l:ices,  and  in  a  siunmary  manner  executed  about  two  hundred  of  them,  which  so 
terrified  the  remainder,   that,   though  sick  and  half-famished,   they  chose  sooner 
to  trust  to  tlicir  shattered  barks,  and  the  mercy  of  the  waves,  than  to  their  more 
merciless  enemies,  in   consequence  of  whicii  multitudes  of  them  perished.     In 
order  the  more  efrectually  to  satiate  his  thirst  for  their  blood,  and  to  seize  their 
rumoured   treasures,  the  lord  dejuity  himself  made  a  journey  into   Connaught, 
wliere  tliis  sanguinary  man  arrived  in  June,  1589,  and  on  the  20th  of  that  month 
lie  came  to  Gahvay.     Sir  JNIurrough  O'Flaherty,  ^^'illiam  Burke,  the  blind  Abbot, 
and  several  others  of  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Mayo  and  lar-Connaught,  came 
in  and  submitted ;  but  were  put  under  conditions  to  give  hostages,  disperse  their 
forces,    deliver  up  all  the  Spaniards  and  Portuguese  to  whom  they  had  p-iveii 
refuge,  pay  fines,  and  make  amends  for  all  spoils  which  they  had  taken.     Fitz- 
"Willianis,  while  he  remained  in  town,  caused  several  of  the  Spaniards,  delivered 
lip  on  this  occasion,  to  be  beheaded  near  St.  Augustin's  monastery  on  the  hill, 
amidst  the  murmurs  and  lamentations  of  tlie  people  ; '  and,  having  thus  wreaked 
his  vengeance  on  these  unfortunate  men,  he  departed  for  Dublin. 


ciilarlv  as  the  prescription,  wliercliy  the  defendants  claimed 
llicir  discharge,  was  at  divers  times  interrupted  by  seisin 
nnd  possession,  as  appeared  to  the  court  by  divers  good 
matters,  and  especially  by  a  livciy  made  in  the  reign  of 
Henry  IV.  to  Jas.  Biitler,  then  carl  of  Ormonde,  whereby 
he  w;'.s  restored  to  all  the  prise  wines  of  Ireland,  by  these 
words:  "  De  prtari  luiioruiii  in  oriiiiOus  puiittliHS  el  /oris 
iinrilimis  Ihhcrniec"  saving  the  \i  hole  pri^e  wines  of  Corkc, 
and  one  half  the  prise  wines  of  Waterford  only,  which  were 
cnintcd  to  the  said  corporations  lo;ig  betbrc  the  time  of 
Kdwardlll.:  For  all  these  and  other  reasons,  the  lord 
rlinnccllor  and  co'irt  v.ere  fully  resolved  that  there  was 
pood  cause  to  decree  for  tlie  carl. — Upon  this  the  de- 
r-ndants  produced  a  direction  from  the  privy  conncil  of 
England,  commanding  the  hearing  of  the  canse  before 
them.  The  carl  soon  after  obtained  counter  directions 
from  the  same  to  have  the  canse  de'-ided  in  Ireland.  It 
mine  on  again  to  be  heard;  and  the  court,  ;'.fter  delivering 
their  opinion  upon  each  of  the  points  of  .leiencc,  decreed 
that  the  earl  should  recover  the  prise  wines  of  ail  ships 
that  should  come  to  the  haven  of  (ialway,  or  any  of  tlie 
creeks  or  other  places  of  the  same,  and  discharge  wines 
tlicrc,  whether  belonging  to  deni/ens  or  strangers.  No 
Jctrcc  was  made  respecting  the  .joooi  claimed  for  the 


back  duties,  but  it  was  ordered  that  the  eorl  should  have 
20/.  for  his  costs,  sustained  in  the  suit. — "  And  for  that 
the  said  porte  or  haven  of  GaU\ay  lieth  in  remote  partes, 
wliere  the  saiil  earle  anil  his  agents  feare  forceable  resist- 
ance in  seising  of  the  sa'd  prise  wines,"  it  was  ordered 
that  the  governor  nnd  otiier  pnncipal  magistrates  of 
Connaught,  the  justices  of  tlie  same,  the  sheriff  of  the 
county  of  Galway,  and  the  mayor  and  hailifl's  of  Galwav, 
for  the  time  being,  should  lie  enjoined  to  assist  the  earl 
in  taking  the  same. — Thus  ended  this  memorable  contest, 
whicli  was  then  considered  of  so  much  importance,  but 
which  at  present  serves  only  to  sliev/  the  extensive  com- 
merce carried  on  in  Galway  at  the  above  period.  Before 
conchiding,  it  may  not  be  tininteresting  to  notice  the  oi.i- 
iiion  of  the  court  on  the  operation  of  the  act  of  tlie  L'Tth 
of  Edward  III.  which  the  defendants  alleged  confinneil 
the  compo-ition  with  mcichant  strangers:  it  was,  "that 
the  xanic  licirg  but  in  Engltiiiil,  ruu/tl  iint  be  effecliKtlin 
Ireland-"  and  thus  it  appears,  that  what  Mtilyueux  sq 
ably  provc<l  a  century  aiUr,  was  at  this  time  the  known 
and  established  law  ol'  the  land. —  Grig.  Decree,  Ruth 
Offiee. 

''  Lynch,  in  Vita  Kirovavi,  relates  that  their  dead  bodies 
were  caiefnlly  w rapt  in  fine  linen  by  tlie  towns-women,  and 


yi 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


About  this  time  several  considerable  works  were  raised  for  the  defence  and 
security  of  the  tow  n.  Tlie  point  of  Cean-na-hlialla,  at  the  quay,  was  converted 
into  a  fortification,  and  furnished  with  great  guns ;  and  a  part  of  the  adjoining 
walls  was  built  at  the  expense  of  the  corporation.  The  lord  deputy,  Kusscll, 
arrived  here  in  1595,  and  was  received  with  great  rejoicings  : '  he  remained  but 
a  short  time.  The  object  of  his  journey  seems  to  have  been  to  inquire  into  the 
state  of  the  town  and  province  ;  and  during  his  stay  several  complaints  were  made 
of  the  rigor  and  exactions  of  Sir  Richard  Bingham,  the  governor,  for  which  he 
was  afterwards  removed. ' 

Soon  after  the  departure  of  the  lord  deputy  the  northern  Irish,  led  by  Hugh 
Riiadli  cyDonnell,  after  destroying  the  castle  of  Enniskillen,  penetrated  into 
Coiuiaught,  and  were  joined  by  Tibbot  M'Walter  Kittagh  Hourke,  (upon  whom 
they  conferred  the  title  of  Mac  U'ltUam,)  and  by  several  other  powerful  confe- 
derates. They  commenced  hostilities  in  January,  1590,  and  wasted,  burned  and 
destroyed  almost  the  entire  county  of  Galway.  On  the  15th  of  that  month  they 
invested  Athenry,  burned  the  gates,  and  entered  the  town ;  but  being  repulsed 
in  an  attack  on  the  castle,  which  was  bravely  defended,  and  having  failed  in  an 
attempt  to  scale  the  battlements,  they  took  possession  of  all  the  wall-towers,  and 
as  many  of  the  inhabitants  as  guarded  them  they  made  prisoners.  They  then 
set  fire  to  the  town,  which,  with  the  exception  of  the  castle  that  resisted  them,  and 
the  abbey  and  church,  which  alone  were  spared,  was  soon  reduced  to  ashes. '    After 


committed  to  burial :  he  furtlicr  mentions  that  only  two 
of  the  Spaniards  escaped  death  on  this  occasion  ;  that 
they  were  /or  a  lonj;  time  concealed  in  the  town,  and 
afterwards  fafely  conveyed  to  Spain. 

'  "  As  soon  as  he  entered  the  city,  four  preat  pieces  of 
ordnance  was  discharged." — ^IS.  turoiint  uf  liis  journey 
presrri'cd  in  Lfiwbeih  Vihrarif,  No.  62. 

'  He  was  succeeded  by  Sir  Conyers  Cliflbrd,  knight, 
vho  was  appointed  by  privy  seal,  dated  at  Westminster, 
Sc-ptenibcr -Itb,  1597;  liein^,  as  the  appointment  states, 
"  a  i;entleman  of  pood  sufficiency  and  service  both  in 
war  and  peace,  havirp  been  theretofore  employed  in  that 
province." — Rvt.  Pat.  o\i  liliz.  2,  p. 

Sir  Conyers  Cliff'urd  appointed  his  kinsman,  James 
D'Arcy,  deputy;  and  was  himself  soon  after  succeeded 
bv  Sr  Htnrv  Dodivra,  who  was  appointed  in  the  year 
\r,99.—  Fia'>!t,  RolU  Office. 

■  This  ancient  town  was  surrounded  with  walls  from  an 
early  period  :  the  castle  and  abbey  were  built  by  the 
Birmingham  family,  and  there  are  still  considerable 
remains  of  tlic  entire.  During  the  government  of  Sir 
Henry  Sidney,  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  several 
new  works  and  in'provements  were  commenced ;  but 
they  were  destroyed  by  the  JIac-an-Earlas  in  1575,  and 
tlie  place  remained  almost  deserted  until  the  year  15H4, 
when  Robert  Fowle,  John  Blown,  and  others  of  the 
former  inhabitants,  petitioned  the  queen's  council  in 
Jli'.glanJ  for  such  encouragement  as  would  enable  thcni 


to  bring  over  English  artisans  and  tradesmen  to  settle  in 
the  town,  to  rebuild  and  improve  it,  and  also  to  support 
sufficient  force  for  its  future  protection.  This  petition, 
together  with  observations  on  each  :u-ticle  by  the  privy 
council  of  Ireland,  to  whom  it  was  referred,  were  of  the 
following  tenor: 

The   humble   petition   of   Robert   Fowle    and   John 

Browne,  Gent,  with  dyvers other  associates  answered 

and  allowed. 

1.  Wheare  they  intend,  with  your  lordships  favorable 
hkyng,  to  carry  into  Ireland  sundry  laborers  and  art) - 
ficers  for  theuluibiting  of  the  decaied  town  of  Athenry, 
anil  making  of  severall  comodities  within  Connaght ;  tliDt 
they  n;ay  have  lycence,  for  thirty  yeares,  to  transporte  all 
souche  comodities  growing  within  that  province,  as  hath 
not  at  cny  tyme  heretofore  ben  usually  transported,  so  as 
the  same  be  put  into  worke,  and  wroght;  and  that  all 
others  be  restrayned  therein  during  the  said  terme,  bat 
souche  as  ether  shalbe  contributers  to  ther  first  chardge, 
or  by  ther  allowance  tberunto  admytted,  in  respect 
whearof,  her  nnvotie  to  have  the  twentieth  parte  for 
custome  of  that  whiche  shalbe  so  transported. 

Thought  very  reasonable  in  all  points. 

2.  That  they  might  have  souch  landes  as  they  have,  or 
shall  take,  in  i'erme,  to  be  manured 'for  the  provision  and 
victualing  of  the  said  laborers  and  artyficers,  free  from 
all  cesse,  chardge  and  imposition,  paying  her  majestye 
2(1.  for  every  Irijli  acre. 


HISTORY    Ol-    CALWAV. 


S5 


tI:(-so  proceedings  tliey  inarched  towards  Galway,  determined,  if  possible,  to  make 
It  siiarc  the  same  fate ;  and,  on  the  .Sunday  evening  following,  encamped  in  tlie 
vubnrhs.  They  immediately  sent  a  priest  to  the  gates,  to  request  wine  and  other 
necessaries,  ])romising  to  do  no  injury  if  they  were  relieved:  he  was  answered  from 
within,  that  it  was  the  ancient  and  established  custom  of  the  town,  never  to  open 
(heir  gates  at  night;  and  with  this  reply  he  departed:  but  the  following  mornino- 
another  messenger  arrived  with  a  letter  from  O'Donnell  himself,  entreating-  vic- 
tuals and  other  necessaries  for  his  men,  for  which  he  offered  to  pay,  in  ready  money, 
whatever  was  demanded  ;  but  in  case  of  refusal  he  threatened  the  town  witii 
innnetliate  hostilities.  The  mayor  and  council  assembled,  and,  after  some  delibe- 
ration, resolved  upon  returning  an  answer  not  only  of  refusal,  but  also  of  admoni- 
lioii  and  rcproacli.  This  answer  they  forthwith  dispatched,  upbraiding  O'Doiniell, 
and  the  rest  of  his  adherents,  with  breaking  their  allegiance  to  their  natural  prince, 
.md  wantonly  destroying  the  country  and  goods  of  her  majesty's  loyal  subjects ; 
ami  finally  gave  them  to  understand,  that  unless  they  returned  to  their  dutv, 
rcf'orined  their  evil  courses,  and  made  amends  for  all  the  damages  they  had  occa- 
sioned, they  neither  could  nor  would  afford  them  any  relief;  and  as  to  their  threats 


JIlt  innjosty  is  answcrcJ  tlirou;^liout  the  wliole  pi-o- 
vincc,  2(1.  sterling  for  every  Irish  acre;  yet  for  that 
this  is  an  enterpri-^e  of  cliarge,  and  must  begyn  with 
charge,  it  wore  not  aniisse  to  rednce  to  2rf.  Irish  the 
acre,  so  inucli  ground  as  tlie  gentlemen  shall  fernie 
to  he  manured  for  thor  enterpryse.     The  other  part 
of  the  article  thought  reasonable. 
3.  That  if  they  can  procure  thinhahytants  of  the  said 
provynce  willingly  to  yeald  to  bear  the  charge  of  30  or 
»()  horsemen,  over  and  above  the  compositions  already 
made,  or  by  tlier  industry  cncrease  her  majesty's  reve- 
nuci  to  that  value,  that  they  may  liave  the  said  number 
of  horsemen  in  pay,  for  the  defence  of  the  said  tower  of 
Atlicnry,  and  all  other  her  majesty's  services  there,  being 
llie  most  fit  place  of  the  province  I'or  service,  which  they 
mean  by  God's  grace  to  inhabit,  and  to  fuiisbc  such  good 
Mcrkcs  as  the  lord  president  of  Wales  began  in  his  govern- 
ment of  Ireland. 
7'hought  very  reasonable  and  necessary,  and  that  the 
gentlemen  are  to  have  all  tine  assistance  to  draw  the 
|ieople  to  bear  that  force. 
^.  An.l  whereas  there  is  neitlier  leet  nor  law-day  kept, 
or  the  people  generally  sworn  in  obcdyence  towards  her 
majesty,  which  were  very  meet  and  necessary,  that  it  may 
(ilea^e  vour  lordships  to  grant  your  favors  lor  the  styward- 
ship  of  the  same,  with  some  convenycnt  fee  out  of  such 
profits  as  shall  grow  to  her  majesty  thereby,  by  means 
»  hereof  the  Irisbe  customs  by  degrees  may  be  cut  off)  and 
'ill  small  time  be  altogether  abolyshed. 

To  be  considered  how  there  may  stywardes  and  leets 
he  kept  by  such  as  (he  governor  shall  appoint.  The 
grant  to  extend  no  farther  than  for  her  majesties  own 
lands,  and  that  it  prejudiced  not  the  governor  of  the 
province  in  liis  general  charge. 
',.  And  further,  that  tliey  may  have  authoritie  of  govern- 


ment among  themselves,  in  form  of  a  corporation  for,  the 
jioUtique  ordering  of  their  affairs. 
Thought  very  reijuisite. 

6.  In  consideration  of  which  grants  they  will,  God 
willing,  maintaine  200  stowt  labourers  and  artyficers 
which  shall  be  trained  and  furnished  with  armor  and 
weapons,  and  always  ready  to  suppress  anv  rebellious 
attempts,  and,  after  one  year's  setlyng,  shall  serve  for  four- 
teen days  at  their  owne  proper  coats  and  ehar"es,  once 
every  year,  if  nede  shall  rei]uire. 
The  offer  very  eommeiidable. 

Mem.  where  the  gentlemen  have  named  Athcnry  onlv 
to  he  the  place  where  they  will  set  down  and  pcrforiii 
the  works,  in  which  poynt,  in  our  opyuions,  thev  have 
too  much  restrained  themselves,  we  wish  that  llic 
scope  were  enlarged  over  all  the  province,  naniciv, 
to  chose  ther  seat  where  tliey  may  find  it;  as  it  be 
no  hindrance  to  her  majestic,  nor  otfence  nor  wron" 
to  any  private  person.— A'o^  Pnl.  '_>'j  AVc. 

Francis  Walsingham. 
The  queen  accordingly',  by  privy  signet,  dated  at  West 
minster,  the  18th  Aprilj  15SS,  directed  the  lord  deputy 
to  "  passe  forthwith  a  boke,  containing  not  only  a  confir- 
mation of  the  old  charter  and  preveleges  of  the  said 
decaied  town,  but  also  a  new  grant  to  the  full  cttect  of 
the  said  petition;  because,"  as  she  adds,  "it  will  re- 
dounde  not  only  to  their  private  commoditie,  but  also  to 
the  benefit  of  us  and  of  that  our  realm,  cspicalie  of  the 
province  of  Connaglu." — It  does  not  appear,  however, 
that  any  new  charter  passed  tlie  great  seal,  but  several 
buildings  were  erected,  and  many  other  improvements 
made,  which  wck  destroyed  as  above,  in  159C.  Since  that 
time  Athcnry  has  been  entirely  neglected,  and,  althoiiL-h 
once  esteemed  of  so  much  importance,  it  is  at  present 
reduced  to  the  state  of  an  inconsiderable  village. 


96  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

tliey  liold  them  at  defiance.  Enraged  at  this  message,  O'Donnell  immediately  set 
fire  to  several  liouses  about  the  borders  of  the  lake  ;  and  the  wind  happenin'f  to  be 
in  a  nortli-east  direction,  full  against  that  side  of  the  town,  the  smoke  hindered 
the  inhabitants  from  perceiving  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  or  preventiu"-  their 
design,  until  almost  the  entire  of  the  east  suburbs  was  in  flames.  He  then 
assembled  his  forces  on  Fort-hill,  then  called  the  Abbey-hill ;  but  as  soon  as  tlicy 
approached  the  side  next  the  town,  the  great  cannon  was  brought  to  bear  on 
them  from  the  walls,  and  they  quickly  retreated.  An  armed  party  then  sallied 
from  the  great  gate,  and,  having  gained  the  height  of  the  hill,  the  enemy  fled 
before  them,  leaving  behind  several  killed  and  wounded.  They  encamped  that 
night  about  three  miles  distant,  and  the  day  following  departed  for  the  countv  of 
Mayo,  burning  every  village  in  their  way;  amongst  which  upwards  of  twenty, 
belonging  to  the  town,  were  entirely  destroyed. 

The  disorderly  state  of  the  province,  and  the  vice  and  licentiousness  of  the 
people,  about  this  time,  were  most  lamentable.  In  the  year  IGOO,  they  were 
described  in  the  following  forcible  terms  in  an  assembly  of  the  citizens  of  Galway, 
which  was  convened  for  the  purpose  of  counteracting  the  cftccts  of  those  evils: 
"  August  1,  This  day  informacon  being  made  and  moved  in  open  courte,  by  cer- 
tain of  the  brcthern,  of  the  ymmincnt  loss  generally  all  the  corporation  doc  daily 
sustain  for  want  of  the  administration  of  justice  in  tiie  counties  and  shires  of  the 
province  abroad,  by  means  of  the  obstinacie,  wilful  disobedience,  lyinn-e  and 
deceit  of  the  country  gentlemen  and  inhabitants,  that  by  no  means  there  "can  no 
remedy  be  had  against  them  for  the  recovery  of  anie  debt  due,  muche  less  of 
any  roberies  or  spoiles ;  ncverthelesse,  upon  the  repair  of  them  to  this  town  of 
Galway,  are  so  dayly  supported  and  npholden  by  the  mayor  and  his  associats 
that  noe  justice  can  be  ministered  upon  them  ;  tlie  mayor  ordinarily  o-n,ntinn-  to 
every  of  them,  so  comeing,  his  worde  and  protection  to  retourne  s:.fe  without 
any  molestation ;  the  country  iidiabitants,  voide  of  all  charitie,  litle  regardinre 
their  duty  to  God,  thereby  making  against  the  goods  of  the  poore  merchants^!'" 
In  order  to  remedy  these  disorders,  it  was  resolved  that  no  such  protection  as 
that  complained  of  should  thenceforth  be  granted  by  the  mayor,  or  any  other 
authority,  to  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  country. 

At  length  arrived  at  the  close  of  the  sixteenth  century,  the  reader  now 
enters  upon  a  period  wherein  he  shall  find  tlie  town  of  Galway  to  have  acted  a 
very  conspicuous  part  in  the  eventful  history  of  the  times.  Whilst  the  nation 
was  agitated  by  the  formidable  rebellion  of  Tyrone,  the  town  remained  firm  in 
its  allegiance  to  the  queen  ;  but  now  that  alarming  rumours  of  the  Spanish  invasion 
were  daily  afloat,  government  seems  to  have  apprehended  that  here  the  first' des- 
cent would  be  made,  as  the  most  convenient  point  of  connnunication  with  the 
insurgents  of  the  north  and  west.  Accordingly,  in  the  year  IGOO,  the  lord  deputy, 
Mountjo3',  caused  the  town  to  be  put  into  a  state  of  security,  and  furnished  with 


jl     Kx  An-hni.f  Tnn  .  CrL  .Dub. 


Fnc  Simile,  of  the.  Original 


K.S'  4iu//ishnw     ( '/itirclic 

Vt  J-rihin'/s  f'rr  .<'ii'J<fie/-s  on 

f/i,  .r/,/f  ,/■  f/,(   C/iwc/),-   . 

D,  Odte  Molts f  . 


C^.TIu  Im-a-  rmU  JOzfat  Jw/h 

cf  Stcn  e . 
YL7Tupa/saffe  bdH een  the  muVs. 


I,  The  upper  cr  miur   wa//  if  Stiiir 
IS t eft  hti/h  hetiJes  t/te  pi/rap ((  . 

\\..Vmilfiif  S(i!ht:f  fJirm;/H-  I  he  ra/npier 

intr  f/ic  Icii't'r  wcrL^' . 
lu.T/o:  l)ifrJie.s-. 


F.ii:Tr<md  fi'r Harciirihin's  ilistm  cf  OalMvy . 


CEMaitiv 


HISTOUY    OF    GAhWAY.  i>7 

iiicii  and  arms;  and,  perceiving  the  advantageous  position  uftbrdod  by  tlie  lull  on 
wliich  the  monastery  of  St.  Angustine  stood,  he  laid  the  foundation  of  a  fort  on 
that  eminence,  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  walls,  which  complete! v  com- 
manded the  town  and  harbour,  and  afterwards  became  one  of  the  most  conside- 
rable fortifications  in  the  kingdom. 

The  building  of  these  extensive  works  of  defence  was  carried  on  witli  vigor. 
On  the  10th  of  August,  IGO'2,  the  lord  deputy  informed  Mr.  Secretary  Cecil,  that 
the  fortifications  at  Gal  way  were  almost  finished,  and  that  it  would  be  needful  for 
the  place  to  have  four  demi-canons  and  four  whole  culverins,  which  he  thought 
would  make  it  of  very  great  use  against  the  Spaniards,  if  they  should  happen  to 
land  there,  as  he  suspected,  and  that  for  this  and  other  similar  works  it  would  be 
necessary  to  have  some  great  ordnance."  On  the  18th  of  November  following 
his  lordship  set  out  on  his  journey  for  Connaught,  his  principal  design  being,  "  to 
view  the  town  of  Galway,  and  to  consider  how  the  descent  of  foreign  enemies 
might  best  be  prevented." — He  kept  Christmas  in  the  town ;  and,  judging  it  a  place 
of  great  importance  to  be  preserved  from  being  possessed  by  any  foreign  enemy 
lie  gave  directions  to  finish  the  fort,  which,  from  its  situation,  would  so  eftec- 
tuully  command  the  haven,  and  defend  the  town  from  foreign  invasion.  "While  lie 
remained,  the  O'FIaherties  of  lar-Connaught,  the  Mac  Dermotts  of  the  Courlews, 
O'Connor  Roe,  and  many  others,  came  in  and  submitted. 

James  I.  was  proclaimed  here  in  April,  1603.  Upon  the  accession  of  this 
monarch,  the  Irish,  supposing  him  a  Catholic,  entertained  hopes  that  their  ancient 
religion  would  be  no  longer  proscribed,  and  accordingly  the  principal  cities  and 
towns  of  the  kingdom  immediately  declared  for  the  open  and  uncontrolled  confes- 
sion of  faith.  The  lord  deputy  made  every  exertion  to  suppress  this  rising  spirit, 
and  finally  succeeded  in  putting  it  down.  He  issued  particular  orders  to  that  effect 
to  the  magistrates  of  Galway,  which  were  punctually  attended  to ;  and  he  was 
soon  after  informed  by  the  mayor,  •'  that  liowsoever  he  found  no  seditious  incli- 
nation in  the  citizens, "  yet,  to  prevent  disorders  in  these  mutinous  times,  the 
governor  of  the  fort  had  given  him  some  of  his  soldiers  to  assist  his  authority, 
whom  he  to  that  pnrpose  had  placed  in  the  strongest  castles  of  the  city." 

The  fort  being  at  length  finished.  Sir  Thomas  Rotheram,  knight,  was  appointed 
governor,  on  28th  May,  1G03.  His  patent  recites  that  the  king,  as  well  for  the 
punishment  and  reformation  of  his  evil  subjects,  as  for  the  defence  of  his  good 


•  Afori/snu^s  Hist.  Vol.  II.  p.  186. — In  the  same  com-  full  to  their  (i.  e.  the  Spaiiianls)  party;  and  3'et  will  tliej 

munication  his  lordship  states  the  reasons  for  erecting  afterwards  be  such  bridles  to  the  countries  all  about  them, 

these  fortifications,  and  the  great  advantages  wliich  would  as  they  shall  never  be  able  to  rebel  again." 

rc-5ult  from  them.     "  I  doubt  not,"  he  says,  "  but  these  '  To  take  possession  of  the  churcli,  and  establish  the 

peater  works   will  keep  the  towns   (near  which   they  Roman  Catholic  religion  within  the  town,  as  was  done  a» 

stand,)  in  so  great  awe,  as  they  will  not  suddcnl}'  nor  easily  the  time  in  many  other  parts  of  the  kingdom, 

N 


98 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


and  loyal  ones  residing  in  the  town  of  Galway,  and  St.  Augustine's  fort,  near 
adjoining,  tliought  it  very  necessary  tliat  some  meet  person  siiould  be  appointed 
commander  of  the  said  fort,  and  of  all  such  companies  thereof,  horse  ancl  foot,  as 
were  then,  or  should  thereafter  be  sent  to  reside  there  ;  and,  having  conceived  a 
good  opinion  of  his  valor,  wisdom,  and  provident  circumspection  tor  the  managing 
of  causes  of  like  cfiect  and  moment,  appointed  iiim  commander  of  said  foot  ancl 
forces,  with  the  rule  and  government  of  all  persons  residing  in  or  repairing  to  the 
bounds  and  circuits  of  his  said  command,  as  well  within  liberties  as  ^^  ithout,  of 
the  town  and  harbour  of  Galway. ''  Sir  Thomas  appears  to  have  merited  the  higii 
encomium  contained  in  his  patent :  he  governed  the  fort  with  unimpeachable  con- 
duct for  a  period  of  thirty-three  years,  '^  and  was  elected  mayor  of  Galway  in 
1612,  being  the  only  instance  in  which  that  otRce  was  filled  by  any  except  a 
native  of  the  town,  or  of  its  ancient  names  or  families,  for  upwards  of  one 
hundred  and  seventy  years. 

Immediately  after  the  accession  of  James,  the  corporation  petitioned  for  a  con- 
firmation and  extension  of  their  privileges,  which  the  king  answered  by  letter 
under  his  own  hand,  to  the  earl  of  Devonshire,  lord  lieutenant,  dated  '20th 
December,  lG03,  stating  that,  "  Although  for  some  respects  we  thinke  not  fitt 
to  enlai-ge  any  further  liberties  to  them,  than  formerly  they  have  had,  yet  wee  are 
pleased  that  they  shall  have  a  confirmacou  and  renuinge  of  such  privileges  and 
liberties  as  by  any  former  charters  they  doe  hold."  ^ — This  answer  not  being  so 
favourable  as  was  expected,  they  declined  for  the  present  suing  out  the  charter, 
expecting  a  more  seasonable  opportunity  ;  "^  which  accordingly  was  supposed  to 
have  offered  in  1G08,  when  they  again  petitioned,  but  with  no  better  success  than 
before,  as  appears  by  the  king's  letter,  dated  at  Westminster,  the  3d  of  March, 
in  tliat  yciu',  and  afterwards  recited  in  the  charter.  Not  discouraged  at  this  disap- 
pointment, they  immediately  again  renewed  their  solicitations,  not  only  for  a 
renewal  and  confirmation  of  all  former  privileges,  but  also  that  the  town  and 
liberties  might  be  erected  into  a  separate  and  distinct  county ;  sheriffs  appointed 
in  place  of  bailiffs ;    and,  in  consideration  of  the  great  increase  of  mercantile 


"  Hot.  Pat.  1  Jac.  I.  3  p.  li.  m.  30. 

"  Jiir  Francis  Willoiigliby,  his  successor,  was  oppointed 
by  tlic  lord  deputy,  governor  of  the  fort,  pursuant  to  the 
Isin^'s  command,  by  privy  seal,  dated  Oatiands,  Jnly  5lh, 
u;"C,  durinj;  pleasure,  at  5s.  per  diem. — Rut.  12,  13  Ctir. 
I.  11.  11. 

"  Rut.  Pat.  2  Jac.  I.  3  p.  d. 

'  Ahont  this  time  Sir  Arthur  Chicl>ester,  the  lor<l 
deputy,  established  a  circuit  for  judges  of  assize  in  Con- 
naught.  They  commenced  in  1604,  and,  for  many  years 
after,  the  assizes  for  the  comity  of  Galway  \iere  h'-ld 
alternately  in  Gahvay  and  Loughrea.  ]n  ICRO,  the 
iCorporation  petitioned  the  lord  lieutenant  and  council, 


"  that  the  assizes  should  l)c  kept  in  the  town  of  Galwav, 
and  to  prevent  the  removing  it  to  Loughrea." — Cur'p. 
Roch,  Lib.  1).  p.  109. — For  a  long  time,  before  and 
after  this  period,  the  judges  were  entertained  free  of 
e.Kpensc  by  the  town,  perhaps  to  indncc  them  to  hold  tlie 
assizes  there.  This  was  afterwards  abridged  to  the  pay- 
ment of  their  lodgings;  and  on  21st  Septen)ber,  1771,  it 
was  ordered  in  common  council,  "  that  this  corporation 
shall  not  for  the  fnttu'e  be  at  any  expense  for  the  jud"e's 
lodgings." — Carp.  Ruuk,  Lih.  I. — But  this  was  repealed 
the  7th  October  following,  and  the  e.\pense,  10/.  yearh, 
lias  been  ever  oince  defrayed  by  the  town. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


99 


tfjiKuclioiis,  that  a  guilJ  of  mcrcliants  of  the  staple  miglit  be  incorporated. — 
(ii'ol}iy  Lynch  Fitz-Doniinick  and  Patrick  French  Fitz-Ilobert  were  deputed  to 
prc.icnt  tills  petition  to  the  king  in  person  ;  and,  througli  the  interference  and 
interest  of  Rickard,  then  earl  of  Clunrickard,  (who  shortly  before  was  appointed 
arst  lord  president  of  Connanght, ")  their  application  proved  successful.  Accord- 
ii!g!y  letters,  signed  by  the  privy  council  of  England  with  the  royal  assent,  were 
transmitted  to  the  lord  lieutenant  of  Ireland ;  in  pursuance  of  which,  by  charter, 
Jatcd  18th  December,  iGlO,  all  the  former  privileges  of  the  corporation  were 
fully  confirmed  :  and  as  the  town  of  Drogheda  was  one  entire  county  by  itself, 
incorporate  in  fact  and  name,  distinct  and  separate  from  the  counties  of  Louth, 
.Mcath,  and  all  other  counties,  so  it  was  given  and  granted  that  the  town  of  Gahvay, 
ind  all  castles,  messuages,  rivers,  rivulets,  lands,  tenements  and  other  heredita- 
ments whatsoever,  lying  and  being  within  the  space  of  two  miles  of  every  part  of 
tiie  said  town,  in  a  straight  line,  should,  from  thenceforth,  for  ever  be  one  entire 
county  of  itself,  distinct  and  separate  from  the  county  of  Galway, "  to  be  named 


'  The  kina:,  in  the  privy  seal  for  this  appointment, 
■Juis  c.\|)resscs  himselt":  "  For  that  we  think  it  may  make 
more  I'or  our  serv-ice  tiiat  the  province  of  Connanght  have 
»  governor  witli  certain  title,  as  our  province  of  Alunster 
ftitli,  onr  plcasnre  therefore  is,  that  upon  siirrcnilcr  of 
mrh  letters  patents  as  our  I'ight  trusty  anj  right  well- 
ttloved  cousin,  the  earl  of  Clanrickard,  now  hath  for 
kii  charge  tlicre,  you  grant  unto  him  such  other  letters 
fkiteiits,  uniler  our  great  seal  there,  witli  tlie  title  of  presi- 
licnt,  in  such  form  and  manner  as  our  president  of  Mun- 
Ccr  hath,  except  you  shall  see  cause,  by  advice  of  our 
council  there,  to  alter  any  clauses  thereof,  or  to  add 
tinto  it." — 'J  Jnc.  I.  3  p. — The  patent  is  dated,  Dublin, 
Hptcinhcr  1,  1004. — 2  Jar.  J.  2  p.  f.  m.  49. — Sir  Oliver 
Sl  John,  knight,  and  privy  counsellor,  was  appointed 
lice-prcsident  under  tlie  earl;  and  on  9tli  June,  1615, 
.■"ir  John  King,  kniglit,  niuster-n, aster-general,  and  Sir 
lliouias  Rothcrani,  were  appointed,  jointly  and  severally, 
to  be  his  majesty's  chief  commissioner  or  commissioners 
13  civil  cau-.es,  with  the  council  of  the  province,  to  admi- 
D'ltcr  civil  justice  to  the  subjects  there,  iluring  the  absence 
of  ihe  lord-president  and  vice-president. — Rot,  13  Jac.  I. 
1/../.  m.  20. 

'  IJciore  the  distribution  of  Connnught  into  counties, 
liy  Sir  John  Perrott,  in  1585,  the  entire  province  was 
divided  into  two  great  districts,  called  the  counties  of 
Connanght  and  Roscommon,  wliose  sheiiH's  are  mentioned 
in  various  records,  as  iiu-  back  as  the  reign  of  Henry  III. 
It  would  be  a  matter  of  more  difficulty  than  utility,  at  the 
present  ilay,  to  trace  out  tlie  limits  and  extent  of  those  two 
ancient  divisions;  but  as  it  may  be  of  some  importance 
that  the  true  boundaries  of  the  county  of  Galway,  as 
originally  laid  down,  should  be  known,  a. id  as  the  town 
»ai  comprehended  within  the  county,  until  separated  as 
above,  the  following  abstract  is  taken  from  an  inquest, 
held  on  oath  at  Galway,  on  the  1 1th  of  August,  1C07, 
before  Sir  Anthony  Scntleger,  then  master  of  the  rolls,  ajid 


Peter  Palmer,  second  justice  of  the  common  pleas,  in 
which  its  limits  were  accurately  ascertained. 

WOUNDAniES    OF    TIIE    COUNTY    01'    GALWAY. 

"  The  county  of  Galwaye  extended  in  length  from  the 
marysh  of  Alrniwq/i-Acng/i,  buttingc  eastcward  upon  the 
King's  County  unto  Kanlcuni/i,  bc)'ond  JJiinoiiine,  in 
Yenrconaglit,  westward  GO  miles  or  tliereaboutes,  and  in- 
breadth,  from  the  river  or  strcame  of  Buyhc,  buttinge 
southwarde  on  the  county  of  Clare  to  Lahog^li-Htuiituii, 
(so  called,  for  that  a  principal  man  of  the  Stantons  was 
slayne  in  that  place,)  adjoyninge  to  Claiimorrish,  north- 
ward 37  miles,  or  thereabouts. — The  boundes  or  mcares 
of  the  saide  county  begynieth  beyond  the  river  of  Shcannn 
casteward,  at  the  said  niarishe  of  Alcinid^li-ki'ii^li  which 
devideth  the  greate  woods  of  Kilticroriiv,  whereof  the 
woods  westward  of  the  saide  niarishe  are  included  within 
the  boundes  of  the  county  of  Gallwaie,  and  the  wood^ 
easteward  of  the  niarishe  arc  of  the  King's  County;  and 
so  bouudinge  forwarile  to  the  river  of  Brostiasih,  and 
reyteyninge  the  eoiu'se  of  the  strciune,  it  fallcth  into  the 
river  of  S/ieaiwn ;  and,  includinge  the  islands  of  Iiichc- 
ncgal  and  Inyslnnorc,  it  extendetli  forward  by  easte,  the 
islands  of  Jnlshfaddd,  as  the  course  of  tlie  strcame  run- 
neth: from  thence,  includinge  the  islands  of  Poiifcljjvli/, 
it  gocth  dyrectly  to  Vii-reiuecgtiiu;  and,  includinge  the 
islands  of  lllaniiivre  and  Iiiis/icahlij/,  it  runneth  through 
Lvgliilirgirl,  ami  so  to  tlie  river  of  Bni/hc,  and  hoUiinge 
that  river  against  the  strcame  to  Lug/iclnrj/. — The  earle 
of  Thomond  doctli  clialUndge  a  towiie  laiule,  consisiiuge 
of  fowcr  quarters,  called  Biilliinrowaial,  Killraii/ri/  and 
Jiallyshaimiirjiif,  which  is  iiichnJed  within  theise  boundes, 
to  be  [larcell  of  the  county  of  Clare  that  beinge  beyond 
the  memory  of  man  held  by  the  carles  of  Clanrickarde, 
and  by  them  sett  for  rent  to  the  C/nm/iidcs,  a  eejite  of  the 
jMc.  AV  Marrcs,  who,  upon  discontent,  came  tliither  to 
dwell.  Theise  fower  quarters  arc  tounde  and  presented, 
upon  the  makinge  of  the  composicon,  to  be  parcell  and 


100 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAV. 


and  called  the  county  of  the  town  of  Galway :  that  the  site  and  precincts  of  the 
•abbey  of  Saint  Francis  and  Saint  Augustine's  fort,  and  the  lands  belonginir  to 
the  fort,  should  be  reserved  and  excluded  from  the  county  of  the  town  of  Galwav, 
and  be  and  remain  within  the  county  of  Galway  :  that  the  judges  of  assize  and  gaol 
deli\'ery  might  hold  their  sessions  in  said  abbe}',  and  the  sheriffs  of  the  countv 
of  Galway  their  county  courts  there.  The  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  conniio- 
nalty,  were  incorporated  by  the  name  of  the  mayor,  sheriff's,  free  burgesses  and 
commonalty  of  the  town.  A  guild  of  merchants  of  the  staple,  consisting  of  one 
mayor,  two  constables,  and  such  number  of  merchants  as  they  should  think 
most  expedient,  was  incorporated.  Ulick  Lynch  was  appointed  the  ffrst  mayoi', 
and  AV'alter  Martin  and  Peter  Lynch  the  ffrst  constables.  The  corjjoration  was 
empowered  to  have  and  use  several  ensigns  and  ornaments  for  tlie  honor  and 
dignity  of  the  town  ;  and  the  mayor,  for  the  time  being,  to  have  a  sword  borne 
Lefore  him,  as  a  mark  of  the  very  great  eminence  of  the  ofiice  of  mayor  of  the 
town,  and  of  the  authoritv  thereto  belonging. 


belonging  to  the  county  of  Galwaye. — Reteyning  the 
mcare  from  Ln^hetori/  to  Aham-Imni/lie,  it  exteiideth 
to  Afiancfi/ni/sxabiri/  and  so  to  Lo^hnnc-ncbritliihini,  and 
from  thence  sonthwaixl  of  Aijicvlclc-calani/ne  and  Dirrc- 
liiklcrnvirn,  and  so  to  J^ni^hnilhi/  and  Dirrcliilicmc,  and 
iVoni  thence  to  the  nieare  of  K iHincnpnff'arrcll  it  reacheth 
farther  to  tlie  toi;her  of  Goi-tcfohbell,  and  so  to  Dromy- 
owrc  and  Knwdingc,  the  direct  nieare  to  Mulh/nccaTliine, 
and  alon^'  the  streame  to  Oin/nnecarhijme,  then  to  Cap- 
j}er-I(!niii// ;  and,  retc}nin2  the  nieare  of  Bn/lag/igrant/ 
and  Ai/lciicffiiagh,  it  bntteth  forward  to  the  strcanie  of 
Li>ii'g/icd,  (I'roin  wliich  tlie  place  of  BallalowgJicil  takcth 
its  name,)  and  so  foi'ward  to  Jiellacrcnan,  then  to  Miic- 
kani/;  from  thence  to  Tobherrlynedouoia  and  licatla- 
i:icd-(hmc,  it  exfendeth  to  Bcallnnlinghill,  and  hutting  to 
Jia/inlorp  and  C/rt/iiega//,  exchidin!;e  Moncji-Yeffnne  it 
retcynetli  a  certcyne  nieare  called  Cappcirashcll,  and  but- 
tinjc  forward  to  licnUufudud,  and  devydinje  the  rowc  from 
hnghcntgie,  it  reacheth  to  KiUimj  and  Dawgotl ;  from 
thence  up  the  mountayne  of  Funrlwmorc,  and  holding  the 
very  topp  of  that  mountaj'ne,  bntteth  forward  to  tilnjew- 
enrnc  and  to  Tobbcrlijhc,  from  tlience  to  Currag/nnorc, 
and  so  it  fallcth  into  the  haye  of  Gallwaye;  and  from 
thence,  includinge  the  islands  of  Arrttn,  it  extcndeth 
as  the  ocean  boundeth  upon  the  west  of  Yenrconnng/il, 
and  forwarde  aboute  the  shore  to  Bnllasse;  and,  cominge 
in  at  the  north  siile  of  the  mountayne  of  Snlcmige,  it 
extcndeth  to  Buiuigowsnglimare,  and  so  falleth  into 
Loghmaxhe,  and  cominge  out  of  the  logli,  it  reteyneth  the 
nieare  to  the  river  of  Conge,  -which  dcvydcth  the  demaynes 
of  Conge  from  the  barony  of  Boss,  parcell  of  the  said 
county. — This  barrony  of  Ross  is  alledged  to  have  been 
jnchuicd  in  the  county  of  Mayo,  upon  the  reducin.'c  of 
Connaught  into  shire  ground  ;  hut  attei-,  upon  better  con- 
sidcracon,  for  that  the  same  was  subjecte  to  the  cuttinge 
and  spendinge  of  the  O'Flaherties,  upon  whom  the  Joyes 
(who  inhabited  the  saiil  barony)  dc|)cndfd,  and  weare 
ahvaies  cpntrybut;iry  with  the  O'F lahcrtits,  and  did  usually 


yield  tliem  risings  out  to  all  liostings,  roods  and  jonmcM 
for  the  princes  service,  and  withall  that  the  said  barony 
of  Rosse  was  often  dubly  charged,  as  being  supposed  to  be 
parte  of  ejther  comity,  which  they,  not  bemge  able  to 
endure,  made  complaint  to  the  lord  deputie,  and  there- 
upon obtayned  several  orders  from  bir  Henry  Sidney, 
and  Sir  William  Fitz- Williams,  in  tyme  of  theire  govern- 
ments, to  be  united  and  joyned  to  the  saide  county  of 
Gallwaye,  within  which,  at  the  makinge  of  the  coiiipo- 
sicon,  it  was  founde  and  presented  by  inquest  of  ofiioe  to 
be  included,  and  so  a  yearly  rent-chardge  of  5s.  sterling 
granted  out  of  every  quarter  of  free-holders  lands  in  tlic 
saide  barony,  unto  Sir  Murrogh  O'Fhilierty,  knight,  late 
deceased;  and  with  all,  it  is  manyfest  that  the  inhabitants 
of  the  saide  barony  doe  at  this  instant  appeare,  and  "ive 
there  attendance  to  the  cessions  of  the  county  of  Gallwaie, 
and  not  at  Mayo,  and  that  the  sheriffe  and  collectors  of 
the  comity  of  Galwaie  doe,  by  themselves,  theire  bailitfei 
and  under  officers,  execute  all  matters  concerninge  their 
chardges  in  the  same,  as  beinge  within  the  limits  of  theire 
jurisdicons.  All  which,  with  many  other  reasons  which 
wee  omitt  for  brevcties  sake,  movinge  ns  to  include  the 
saide  barrony  within  the  buundcs  of  the  county  of  Gall- 
waye, have  so  founde  and  laied  it  downe  accordingly. — 
And  now,  returninge  where  wee  left,  we  follow e  tlie'saide 
mcai-e  from  the  river  of  Conge  into  Loghe-Corb,  includin'-c 
Jnc/icvicietn/cr, iiml  (rom  thence  to  Cana-Ini'iddery tbtre 
that  gocth  out  of  the  loghe,  on  the  east  side,  into  the 
river  of  Oii'vii-Duffenis/i,  and  so  to  J\Ior/ne,  and  from 
thence  agaynste  the  streame  to  Smwbcr,  tlien  to  C/owiie- 
sheana;  and,  rctejninge  the  nieare  to  Clcynghtivnllin,  it 
reacheth  to  Owennegomnici'^h  :indl,o//rig/islau/on ;  and,  iiil- 
linge  into  the  river  of  Down  j\Ir.  Kni/ni/,  it  extcndeth 
out  of  the  same  to  G/ai/sscrlcny-Cuivsan,  then  to  La/iniii/- 
dolloghliine  :  from  thence  it  streatcheth  to  Barc-ctuwn- 
o/7.Y/Hc,then  to  Corrnvichelungeyt,  and,holdinge  the  bound 
on  the  west  of  dmliinch/ine,  it  leatleth  to  Islurmure 
and  I,n/nig/i-C/oirncii(i;,.f.i-cig/i ;  and,  buttinge  forwiu'd  to 


HI  STORY    or    GALWAY. 


101 


About  this  time  a  company,  formed  of  tlie  principal  merchants,  for  the  pur- 
jiosc  of  providing  more  spacious  and  convenient  accommodations  for  the  increase 
of  shipping  and  commerce,  commenced  several  new  improvements  along  the 
quays  and  harbour,  and  by  fort-hill  and  the  fosse  which  surrounded  the  town  wall : 
but,  though  they  were  bound  to  complete  these  undertakings  within  a  limited  time, 
the  works  gradually  declined,  and  were  never  brought  to  perfection.  It  is  probable, 
however,  that  they  were  at  first  suspended  in  consequence  of  a  destructive  fire  that 
broke  out  in  the  east  suburbs  on  the  1st  of  May,  1619,  occasioned  by  a  nuisket- 
shot  unintentionally  fired  by  some  young  men,  amidst  diversions  usual  on  that 
clay,  wliich  fell  on  the  thatch  of  a  house,  and  spreading,  raged  so  violently,  that 
'  it  threatened  the  entire  town  with  destruction.  Tradition  informs  us  tliat,  shortly 
prior  to  this  period,  a  Dutch  colony,  consisting  of  forty  families,  induced  bv  tlie 
situation  of  Galway,  proposed  to  emigrate  from  Holland  and  settle  in  or  near  the 
town  ;  that  they  offered  the  corporation  a  sum  which  would  be  equivalent  to 
3J,000/.  at  the  present  day,  for  the  unfinislicd  works  above  alluded  to,  and  the 
adjacent  ground,  on  which  they  were  to  erect,  within  fifteen  years,  several 
dwelling-houses  and  extensive  stores,  intending'also  to  take  in  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  the  strand;  but  that,  through  motives  of  mercantile  jealousy,  these  proposals 
were  rejected. — A  circumstance  connected  with  this  aftair  is  also  handed  down, 
which,  though  bordering  on  the  incredulous,  is  somewhat  curious.  Tlie  Hollanders, 
as  the  story  goes,  contracted  to  cover  over  as  much  ground,  as  they  wished  to  obtain, 
^vith  a  certain  sj)ecies  of  silver  coin,  (but  of  what  dimensions  or  value  are  forgotten,) 
and  the  space  they  are  said  to  have  marked  out  would  have  required  to  the  amount 
already  mentioned  to  purchase  it.  This  glittering  pro])osal  was  at  first  agreed  to 
by  the  town's-people  ;  but,  upon  further  reflection,  they  prudently  considered  that 
these  industrious  settlers  might  monopolize  all  their  trade,  and  injure  tlic  town, 
and  they  accordingly  had  recourse  to  a  most  ingenious  artifice  to  get  rid  of  the 
agreement  when  it  came  to  be  carried  into  effect,  by  insisting  that  the  ground 
was  to  be  covered  with  the  coin,  placed  not  on  the  sides,  as  had  been  supposed. 


UtallanagliJcige,  excluding  tlie  wood  of  AgJielog!/,  (wliich 
is  piate  of  the  county  of  Roscommon,)  it  reaclicth  to 
i'ciwrec-Hoe  on  ihe  north  side,  a';  far  as  Laliagh-Coufintj ; 
and,  incliidinjc  the  wood  oi'  Jjovjfcddeiy,  it  exteiulufh  to 
I'oil/ncmotjriga  and  sol'alleth  into  tiic  river  of  Si(c/u;{'.vl:\ch 
boundetli  that  parte  of  tlie  county  of  GalKvaye  i'rom  the 
county  of  Roscommon;)  and  as  the  river  runneth  to  the 
bridge  of  Beallmiwe,  thence  alonge  tlie  streamc  to  Dnw- 
nimion,  where  it  comes  out  of  the  said  river  into  the 
Iprooke  or  strcame  of  Owynbcgg,  and  from  tlieuce  to 
Kt/ilmony,  then  alonge  the  wood  of  Cregg,  exc'udinge 
Ajlhttgowre  and  Aghogncid,  it  extcndeth  forv.ard  to 
Muni/ne  Cornccai/skc,  and  so  alonge  the  bogg  to  the  saide 


river  of  Sucke,  agayne  at  JRca/lagadd;  and  so,  rcteyninge 
the  streame,  it  goetli  under  the  middle  archc  of  the 
middle  bridge  of  Bnllinasloe,  and  from  thence  with  the 
course  of  the  streame  it  falleth  into  the  Sheanon,  and 
goinge  out  of  the  same  into  tlie  river  oi  Jlrossuagli  (there 
are  two  Brosauaglis,  this  which  meareth  Sir  John  M'Cogh- 
lan's  country  on  that  side  from  the  barony  of  Longford, 
and  the  otlier  which  falleth  between  Chmoiid  and  the 
south  side  of  the  said  havony  of  Loiuj^fonl  into  the  Sheanon,) 
and  so  from  the  liros.-,nagh  of  I\Jacoglilan's  country  to 
Jiiingnir/aiie,  and  so  to  ^Imiiirg//brgg,  where  wee  began. — 
Original  Iiiij.  liolls  Vffice,  Chriiiccr^i. 


i02 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY, 


but  close  on  the  edges.  This  unexpected  turn  created  so  material  a  diflTerence, 
that  it  soon  put  an  end  to  a  treaty,  which,  if  the  entire  be  not,  as  is  most  likely,  a 
fable,  might  have  been  of  service  to  the  country. 

But,  passing  over  this  and  other  idle  and  worthless  tales  of  tradition,  for  more 
useiUl  and  authentic  information,  it  appears  that  the  town,  county  of  the  town, 
and  county  of  Galway,  were,  in  l6lG,  at  the  instance  of  the  carl  of  Clanrickard, 
erected  into  a  separate  jurisdiction,  entirely  independent  of  the  presidency  of  the 
province — a  circumstance  which  afterwards  proved  of  the  utmost  consequence 
towards  preserving  the  peace  and  tranquillity  of  this  part  of  the  kingdom.  Upon 
his  resignation  of  the  presidency,  his  lordship  was  appointed  governor  or  lieute- 
nant of  the  town  and  county,  and  of  the  inhabitants  there  resident,  as  fully  as 
he  had  enjoyed  and  exercised  the  same  as  lord  president  of  the  province.  ^  The 
lord  deputy,  Falkland,  came  to  Galway  in  iCi'^^,  and  was  most  honorably  received. 
His  lordship  knighted  Sir  Richard  Blake  Fitz- Robert,  and  Sir  Henry  Lynch,  hart, 
and  munificently  bestowed  300/.  towards  building  a  college,  and  500/.  to  portion 
and  apprentice  several  orphan  children  of  the  town.  He  particularly  attended  to 
the  state  of  the  fortifications,  and  directed  a  fort  to  be  built  on  the  lands  of  Bally, 
managh,  beyond  the  west  bridge,  the  foundation  of  which  was  laid,  and  a  good 
part  of  the  walls  built  in  1625 ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  all  the  gates  of  the  town 
were  repaired  at  the  ex))ense  of  the  corporation. 

The  appointment  of  the  earl  of  Clanrickard  to  the  government  of  the  town 
having  terminated  on  the  death  of  King  James,  it  was  renewed  by  his  successor  j' 


GovrRNons  of  Galway. 
'  RickanI,  carl  of  Clanrickard,  appointed  by  privy  seal, 
dateJ  Greenwich,  Sd  June,  161G;  patent  dated  Dublin, 
July  12tli,  1810,  during  pleasure,  with  a  power  to  appoint 
a  deputy  lieutenant;  and,  pursuant  to  the  said  privy  seal, 
an  annuity,  pension,  stipend  or  fee  of  10*.  English  a  day 
for  lii'e,  out  of  the  revomies  of  said  county  and  town, 
was  granted  to  his  lordship  by  patent,  dated  29th  June, 
ir.lo',  and  the  like  fee  ot  KVv.  a  day  to  his  son  and  heir, 
Ulic'k  Bonrke,  baron  ot  Dnnkellin,  for  life,  after  his 
lather's  death. — A'"/.  /•■(//.   1-1  Jiic:  J.  2  p.  </.  w.  8,  9. 

GcofiVcy  Osbaldeaton,  Esc],  was  made  deputy  during 
t'le  carl's  absence  in  England,  September  4th,  162\. — Is) 
.M:  I.  2  /).  d. 

<  Privy  seal,  dated  Whitehall,  iNIay  20th,  1G25;  patent, 
Dublin,  November  7th,  same  year.  They  had  power  to 
appoint  a  deputy  during  their  absence;  they  anil  their 
(l.'puties  successively,  from  time  to  time,  to  be  chief  in 
the  commissions  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  with  the  justices 
of  assize,  in  their  circuits,  within  the  said  county  and 
town;  to  be  chief  leader  of  the  army  therein,  in  the 
absence  of  the  chief  governor  of  Ireland,  with  power  to 
raise  and  muster  the  county  and  town  as  should  be  thouglit 
expedient,  and  to  have  the  command  (as  they  had  before) 
of  the  compa\iy  of  fifty  foot,  then  in  pay,  by  the  establish- 
ments belonging  to  himself,  his  officers  and  compan}'. — 
Hu!.  Flit.  1  Car.  II.  '-i  p.f.  m.  20. 


His  lordship  being  still  resident  in  England,  appointed 
Sir  Thomas  l{otheram  deputy  lieutenant  during  pleasure, 
dated  2-lth  April,  1G27,  ( Uth  should  be)  signed  Clan- 
rickard.— Hut.  3  Car.  I.   1  p.  f. 

By  two  commissions,  dated  20th  July,  1627,  the  earl, 
and  Sir  Thomas  Kotheram  his  deputy,  and  the  privy 
council  of  Ireland,  any  two  or  more  of  them,  (the  earl  or 
Sir  Thomas  to  be  always  one,)  were  appointed  to  execute 
the  civil  and  martial  government  of  the  county  and 
town — 3  Cor.  I.  2  p.  f. — and  by  another  commission, 
dated  28th  February,   1G28,  both  the  council  and  martial 

government  were  connnittcd  to  them — 4  Car.  I.  5  p.  d. 

and  by  commission,  dated  Uth  March,  1635,  Ulick,  earl 
of  Clanrickard,  Sir  Thomas  Rotherani,  his  deputy  or 
lieutenant,  the  privy  council  and  others,  were  appointed 
eonnnissioncrs  of  nnisters  and  array,  to  treat  with  rebels, 
<Scc. — 1 1  Car.  I.  1  p.  <l. 

This  separate  jurisdiction,  or,  according  to  lord  Straf- 
ford, "  cantoned  government,"  died  with  his  lordship  in 
165G,  and  the  town  and  county  were  united  to  the  presi- 
dency of  the  province,  in  1621,  under  lord  Mountrath. 
Presidknts  of  Connaucht. 

Upon  the  resignation  of  the  earl  of  Clanrickard,  in 
1616,  Sir  Charles  Willmot,  knight,  viscount  Willinot  of 
Athlone,  was  appointed  president  of  the  province  durin" 
pleasure,  by  privy  seal,  dated  Greenwich,  3d  Jiuie,  1,616; 
patent,  Dublin,  September  20th,  ICIG — 14  Jac  I. — Out 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAV, 


103 


Ihc  preamble  to  whose  grant  states,  that  the  king,  taking  into  consideration  the 
inuny  and  singular  good  proofs  of  his  lordship's  fidelity  and  sincere  affection  to 
the  crown,  and  conceiving  good  hopes  of  the  like  in  his  son  Ulick,  lord  Dun- 
kcllin,  afterwards  marquis  of  Clanricarde,  (wliich  it  will  be  found  were  amply 
realized,)  and  the  better  to  secure  his  subjects  of  the  said  county  and  town  of 
Galway,  appointed  them  to  the  government  thereof  during  their  respective  lives. 
The  improvement  of  the  town  and  environs  still  continued  to  occupy  the  attention 
of  the  corporation.  In  iGoO,  the  square  plot,  at  the  green,  outside  the  east  gate, 
(since  called  Meyrick-square,)  was  set  apart  for  the  purpose  of  public  amusement 
and  recreation :  it  was  inclosed  with  wooden  rails,  and  handsomely  planted  round 
with  ash  trees,  many  of  which  were  standing  within  the  memory  of  persons 
yet  living.  The  highway  within  the  liberties,  along  Castle-Gar,  was  soon  after 
completed :  the  new  works  at  Barachalla  and  about  the  great  gate,  which  were 
left  unfinished  in  tlie  mayoralty  of  Sir  Valentine  Blake,  were  likewise  resumed 
and  perfected.  In  the  interior  of  the  town,  the  main  street,  from  the  great  gate  to 
the  cross,  was  paved,  and  several  other  valuable  improvements  were  made,  ^  which 
at  length  rendered  the  town  one  of  the  most  perfect  in  the  kingdom,  possessing 
every  convenience  wliich  could  tend  to  promote  the  health  or  increase  the  com- 
forts  of  the  inhabitants. 


of  the  patent  were  excepted  tlie  government  of  the  county 
of  the  town  of  Gulway  ami  of  the  county  uf  {jalway, 
so  long  as  the  kin^  shoulil  continnr  llie  earl  of  Clanricarde 
therein. — 1620,  May  ITtli,  the  lord  deputy  appointed  Sir 
Charles  Coote,  knight,  vice-president,  in  the  absence  or 
(hiring  the  |>leasure  of  Willmot,  and,  so  long  as  he  con- 
tinued in  that  office,  chief  leader  of  the  army  in  that 
province,  (the  county  anil  county  of  the  town  of  Galway 
i\cepted.)  The  subsequent  presidents  of  Connaught 
were  as  follows,  viz. 

1625,    April  16th. Patent  continuing   Sir  Charles 

Willmot  (the  former  having  detcrinined  by  King  James's 
death)  and  Sir  Roger  Jones,  vice-presidents. 

IGjO. — Sir  Charles  Willmot,  and  Roger,  lord  viscount 
Kanelagh,  appointed  during  their  lives. — Rnl.  Pat.  C  Cur. 
II.  r,  p. 

IGll,  April. — Thomas  viscoimt  Dillon,  and  Hemv 
\iscount  Willmot,  and  the  bishop  of  Atterbury,  in  Eng- 
land, appointed,  vice  Willmot  and  Kanelagh,  deceased. — 
Hot.  12  Car.  II. 

1645,  May  12th. — Sir  Charles  Coote,  knight  and  bart. 
of  Mountrath,  appointed  by  patent  of  this  date,  at  W^est- 
niin^ter. — CrotnarU's  linll,   1655,  frst  part,  mi.  5. 

1660,  July  ."otii. — The  same  continued  by  patent,  of 
tliis  date,  at  Westminster. — Hut.   12  Car.  II. 

1661,  March  28th. — The  same  appointed  president  for 
life,  under  the  title  of  Charles,  carl  of  Mountrath.  In  this 
prant  the  coimly,  county  of  the  town,  and  citadel  of 
(laKvav,  were  annexed  to  the  presidency  of  the  province. — 
Rnl.  \z  Cur.  II. 

Decemlier  2'Ith. — John,  lord  Berkeley,  appointed 

l\  privy  seal,  of  tins  date,  (Mountrath,  deceased)  for  lil'e  ; 


patent  dated  January  13th,  lOGl  :  Sir  Maurice  Eustace 
was  his  viru-presiiknt. — Rnl.  13  Car.  II.    1  p. 

1G62,  March  '_'5th. — Tlie  same  appointed  chief  leader 
of  the  army  within  the  province,  ni  the  absence  of  the 
chief  governor  of  Ireland,  for  the  prosecution  of  any 
rebels  or  traitors  and  their  aillicrents. — Rot.  4  Car.  II. 
1  p. 

1666,  April  2. — John,  lord  Berkeley,  and  John,  lord 
Kingston,  appointed  by  jjatent  of  this  date,  (former  patent 
surrendered.)— /I'll/.  IS  Car.  II. 

May  5th. — John,  lord  Kingston,  appointed  sole 

governor,  by  patent  of  this  date,  last  patent  surrendered ; 
Thomas  Caulficid,  Esq.  was  then  vice-president. — Same 
Rull. — Lord  Kingston  was  the  last  governor  of  Connaught. 

"  In  1G37,  the  east  tower  gate  was  built,  and  the  town 
clock  erected  at  the  c.tpcnse  of  the  corporation.  On 
loth  May,  1639,  it  was  ordered  in  council,  "  that,  at 
the  connnon  charge  of  this  corporation,  all  grants  and 
gifts,  under  their  conuuon  seal,  of  the  shops  near  or  at 
the  market  thereof,  shall  be  bought;  the  same,  and  all  the 
places  of  the  said  market  that  side,  as  far  as  the  stone- 
wall there,  which  CNtends  itself  to  the  way  into  our  parish 
church  of  Saint  Nicholas,  be  pulled  down,  and  soe  all 
the  same  to  be  reduced  into  a  strong  sufficient  stone 
house,  covered  with  slate,  and  to  be  under-])i-o|)ped  with 
good  stone  pillars,  whereby  way  thro'  it  shall  be  to  the 
said  church,  as  formerly  it  hatli  been,  and  the  up|)er  parts 
to  be  made  a  fair  common-hall  or  towlsci,  with  conve- 
nient chambers  for  the  eonnnon  counsill  and  tow  ne  clerkc, 
ior  the  safe  keeping  of  all  the  towne  records  and  writings. 
•~Ci>rporatiun  JBuoh,  Lib.  A. — This  building  was  finislied 
in  IG-IG. 


J  04  HISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 

Sir  Thomas  Wentwortli,  (af'tenvardsearl  of  Straftbrd,)  lord  deputy  of  Ireland, 
visited  the  town  in  1634 ;  his  entry  was  splendid,  and  his  reception  equally  corres- 
pondent. During  his  stay  he  resided  in  the  mansion-house  of  Sir  Richard  Blake, 
for  whose  polite  attention  he  made  tlie  most  grateful  acknowledgments.  He  con- 
ferred the  honor  of  kniglitliood  on  Sir  Dominick  Browne,  the  mayor;  and,  havino- 
expressed  mucli  satisfaction  at  the  highly  finished  state  and  opulent  appearance 
of  the  town,  his  lordship  departed  for  Dublin, 

For  the  first  fifteen  years  of  the  reign  of  Charles  I.  a  time  of  profound  peace 
in  Ireland,  there  are  but  few  particulars  related  of  the  town ;  but,  during  the  tur- 
bulent  remainder  of  the  life  of  that  unhappy  monarch,  it  took  a  leading  part  in 
the  political  transactions  of  the  times,  invariably  manifesting  the  greatest  zeal, 
loyalty  and  affection  in  his  cause.  The  only  occurrence  worthy  of  remark  durino- 
the  former  period,  in  addition  to  those  already  detailed,  is  the  celebrated  tyran- 
nical proceeding  of  lord  Strafford  against  the  sheriff  and  jury  of  the  county  of 
Galway.  This  able  but  despotic  ruler  having  formed  the  unjust  and  impolitic 
design  of  subverting  the  title  to  every  estate  in  Connaught,  by  shewing  that  the 
province,  notwithstanding  all  prior  grants  to  individuals,  was  entirely  vested  in 
the  ci-own,  and  still  at  its  disposal,  caused  separate  commissions  to  issue  on  the 
15th  of  June,  lG-J,5,  directed  to  certain  commissioners,  who  were  to  inquire,  by 
the  oaths  of  a  jury,  what  estate,  right  or  title,  the  king,  or  any  of  his  progenitors, 
had  to  every  county  in  the  province.  Leitrim  having  surrendered  without  trial, 
the  first  inquiry  was  held  at  Boy\e,  in  Roscommon,  on  10th  July  following,  when 
the  jury  found  the  king's  title  without  scruple.  This  ser\ilc  example  was  followed 
in  Sligo,  where  the  trial  was  held  on  the  ^Oth  of  the  same  month,  and  in  Mayo, 
wl'.cre  it  took  place  at  BalHnrobe,  on  the  31st ;"  but  when  they  came  to  Galway  their 
progress  was  stopped,  and  this  arbitrary  measure  met  w^ith  the  most  determined 
and  effectual  oposition  from  the  gentlemen  of  the  county,  whose  independent 
spirit,  strict  adhtrence  to  truth  and  justice,  and  conscientious  discharge  of  their 
duty,  on  this  occasion,  deserve  to  be  for  ever  commemorated.  The  trial  came 
on  at  Portumna  castle,  where,  notwithstanding  the  presence  of  the  lord  deputy 
himself,  who  sat  on  the  bench,  and  the  many  specious  arguments  made  use  of  by 
council,  to  induce  the  jury  to  find  the  king's  title,  tliey  unanimously  found  against 
it.  His  lordship,  violently  enraged  at  this  decision,  immediately  put  the  sheriff, 
Mr.  Martin  Darcy,  of  the  family  of  Kiltolla,  and  the  jury  under  arrest,  had  them 
brought  close  prisoners  to  Dublin,  and  there  tried  before  himself  in  the  castle 
chamber.  "  We  bethought  ourselves,"  says  he,  "  of  a  course  to  vindicate  his 
majesty's  honor  and  justice,  not  only  against  the  persons  of  the  jurors,  but  also 


i"  The  inquisitions  tiiktn  on  this  occasion,  and  afterwards     things,  the  names  of  all  tlin  hmds,  and  principal  proprietors 
in  1G37,  remain  of   record  in  the  Rolls  Ofhce,  Dublin,     in  the  several  counties,  at  the  time. 
Tl'.ey  arc  very  voluminoLis,  ami  contain,  amon^rst  other 


IIISTOIIY    OF    GALWAV. 


105 


against  the  sheriff',  for  returning  so  insufficient,  indeed  we  conceived  so  packed,  a 
jury,  and  therefore  we  fined  tlie  sherift'  in  1000/.  to  his  majesty,  the  jurors  in 
4000/.  each,  and  to  be  imprisoned  until  the  fines  should  be  paid,  and  until  they 
sliould  acknowledge  their  ofltence  in  court  upon  their  knees."' — The  jurors 
petitioned  to  be  discharged,  but  were  refused,  except  upon  condition  of  their 
making  a  public  acknowledgment  that  they  committed  not  only  an  error  in  judg- 
uicntbut  even  actual  perjury  in  their  verdict,  terms  which  they  disdaintnlly  rejected. 
The  sheriii"  died  in  prison,  owing  to  severe  treatment,"  and  the  jury  were  most 
cruelly  used,  until,  after  suffering  all  the  rigors  of  confinement,  their  fines  were 
reduced,  and  themselves  released,  at  the  solicitation  of  the  earl  of  Clanricarde. ' 
The  lord  deputy,  still  determined  to  carry  his  point,  again  caused  two  further 
commissions  to  issue ;  the  one,  to  find  the  king's  title  to  the  county ;  and  the 
other,  to  the  county  of  the  town  of  Galway.  The  commissioners  met  at  St. 
Fi-ancis's  abbey,  on  the  5th  of  April,'  1G37,  when  the  present  county  jury,  terri- 
fied at  the  example  made  of  the  former,  was  induced  to  find  for  the  crown,  as  did 
tlic  jury  of  the  county  of  the  town  the  day  after,  in  the  tholsel-hall. ""  U]>on  the 
return  of  these  findings,  the  county  was  planted  at  a  double  rate,  and  the  natives 
lost  onc-Iialf  of  their  lands,  whereas  the  other  less  refractory  counties  lost  but 
one-fourth.  Thus  terminated,  through  the  influence  of  powei",  this  illegal  pro- 
ceeding, for  wliich,  witli  other  arbitrary  measures  resorted  to  in  England,  and 
during  his  government  here,  the  ill-fated  Strafford  afterwards  lost  his  head ;  but 


■  Slalc  Lcllcrs. 

^  Tlic  lord  deputy,  in  a  letter  to  Cliristophcr  Wandcs- 
forJ,  Esq.  master  of  the  rolls,  from  London,  'JStli  July, 
le.'jS,  expresses  himself  on  this  occnrrence  in  the  following 
tinfceling  manner: — "I  am  full  of  belief  they  will  lay 
Uarcye  tlie  sheriffc's  death  to  me.  My  arrows  arc  cruel 
that  wound  so  mortally  ;  but  I  should  be  more  sorry  the 
king  should  lose  his  fine ;  therefore  I  pray  you  consult  it 
tlioroVvly  with  tlie  judges." — Id. 

'  Ciirtc. — The  following  extract,  from  the  grievances 
voted  "  real"  by  the  couunons,  towards  the  end  of  the 
Strafford  administration,  has  been  sapjiosed,  with  every 
jirohabllity,  to  alhule  to  this  case  of  the  GaK\ay  jury,  viz. 
— "  That  jurors,  who  gave  their  verdict  according  to  their 
consciences,  were  censured  in  the  castle  chamber,  in  great 
fines,  somclinies  piUored,  witli  loss  of  ears,  and  bored 
thro'  the  tongue,  and  sometimes  marked  iu  the  torehead 
with  an  iron,  with  otiior  infamous  puuishiiients." — Cttrri/. 

"'  The  following  extract  from  this  memorahie  record 
will  be  found  not  undeserving  of  perusal. — The  inquiry 
was  held  at  the  thclsel,  on  the  eth  of  April,  ieJ7. 

PUESIDINC    CO.M.-.IISSIONEKS. 

Lord  Ranelagh,  president  of  Connaught. 

The  archbishop  of  Tiiain,. 

Robert,  bishop  of  Eiphin. 

Mir  Charles  Coote. 

James  Barry,  second  baron  of  the  Exchequer. 

James  DonncUan,  chief  justice  of  Connaught. 


Sir  Francis  Willoughby. 
Sir  Edward  Povcy. 
Anthony  Dnpping,  Esq. 

JUIUlltS. 

Sir  Dominick  Browne,  of  Galwaj",  knight. 

Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-iMarcus,  alderman. 

GeoH'ry  iVLvrtin,  do. 

George  Martin,  do. 

Marcus  Lynch  Fitz-Christoplier,    ilo. 

John  Bodkin  Fitz-Dominick,  do. 

Francis  Blake  Fitz- Valentine,  Esq. 

Nicholas  Blake  Fitz-Kobcrt,  Esq. 

John  Blake  Fitz-Nicholas,  burgess. 

Walter  Blake  Fitz-Arthur,     do. 

Edmond  Kirwan  Fitz-Pati'ick,  burgess. 

Alexander  Browne  Fitz-Dominick,  do. 

Michael  Lynch  Fitz-Steiihen,  do. 

Nii'holas  Blake  Fitz-Authony,         do. 

AV  alter  Bro\ine  Fitz-Thomas,  do. 

Stephen  Martin  Fitz-Fraucis,  do. 

Jasper  French  Fitz-Andrew,  do. 

'Thomas  Butler,  do. 

The  jury  were  directed  to  inquire  "  what  estate,  right 
or  title  the  king,  or  any  of  his  progenitors,  had,  or  of  right 
ought  to  have  had,  in  and  to  tlie  whole  territory  of 
Galway  ;"  and  accordingly  found  tliat  the  county  of  the 
town  of  Galway  was  at  all  times  part  of  the  dominion  or 
province  of  Connaught^,  and  that  the  province,  in  tlic 


O 


lOG 


mSTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


its  injurious  cfiects,  without  benefiting  the  crown,  were  lasting  and  considerable. 
Irritated  beyond  measure  at  so  glaring  an  act  of  injustice  openly  committed  against 
them,  after  so  many  royal  assurances  in  their  I'avor,  the  gentlemen  of  the  county 
loudl)-  proclaimed  their  discontent,  and  fixed  resolution  to  embrace  any  oppor- 
tunity which  might  offer  to  be  revenged  ;  and  of  the  reality  of  their  determina- 
tion, the  fatal  events,  which  soon  after  took  place,   afforded  melancholy  proof. 

Before  entering  into  a  detail  of  the  momentous  transactions  which  immediately 
follow,  it  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  the  reader  to  dwell  a  little  on  the  state  of 
the  town  at  this  period.  By  the  preceding  facts,  gleaned,  with  much  labor,  from 
the  generally  imperfect  materials  which,  at  this  distance,  have  been  spared  by  the 
hand  of  time,  it  appears  that  the  town  of  Galway  was  esteemed  the  most  distin- 
guished of  any  in  the  l<ingdom  for  wealth  and  trade,  and  that  it  ranked  amongst 
the  most  considerable  for  strength  and  population.  The  causes  which  gradually 
led  to  this  extraordinary  change,  from  its  original  state  oi"  comparative  insigniti. 
cance,  appear  also  to  have  been  its  well  regulated  and  increasing  commerce  for 
the  three  preceding  centuries ;  its  advantageous  situation ;  but,  above  all,  the 
enterprizing  spirit  and  tried  integrity  of  its  inhabitants,  which  appeared  on  many 
occasions,  and  which  are  satisfactorily  testified  by  various  records.  The  extent  of 
its  commerce,  and  that  at  very  remote  periods  of  time,  has  been  proved  by  indu- 
bitable authority;  and  its  excellent  situation  needs  only  inspection  to  be  convinced 


rcipn  of  Iloiirv  II f.  ami  long  btTore,  contained  thirty  can- 
irciK  of  knul ;  that  Hciin  HI.  by  Icttc-rs  [latcnt,  datcil 
at  Wcsliniiistci',  21bt  Uecciiihur,  122G,  prantotl  twenty- 
five  lanrjL'ds,  out  of  the  thirty,  to  Kicharil  De  Burgo, 
ujion  whose  death  Walter,  otherwise  Kaymond,  his  son 
and  heir,  fnti.Ted  into  possession.  Upon  his  death  Richard 
Do  Eur;.'0,  lord  of  C'oimanght,  his  son  and  heir,  entered 
into  possession  ;  npon  whose  death,  John,  his  son  and 
snccessor,  entered  into  possession,  and  after  him  ^\'illianl, 
tarl  of  Ulster  and  lord  of  Connanght,  his  son  and  heir, 
liecanie  jjossessed,  npon  whose  death  Elizabeth,  his  only 
daughter  and  heiress,  entered  into  possession.  That 
she  married  Lionel,  duke  of  C'arence,  the  third  son  of 
Edward  III.  who,  in  her  riglit,  became  carl  of  Ulster  and 
loril  of  Connauulu.  I'hat  upon  their  death  IHillippa, 
their  only  daui;luer  and  heiress,  entered  into  possession; 
that  she  married  Edinnml  Mortimer,  earl  of  ^lareh  and 
lord  of  Trim,  who,  in  her  right,  became  carl  of  Ulster 
I'.nd  lord  of  Connanght.  That,  npon  their  death,  Roger, 
carl  of  March  and  lord  of  Trim,  their  son  and  heir,  entered 
into  possession,  npon  whose  death  they  desceiuled  to 
Ai^nv  Mortimer,  !iis  only  danghtcr  and  heiress,  who  mar- 
ried I'.ici^ard,  (hil;e  of  Cambridge,  who,  in  her  right, 
became  earl  of  Ulster  and  lord  of  Connanght.  That, 
upon  their  death,  Kidiard,  duke  of  York,  earl  of  Ulster 
:"vl  lord  of  Connanght,  their  son  and  heir,  entered  into 
pu-sessicm,  am!  that  King  Eilward  IV.  was  his  son  and  heir. 
Tiiat  Henry  III.  being  seized  of  the  five  remaining  can- 
trcds,  not  originally  granted  to  Richard  De  Bnrgo,  tliey 
tiescLndoil  to  Edward  I.  liis  son,  and  from  him,  through 


the  successive  kings  of  England,  to  Edward  IV. 

That  Edward  IV.  being  thus  sciz.ed  of  the  entire  tliirty 
cantreds,  they  descended  to  Edward  V.  his  son,  and  from 
him  to  lady  Elizabeth,  his  sister  and  heiress,  who  marricJ 
Henry  VII.  That  by  an  act  of  parliament,  made  before 
Sir  Edward  Poynings,  at  Drogheda,  10th  Henry  VII. 
reciting  that  the  earldoms  of  March  and  Ulster  and  the 
lordships  of  Trim  and  Connanght  were  annexed  to  the 
crown,  and  that  several  records,  rolls  and  inquisitions  re- 
lating to  them,  were  taken  out  of  the  treasury  of  Trim  anil 
embezzled,  it  was  enacted  that  it  should  be  lawful  for  the 
king,  Henry  VII.  to  enter  into  all  the  said  lands  and  lord- 
ships. That  U[ion  his  death  Henry  VIII.  his  son,  was 
seized,  in  right  of  his  crown,  of  the  thirty  cantreds.  They 
then  found  that  Henry  VIII.  exercised  his  right  by  granting, 
by  letters  jiatent,  to  Janet  and  Ste[)hen  h\  iich,  the  fishings 
of  the  river  of  Galv.ay,  which  were  then  enjoyed  there- 
under. They  found  his  charter  to  the  town,  his  death; 
Edward  VI.  his  successor,  hi>  charter,  erecting  the  church 
into  a  collegiate;  his  ilcalh,  and  Elizabeth,  his  successor,' 
her  charter,  and  the  grant  from  her  to  the  corporation, 
dated  1 1th  iSepten.her,  in  the  twentieth  year  of  her  reign; 
her  death,  and  James  I.  her  successor,  his  charter  and 
death;  and  Cha.rles  I.  his  successor,  who  they  found  was, 
on  the  day  of  the  taking  of  said  iiii|iiisition,  seized  in  fee, 
in  right  of  his  crown,  of  the  said  tliirt\  cantreds,  and  of 
and  in  the  said  entire  ])rovincc  or  dominion  of  Ccmnaught: 
and  tliey  found  that  the  county  of  the  town  of  Galway 
contained,  by  estimation,  thirty-two  <|Uarters  of  free  iind 
chargeabli;  land, —  Oiig.  Inq.  liutls  OJJicc. 


IIISTOUY    01'    GAI.WAV.  107 

of  llic  advantages  which  must  have  been  derived  from  it.  The  town,  though 
early  incorporated  and  governed  principally  by  its  merchants,  was  surrounded  by 
a  j)oor  country,  and  persecuted  natives,  (with  whom  "  the  settlers,"  as  they  were 
called,  were  in  a  continual  state  of  hostility,)  and  could  consequently  derive  but 
few  materials  for  export,  or  means  of  industry,  from  its  local  situation.  The  inha- 
bitants, therefore,  were  obliged  to  have  recourse  to  distant  parts  of  the  kingdom  ; 
and  by  becoming,  in  fact,  the  home-importers  of  the  produce  of  France,  Spain 
and  England,  and  by  exchanging  the  commodities  of  one  country  for  those  of 
another,  the  town  gradually  arrived  to  its  present  state  of  prosperity,  while  the 
country  in  its  neighbourhood  was  immersed  in  poverty,  wretchedness  and  vice. 
'This  opulence,  however,  was  now  at  its  height;  henceforth  it  contiiuied  to  decline, 
and  gradually  sunk  almost  to  nothing,  in  which  condition  it  continues  at  the 
present  day.  The  reader  will  not  be  here  detained  by  an  investigation  of  the 
causes  of  this  decay  ;  it  will  be  reserved  for  another  place,  in  order  to  proceed 
>vitliout  further  interruption  to  the  following  chapter. 


lOS  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

CHAP.  V. 

FROM  16il  TO  THE  RESTORATION  OF  CHARLES  U.    16C0. 

Opulence  of  Gahcay  at  the  commencement  of  the  Irish  rebellion,  QSd  October,  IG^I  — 
Report  of  Sir  Francis  JViUovghbij,  governor  of  St.  Avgustinc'sfort,  near  Gakcai/, 
071  that  event — The  care  of  the  earl  oj  Clanricarde  to  secure  Uic  peace  (ftlte  coiintij — 
'Loyal  resolutions  of  the  toiim — Disputes  with  the  fort — Massacre  at  Shruel — Revolt 
of  the  to'icn,  and  siege  qf^  the  fort — The  fort  relieved,  and  the  toxm  siihnits  to  the  earl 
of  Clanricarde — Violent  proceedings  of  the  governor  of  the  fort — He  bomba7'ds  the 
torcn — Lord  Forbes  arrives  'with  a  feet  in  the  bay — Besieges  the  toxai — His  barba- 
rous co7iduct — The  fort  besieged,  taken  and  demoUslied — The  toxvn  declares  in  favor 
of  the  Irish,  and  against  the  parliament — Persists  in  its  loyalty  to  the  Icing — Several 

Jortf  cations  built — Tumults  in  the  to-wn,  occasioned  by  the  pope's  nuncio  on  the 
(juestion  q/'  the  cessation — Compelled  at  length  to  proclaim  it — 77ie  nuncio  departs 

Jrom  Gakcay — The  toxai  advances  money  to  the  state — Grateful  achmxcledgments  of 
Cliarles  II. — Dreadful  plagxie  in  the  toxvn — Marquis  of  Ormond  takes  shipping  in 
Galxcay,  and  leaves  the  kingdom — Kegociations  xvith  the  duke  of  Lo}'raine — His 
a^nbassador  arrives  i?i  Galxcay — The  toxcn  besieged  by  the  parliamentary  forces  under 
Sir  Charles  Coote — Its  strenuous  defence  and  final  surrender — The  plague  rages — 
Cruel  proceedings  against  the  inhabitants — Licentiousness  of  the  soldiery — Unjust 
measu7xs  of  the  rule7's  in  Dublin,  co7itrary  to  the  articles  of  szn-render — TJte  cotpo- 
ratio7i  nexc  inodelled — The  ancie/it  inhabitants  tur7ied  out  of  the  toxcn,  a77d  the  houses 
destrmjed — Plans  of  the  gove7Viment  relative  to  Galxvay — Lands  and  houses  valued 
and  sold — 2'otal  decay  of  t/ie  toxcn  at  tlie  time  oJ  the  l{estoraiio7i. 

A.  period  is  now  arrived,  wliicli  will  be  for  e\er  memorable  in  the  history  of 
Ireland,  and  in  tiie  transactions  of  which  our  town  acted  a  very  conspicuous  part. 
Already,  for  upwards  of  sixty  years,  since  the  troubles  raised  by  the  Mac-a7i- 
Farlas  were  appeased,  Galway  enjoyed  peace  and  tranquillity  under  the  rule  of 
its  own  magistrates.  Warmly  attached  to  the  ancient  religion  of  the  land,  firm  in 
its  allegiance  to  the  crown,  and  obedient  to  the  laws,  it  had  arisen  to  an  eminent 
degree  of  respectability,  wealth  and  national  consequence,  when  the  never  to  be 
sufficiently  lamented  rebellion,  or  civil  war,  broke  out  in  Ireland,  on  the  '23d  of 
October,  lG41. 

Sir  Francis  Willoughby,  who  was  then  governor  of  St.  Augustine's  fort,  near 
Galway,  (which  had  been  thoroughly  repaired  at  considerable  expense,  in  1636, 


HISTORY    OF    GAL^'AY. 


109 


and  rendered  one  of  the  most  complete  fortifications  in  the  kingdom,)  in  tlie  month 
of  October,  iGil,  departed  for  DubHn,  leaving  the  fort,  with  two  companies, 
under  the  command,  of  his  son,  captain  Anthony  "Willonghby.  He  arrived  there 
on  the  night  of  the  '22d,  and  stated,  in  council,  that  neither  at  Galway,  nor  all 
the  way  from  thence,  did  he  observe  the  least  disposition  in  any  of  the  inhabitants 
to  rise  ;  nor  did  he  entertain  any  suspicion  for  the  safety  of  his  own  person  :  and 
vet,  had  the  design  of  an  insurrection  been  general,  he  conceived  the  rebels  might 
luive  thought  the  seizing  of  him  of  some  advantage  towards  gaining  possession 
of  that  important  fortress.  ' 

Uhck,  the  fifth  earl  of  Clanricarde,  governor,  for  life,  of  the  town  and  county 
of  Galway,  having  fortunately  returned  to  Ireland  in  the  summer  of  Kill,  was 
then  at  his  castle  of  Portumna. "  As  soon  as  he  heard  of  the  troubles,  he  took 
every  precaution  for  the  security  of  the  county.  On  the  28th  of  October  lie 
dispatched  messengers  to  Galway,  to  Sir  Richard  Blake,  witli  an  account  of  the 
breaking  out  of  the  rebellion,  and  directions  that  the  town  should  be  most  strict  and 
vigilant  in  its  watch  and  guards.  This  information  was  immediately  communicated 
to  tlic  mayor  and  council:  arms  and  ammunition,  with  which  they  were  but  badly 
j)rovided,  were  supplied:  orders  were  issued  to  strengthen  the  town  gates  where 
they  were  weak  and  defective,  and  the  guards  and  watches  were  doubled.  On  the 
Gth  of  November  his  lordshij)  arrived ;  he  remained  two  days,  diu-ing  which  time 
he  put  the  town  and  fort  in  the  best  possible  posture  of  defence,  augmented  the 
two  companies  of  the  latter  to  two  liundrcd  men,  and  directed  the  mayor  and  cor- 
poration to  furnish  it  with  provisions,  with  which  it  was  but  indifl'erently  stored; 
and,  to  provide  for  his  own  company  in  Loughrea,  he  took  out  of  the  stoi-e-honse 
one  hundred  firelocks  and  as  many  pikes  ;  but  more  than  half  of  these,  upon  trial, 
was  found  unserviceable.  The  consternation  of  the  town  was  considerably 
increased  by  the  archbishop  of  Tuam  deserting  his  castle,  and  flying  ibr  refuge 
to  the  fort,  and  the  subsequent  treacherous  surprisal  of  lord  Clanricarde's  castle 
of  Aghnenure,  in  lar-Connaught,  by  young  Movough-iia-c/iihh  O'Flaherty.  On 
the  nth,  a  general  assembly  was  convened  in  the  tliolsel ;  and  it  was,  amongst 
other  things,  unanimously  resolved,  "  that  to  the  last  man  the  said  town  of  Galway 
would  lose  their  blood  and  lives  in  his  majesty's  service,  in  the  defence,  and  rvv 
tlic  safety  of  the  said  fort  and  town."      The  fort  was  furnished  with  one  hundred 


'  Clog/ier  MSS.  Trin.  Co!.  Di,!>. 

'  That  the  reader  may  become  acquainted  with  tlie 
character  of  this  truly  great  man,  it  is  given  in  tlic 
viirds  of  the  biographer  of  the  dnke  of  Orniond,  who, 
ui  this  instance,  was  particularly  just,  correct  and  inipar- 
tiiil — "  He  was  a  man  of  great  piety  and  strict  virtue, 
regular  in  his  devotion,  exemplary  in  his  life,  and  consi- 
derate in  all  his  actions.  Ilis  natural  parts  were  very  good, 
£;id  innch  improved  by  study,  observation  and  reflection  ; 


but  whatever  were  the  accomplishments  of  his  head,  ihc 
perfections  of  his  heart  were  still  more  eminent.  In  u 
word,  he  was  truly  wise,  truly  good,  and  truly  ..  nour- 
ablc,  and  ought  to  be  conveved  down  to  posterity  as  one 
of  the  most  perfect  and  rarest  patterns  of  integrity,  loy- 
alty, constancy,  virtue  and  honour,  tl'.at  the  age  be  liveil 
in,  or  any  other,  has  produced." — Cmlc,  J  n/.  1.  ;;.  212. — 
His  lordship  was  a  Catholic  peerof  Knglund  and  Ireland  , 
J'iilc /lis  S\Icmoirs,  London,   \',5',Jol. 


110 


HISTORY    OF    GAL  WAY. 


pecks  of  wheat,  fifty  pounds  worth  of  timber  and  other  necessaries,  all  which 
were  to  be  paid  for  upon  the  restoration  of  tranquillity  in  the  kingdom. 

•  Notwithstanding  these  exertions,  some  misunderstanding  interrupted  the  har- 
mony which  hitherto  subsisted  between  the  fort  and  town.  Captain  ^\■illoughby, 
who  was  a  young  and  unexperienced  man,  of  hot  and  ungovernable  temper,  began 
to  conduct  himself  in  the  most  rash  and  violent  manner  towards  the  townsmen, 
■who,  on  tiieir  part,  were  not  without  a  large  portion  of  pride,  and  particularly 
piqued  themselves  on  entertaining  high  notions  of  honor.  With  these  disposi- 
tions, on  both  sides,  disputes  were  inevitable.  Willoughby,  on  some  trifling  or 
pretended  occasion,  imprisoned  some  of  the  inhabitants,  and  placed  guards  of 
musketeers  on  their  goods  and  ships;  and  the  town,  exasperated  at  those  pro- 
ceedings, seized  and  imprisoned  some  soldiers  belonging  to  the  fort.  At  this  junc- 
ture the  earl  of  Clanricarde  hastened  to  Galway,  and  witli  diiliculty  prevailed 
on  the  town  to  furnish  the  fort  with  supplies,  whicli  they  had  before  refused  to 
do  without  ready  money.  He  remained  in  the  town  from  tlie  5th  to  tiie  11th  of 
February,  and  from  the  1st  to  the  middle  of  March;  ^  and,  so  far  succeeded  iu 
composing  those  unhappy  diiferences,  the  mayor  and  corporation,  on  the  Idtli, 
signed  a  declaration,  wherein  they  stated,  "  the  fast  fidelity  of  their  ancestors 
to  the  crown  of  England,  and  how  far  this  ancient  colony  hath  been  trusted  and 
beloved  by  their  kings  successively,  and  in  what  happy  condition  and  prosperity 
they  lived  under  their  powerful  protection."  They  then  declared  their  allegiance 
xmd  determination,  at  the  hazard  of  their  lives,  lands  and  goods,  to  preserve  the 
tov/n  in  obedience,  to  defend  his  majesty  to  the  utmost  of  their  power  and  con- 
tribute for  the  mutual  defence  of  the  town  and  fort,  for  his  majesty's  service. 
Yv'illoughby,  on  the  same  day,  signed  a  similar  declaration  of  mutual  amity  and 
defence;  and  lord  Clanricarde  departed,  on  the  1  Ith,  well  pleased  at  having 
reconciled  two  such  important  places,  upon  which  the  })cace  and  security  of  the 
province  so  much  depended. 

These  pleasing  prospects  were,  however,  but  of  short  duration.  There  was  a 
faction  in  the  town,  headed  by  the  clergy,  which  dissembled  for  a  while  ;  but,  on 
the  departure  of  the  earl,  they  openly  avowed  their  intention  of  resistance,  and, 
on  the  19th  of  March,  the  flame  burst  out  with  more  violence  than  ever.     There 


'  In  the  interim,  iluring  his  absence  from  Galway,  the 
<l;'ca;h'ul  PKissacre  at  Slnuicl  took  pliicc.  Tliis  atrocious 
■sc  nc  of  in  n\lc)'  was  descriljcil  by  liis  lordbliip,  in  a  letter 
of  the  19th  of  February,  as  follows: — 

"  I  received  yesterday  a  laritc  relation  of  the  inhnnian 
anl  barlnu'ous  massacre  of  the  poor  linglisii,  from  Pierce. 
Ly  ich,  my  tenant,  of  Shrncll,  who  was  an  e\e-\iitn<'is 
of  that  crue'ty  bein^;;  done  npan,  and  on  ea.eli  side  of  tl:c 
brid  e  b;fjrj'the  castle;  the  nuiiibrr  of  the  i:ii:;li-,'i  one 
hundred,     lie  afuniis  it  was  done  by  those  in  the  coumy 


of  Mayo,  and  who,  being  before  with  my  lord  of  iilavo, 
wonid  fain  have  lodged  within  n)y  castle,  but  neither 
intreatics  nor  threats  coidd  prevail.  He  also  relates  that 
the  bishop  of  Kilalla,  his  wile  and  some  of  bis  conipany 
were  preserved  by  Ulicl;  Burke,  of  Castlehacket,  who 
sent  carriages  to  convey  them  to  the  castle,  being  sick 
and  almost  starved,  and  that  some  others  were  kept  alive 
in  oilier  places  thereabouts.  If  any  in  this  county  had  ii 
ba.nd  in  that  wor':,  I  shall  hazard  much  to  give  them  their 
due  puni^hnlent." — iMciiit'irs,  Lmtil.   1757. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Ill 


liv  an  English  ship  in  the  bay,  commanded  by  one  Clarke,  and  her  it  Nvas  deter- 
mined to  seize.  She  had  on  board  twelve  pieces  of  ordnance,  about  a  dozen  muskets 
s.'id  seven  or  eight  barrels  of  powder;  and,  whilst  the  master  was  in  the  fort,  and 
b.'vcral  of  his  men  employed  in  bringing  ballast,  Dominick  Kirwan,  some  other 
inercliants  and  young  men,  disguised  as  boatsmen,  and  armed  with  pistols  and 
ntlicr  weapons,  attacked  the  crew,  killed  the  master's  mate  and  another,  wounded 
two  or  three  more,  and  made  themselves  masters  of  the  ship  ;  and,  although  several 
.sliots  were  fired  from  the  fort,  with  tlic  intention  of  sinking  her,  thev  succeeded 
ill  removing  her  out  of  its  reach.  On  their  return  to  the  town,  which  was  in 
confusion,  they  closed  the  gates,  took  possession  of  the  church,  and  disarmed 
all' the  Englisli  within  the  walls.  They  then  entered  into  an  oath  of  union,  which 
Sir  Valentine  Blake  and  others,  but  particularly  the  titular  warden,  Walter  Lynch, 
and  some  fi'iars  were  most  busy  and  zealous  in  promoting,  "  and  they  finally 
opened  a  communication  with  the  insurgents  in  lar-Connaught,  and  the  disaffected 
in  the  county  of  JNIayo,  whom  they  invited  to  join  in  the  confederacv,  and  to 
come  to  their  assistance. 

This  sudden  and  desperate  affair,  after  so  recent  a  reconciliation,  at  once  sur- 
l)rised  and  alarmed  the  earl  of  Clanricarde.  The  mayor  sent  a  messenger  with 
dispatches  for  his  lordship,  wherein  he  endeavoured  to  explain  and  excuse  the 
tnuisaction.  He  alleged  the  necessity  of  having  arms  to  defend  the  town,  in 
consequence  of  the  injuries  and  insults  received  from  the  fort,  and  the  little 
tlistinction  made  between  them  and  open  enemies.  He  stated  that  they,  at 
first,  offered  to  purchase  the  ship  and  goods,  which  being  refused,  the  extremi- 
ties to  which  they  were  reduced  com])elled  them  to  seize  her  by  force,  for  which, 
however,  they  meant  to  pay  the  full  value ;  and  as  to  disarming  the  English,  it 


'  Oath  of  union  taken  bv  the  townsmen  of  Galwav. 

In  the  name  of  Goo,  and  the  Blessed  Viriiin  Mary, 
anJ  of  the  whole  court  of  Heaven.  I,  A  VV  do  profess, 
twifv  and  declare  in  my  conscience,  that  our  sovereign, 
Jo."J  Kinj;  Charles  is  the  lawful  sovereign,  lord  and  king 
uf  this  kin:;doni,  and  :ill  other  his  kingdoms  and  domi- 
nions; and  that  I  «ill  bear  true  faith  and  allegiance  unto 
liiiii,  his  heirs,  and  lawful  successors,  and  him  and  them, 
aiij  the  lawful  rights  and  prerogatives  of  his  crow  n,  -against 
al!  fiircign  powiT,  states  and  potentates,  and  against  all 
irjitorous  practices  will  uphold,  maintain  and  defend,  as 
fjr,  as  in  me  lycth. 

I  do  further  profess,  promise  and  avow,  to  uphold, 
maintain  and  dv'fend,  to  the  utmost  of  my  power,  the 
Ituinan  catliolic  religion  ;  and  tliat  I  will  not  willingly  do, 
fr  siirf'er  to  be  done,  any  harm  or  prejudice  to  any  Homau 
ri^hulic  that  shall  join  in  this  union,  in  his  life,  I'.hertv, 
hi  Is,  goods  or  c'lattles,  either  for  fear,  hope  of  rewani, 
mcnge  or  niaiice;  and  that  if  any  shall  oppress  or  wrong 
any  tl'.at  shall  take  this  oath,  I  will  take  the  wrong  done 
uolo  uiyselt',  and,  as  far  as  in  me  ly etii,  will  labour  to  get 


the  party  so  wronged  fit  reparation,  without  distinction  of 
any,  for  being  of  town  or  country. 

I  do  n}oreover  protest,  promise  and  vow,  that  I  will 
sincerely  and  truly  do  my  bcbt  endeavours  to  uphold, 
maintain  and  defend  the  common  laws  of  this  kingdom, 
the  statute  vi'  Magna  Cliarlu,  and  all  other  statutes  niade 
or  established  in  this  kingdoni  for  the  liberty  of  the  sub- 
ject ;  and  that  I  will  never  give  way  to  change  them,  or 
any  of  them,  without  the  authority  of  the  "p;u-lia]nent ; 
and  that  I  will  maintain  and  uphold  the  liberties,  privileges 
and  rights  of  parliament,  as  far  as  it  shall  lie  in  my  poux-r. 

Lastly,  I  promise,  vow  and  protest,  to  he  true  and 
faithful  to  the  corporation  of  (jalway,  saving  my  faith  to  our 
sovereign  lord  the  king;  and  that  1  will  inain'tain,  uphold 
and  defend  all  the  rights,  liberties,  privileges,  immunities 
and  possessions  thereof;  and  that  I  wili  well  and  truly 
observe  their  coimsels,  and  diligently  and  carcfidly  obey 
tlieii-  lawful  commands;  and,  as  far  as  in  me  lyeth,  will 
protect  all  and  every  member  thereof  in  the  lawful  frui- 
tion of  hia  life,  liberty,  lands,  goods  and  chatllcs.  So  help 
nic  God,  and  the  contents  oi'  this  hoh  Gospel. 


112 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAV. 


was  done  to  prevent  any  contention  between  them  and  otliers  in  the  town  •  but 
principally  from  the  like  usage  to  the  Catholics  in  Dublin,  Cork  and  Youo-jial 
"whose  miserable  condition,"  adds  the  mayor,  "  did  put  us  in  mind  of  what  we 
were  to  expect ;"  and  he  finally  concluded  with  professions  of  loyalty.  To  all 
this,  lord  Cianricarde  returned  a  cool  but  deternn'ned  answer,  and  he  immediately 
commenced  preparations  to  reduce  them  to  obedience. 

In  the  mean  time  the  town  declared  its  intention  to  invest  the  fort,  and  made 
every  preparation  for  the  purpose,  by  raising  a  battery,   and  blocking  up  all  the 
passages  to  it,  in  order  to  reduce  it  by  famine.    They  were  joined  by  some  country 
gentlemen,  and  about  thirteen  or  fourteen  hundred  men  from  Iar-Connau"ht   and 
daily  expected  considerable  assistance  from  Mayo:    but,  on  the  13th  of  March 
captain  Willoughby  having  received  intelligence  that  a  large  body  of  the  Jar- 
Connaugbt  forces  would,  on  that  night,  quarter  in  the  east  suburbs,  he  imme- 
diately  set  fire  to  all  the  houses  in  that  direction,  and  the  people  within  the  town 
were  vexed  and  mortified  at  beholding  the  entire  in  flames  and  burned  to  the  ground. 
The  earl  of  Cianricarde,  whose  first  object  was  to  supply  the  fort  with  provisions, 
dispatched  about  one  hundred  and  forty  carriages  of  wheat,   malt     and  several 
otlicr  necessaries,  to  his  castle  of  Oranmore,  from  whence  they  were  safely  con- 
veyed to  tiie  fort  by  water.     He  then  raised  what  forces  he  could  muster  in  the 
country,  to  the  number  of  seven  hundred  foot,  and  near  two  hundred  horse,  and 
on  the  '2d  of  April  arrived  at  Oranmore  ;    where,  finding  that  the  two  only  land 
passages  towards  the  fort,  which  were  narrow,  were  occupied  by  the  enemy's 
cannon,  it  was  judged  dangerous  to  attack  the  besiegers,  particularly  as  they 
were  entrenched  in  a  craggy  place,  where  his  horse,    which  was  his  principal 
strength,  could  be  of  no  service.      He  thereupon  resolved  to  distress  them  by 
cutting  offtheir  supplies  of  provisions,  of  which  they  were  already  scarce;  and  with 
this  ^"iew  he  placed  strong  garrisons  in  his  castles  of  Oranmore,  Clare-Gahvay, 
and  Tirellan  ;   the  last  of  which  was  situate  upon  a  neck  of  land  conmiandiii"- 
the  river  of  Galway,  and  was  committed  to  the  charge  of  lieutenant  Dermot  O'Daly, 
a  brave  officer,  "^  who,  with  three  companies  and  thirty  musketeers,  performed 
most  essential  services.      The  rest  of  his  troops  he  quartered  up  and  down  tlie 
barony  of  Clare,  upon  the  tenants  and  estates  of  the  townsmen  and  their  friends, 
and  with  his  horse  scoured  the  plains,  hindering  all  resort  to  the  market,  or  any 
supply  of  provisions.     The  effects  of  these  prompt  and  vigorous  measures  were 
soon  felt,  and  produced  discontents  among  the  people  within,  and  their  auxiliaries 
without.    The  higher  classes  of  the  inhabitants  were  pot  favorable  to  the  violent 


'  Grandson  of  Dermot  O'Daly,  of  Lcrra,  in  the  county     loi-aship  of  JLcrra,  witli  all  the  towns  and  castles  to  the 
iif  Giihvay,  jent.  who,  on  the  aist  June,  1578,  olitained     same  bclonghig. — Fiaiil. 
a  ^rant  from   (2iicen  Elizabeth,  of  the   entire   mniior  or 


IIISTOKY    OF    GALWAY. .  113 

proceedings  which  had  taken  place,  and  the  remainder  dreaded  their  consequences 
_;ul  residt.  Meetings  were  accordingly  held,  and  it  was  at  length  resolved  to 
liropose  terms  of"  adjustment  and  pacification. 

The  carl  of"  Clanricarde,  anxious,  for  many  pressing  reasons,  to  terminate  this, 
(.iaiigcrous  revolt  peaceably  and  with  expedition,  entered  into  a  cessation  of" 
arms  to  the  end  of  the  month.  In  the  mean  time  commissioners  were  appointed 
to  treat  with  his  lordship  ;  and  on  the  2od  of  April,  Sir  Dominick  Browne, 
Richard  jNIartin,  esq.  and  alderman  Browne,  for  the  town,  and  Sir  Valentine 
Blake  and  Theobald  Burke  for  the  county,  presented  certain  propositions,  many 
of  which  the  carl  would  not  at  all  hearken  to.  Several  meetings  were  held;. 
but  before  the  terms  could  be  finally  adjusted,  captain  Ashley,  in  the  Resolu- 
tion, a  ship  of  thirty  guns,  four  hundred  tons,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty  men, 
arrived  in  the  bay,  having  on  board  two  pieces  of  cannon,  forty  barrels  of" 
I  powder,  thirty  thousand  weiglit  of  biscuit  and  other  pro\'isions  for  the  fort.     On 

receiving  this  seasonable  supply,  AVilloughby,  whose  enmity  was  implacable,  was, 
with  difficulty,  prevented  by  the  earl  from  bombarding  the  town.  The  inhabi- 
tants in  dismay  sent  Geoffry  Browne,  Richard  Martin,  esqrs.  and  others  to  his 
lordship,  with  new,  and,  as  they  supposed,  more  acceptable  proposals,  but  he  now- 
refused  to  listen  to  any  thing  less  than  an  absolute  submission.  The  terms  which 
he  dictated  to  them  were,  to  dismiss  their  garrison,  send  away  the  army  from  the 
camp,  and  give  hostages;  lay  down  their  arms,  restore  all  the  goods  taken  fi-om 
the  English,  dismount  the  ordnance  pointed  against  the  fort,  and  demolish  tiie 
new  bulwarks  ;  to. sell  or  issue  out  no  powder,  anmumition  or  arms,  but  by  warrant 
from  his  lordship;  to  deliver  all  the  powder  and  ammunition,  which  were  then  in 
the  town,  into  the  hands  of  special  conunissioners  ;  and,  finally,  that  no  powder  or 
arms  should  be  admitted  to  land  in  the  town,  but  be  brought  directly  to  the  fort. 
These  conditions  were  discussed  at  a  public  meeting  of  the  corporation  ;  and, 
although  considerable  clamor  was  raised  in  the  town,  and  most  violent  opposition 
given  by  the  clergy,  '  all  except  the  last  were  agreed  to.     But  the  camp  before 


;* 


'  The  following  singular  manifesto,  wliich  was  termed  Anil  whereas  wee  oiirsclvc;,  and  pcnerally  all  the  doctors 

an  cxcomnnmication,  was  is.Mic-d  liv  the  warden,  and  pub-  divines  and  professors  now  within  the  said  tuwnc,  after 

IL-lied  by  all  the  elcrgy,  on  this  occasion  :  sufficient  dcliheralion,  have  found   and  decided,   by  our 

"  Whereas,  yesterday,  the  Sth  of  May,  by  virtue  of  a  words  and  subscriptions,  the  former  two   articles  to  l)e 

major  voice,  four  things  or  articles  were  enacted  in  the  against  the  profession  of  Catholic  faith,  and   against   the 

towlshill  or  courte-honse  of  the  town  of  Galway,  viz.  that  late  oath   publiokly,  solemnly  and  ecncrally  taken  in  the  . 

all  the  powder  and  amun.tion,  now  within  the  said  townc,  said  townc ;  yea  intended  and  required  for  extirpation  of 

•liail  be  left  and  secured  on  four  men's  hands,  to  be  dis-  the  said  faith;  and  the  two  last  very  scandalous,  shaniefid 

jwscd  of  according  to  the  direction  of  our  lord  lieutenant-  and  dangerous,  for  mens  soules  and  consciences. 

;:ovcrnor,  for  the  tyme  being.    Seconilly,  that  all  powder  We,  thertor,  Walter  Lynch  priest,  doctor  of  divinitie  , 

End  amnnition,  hereafter  conieing  to  the  said  towne,  shall  and   of   the   lawes,    prothonotarie  apostolick,    deanc    of 

l>c  sent  unto  the  forte.      Thirdly,  to  demolish  our  late  Tname,  and   warden   of  Gallwav,  fnUilling  our  dutic  to  . 

\serkes  and  hullwark,  if  the  saiil  lord  lieutenant  will  soe  God  and  to  onr  flock,  to  avoid  all  scandels  and  damrers 

tiiiiuiiand.   r'inally,thatGal!way-inenshall  send,froni  lyme  that   have  or  may  ensue  hereafter,  of  or  from  such  acts 

to  tynie,  hostages  or  pledges  for  performance  of  such  arti-  and  articles,    voted  as  formerly,   in  the  name  of  Jcnus 

clc-s  without  any  pledges  required  for  their  own  securiiie.  Christ,  and  by  vertue  of  the  authoritie  wee  have  liuiu 


114 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


the  fort  becoming  greatly  distressed  for  provisions,  and  at  length  breaking  up,  the 
earl,  on  the  lOtli  of  May,  took  possession  of  their  trenches,  and  poured  thirty- 
three  great  shot  from  his  heavy  ordnance  into  the  town,  at  the  same  time  sum- 
moning them  by  a  trumpet  to  surrender.  The  mayor  desired  time  until  the  next 
day,  when,  after  much  debating,  the  submission  was  resolved  upon,  and  signed.^ 
On  the  following  morning,  Geoftry  Browne  and  John  Blake,  both  lawyers,  and 
Martin  Skcrrett  and  Peter  D'Arcy,  merchants,  were  sent  as  hostages,  and  on  the 
IStli  the  gates  were  thrown  open.  The  mayor,  attended  by  the  aldermen  and 
several  of  the  burgesses,  attired  in  their  robes  of  office,  awaited  the  coming  of  the 
earl  at  the  cross  which  divided  the  town  and  fort,  and  there  he  made  his  public 
submission,  and  delivered  up  the  keys.  The  "  young  men"  laid  down  their  arms, 
and  his  lordship  received  the  town  into  his  majesty's  protection,  until  his  further 
pleasure  concerning  them  should  be  known. 

Thus,  at  a  time  pregnant  with  the  greatest  danger,  was  "  one  of  the  strongest 
and  most  important  towns  in  the  kingdom,  inferior  to  none  for  its  trade,  riclies, 
strength  and  situation," "  reduced  to  obedience  by  the  single  exertion  and  influ- 
ence of  the  earl  of  Clanricarde,  unassisted  by  the  state,  and  almost  without  blood- 
shed. The  disaffected  throughout  the  province  were  greatly  disheartened  at  this ' 
signal  success,  which  was  the  more  fortunate,  as  one  Francis  D'Arcy,  a  merchant 
of  the  town,  in  a  ship  laden  with  corn,  arms  and  ammunition,  had  only  two  or 


him,  and  from  the  pastors  of  the  Catholick  Roman  church, 

doe,  by  this  our  present  sentence,  excommunicate  and 

anathematize,  viajuri  cxcomnninicatwne^  ipso  fortOy  nuUa 

allri  expectala   senferitia,    mil   dectaratioyic   sejiteiitiiC,  all 

huch  persons  as  voted  for  tlie  said  articles,  if,  at  or  before 

the  expiration  of  three  dayes  next  ensueing  the  date  herof, 

they  will  not  vote  to  the  contrarie  in  the  said  toulshill- 

housc,  and  therby  rase,  abolish  and  recall  the  said  articles 

or  acts  made  against  all  honestie,  prudence  and  conscience. 

^Vee  likewise  pray,  authorize  and  require  you  all,  the 

fathers,  scculors  and  rejjulars  in  this  town,  to  publish  and 

intimate  to  your  auditors,  in  your  several  chappies,  tliis 

our  sentence  and  decii'e,  and  to  see  and  procure  it  to  be 

obscrv  ed  anil  obeyed  as  far  forth  as  you  may.    Dated  this 

nvnth  of  May,  1G4'J,  in  our  present  nlace  of  habitation. 

Ori:;.  MS.     '  iv  i!      r        u  , 

°  \\  alter  Lynch,  loardcn. 

"  .Articles  upon  the  submission  of  Galway. 

).  'I'hat  the  soldiers  of  the  country,  now  harboured  in 
the  towiic,  be  immediately  disniisseil,  and  not  enterlaiucd 
hereafter. 

•2.  That  tlie  army  be  sent  away  from  the  camp,  and 
none  other  entertained  from  the  country  but  by  his  majes- 
ty's authority,  or  such  as  are  trusted  by  him. 

".  That  the  town  forces,  other  than  for  the  necessary 
watch  and  ward,  and  defence  of  the  town  for  his  majesty's 
service,  be  discharged. 

4.  That  the  town  gates  be  open,  and  free  passage  given 
to  all  his  majesty's  subjects  to  come,  and  go,  and  traffick, 
Hud  the  niarLct  to  be  free  to  the  tort,  town  ami  country. 


so  they  enter  not  with  unusual  arms,  or  great  number,  to 
the  endangering  of  the  town. 

5.  That  the  English  now  in  town  may  come  and  go  at 
their  pleasure,  at  usual  and  accustomed  hours,  with  their 
goods  and  provisions. 

G.  That  the  keys  of  the  church  and  colleges  may  be 
taken  by  the  warden,  dean  York;  and  that  there  be  free 
liberty  for  the  exercise  of  the  religion  established  in  Eng- 
land and  Ireland. 

7.  That  his  majesty's  laws  be  of  force,  but  not  to  look 
hack  to  punish  offences  done  since  the  beginiving  of  the 
troubles,  or  until  his  majesty's  pleasure  be  therein  known. 

8.  That  the  new  fortifications,  or  bulwarks  in  the  town, 
towards  the  fort,  go  no  further  forward,  but  be  left  to  the 
lieutenant-governor  to  be  done  with  as  he  shall  find  the 
same  dangerous  to  the  fort,  and  the  ordnance  to  be  pre- 
sently dismounteil. 

P.  That  no  ordnance,  arms,  ammunition  or  powder,  be 
sold  or  issited  out  of  the  town,  but  by  warrant  from  the 
said  lieutenant-governor ;  and  all  such  powder  and  aniiiiu- 
nitioii,  as  is  now  in  town,  forthwith  be  left  upon  the 
hands  of  Edmond  Kirwan,  Kichard  Kirwan,  Alexander 
Bodkin,  Martin  Skerrett  and  Gefl'ryFonte,  not  to  be  issued 
out  of  town  by  them,  or  any  of  them,  but  by  warrant 
and  direction  from  the  lieutenant-governor:  the  merchants 
to  be  paid  for  their  powder  at  reasonable  rates,  before  it 
be  issued. 

10.  That  fitting  security  be  given  for  the  loyalty  of  the 
tow  n.  Walter  Lynch  Fitz-Ambrose,  mnijor, 

"  Carte. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  115 

llircc  days  before  put  into  a  creek  in  lar-Con naught,  and  carried  the  entire  to 
(ialway.  By  this  means,  besides  the  stores  of  provisions,  a  most  seasonable  supply 
of  ten  pieces  of  ordnance,  sixty  muskets,  and  two  thousand  seven  hundred  pounds 
vciglit  of  powder,  fell  into  the  carl's  hands.  The  provisions  were  ordered  for  the 
use  of  the  fort,  and  the  arms  to  supply  that  and  other  garrisons  through  the 
country. — This  happy  result  gave  universal  joy  to  every  class  of  persons  but  the 
(lisaft'ected.  The  lords  justices  also,  whose  views  were  very  different  from  those 
of  lord  Clanricardc,  entirely  disapproved  of  his  receiving  the  submission,  or 
granting  protection  to  the  town,  and  expressly  directed  him  to  receive  no  further 
submissions,  but  to  prosecute  the  rebels  and  their  adherents,  harbourers  and 
relievers,  with  fire  and  sword;  and  they  soon  after  issued  orders  to  all  commanders 
throughout  the  kingdom,  tending  to  the  extermination  of  the  Irish  Catholics. 

Sir  Richard  Blake,  Sir  Roebuck  Lynch,  Patrick  D'Arcy,  Richard  Martin, 
I'atrick  Kirwan,  the  Recorder,  and  several  others  of  the  most  respectable  natives 
and  inhabitants  of  Galway,  had  incessantly  laboured,  first  to  prevent,  and  after- 
wards to  terminate,  the  commotions  in  the  town.  Many  of  them,  being  in  danger 
of  their  lives  from  the  fury  of  the  rabble,  were  obliged  to  retire,  but  had  now 
returned  at  the  request  of  the  carl  of  Clanricarde,  who  hoped  by  these  means 
to  preserve  peace  within  the  town,  while  he  laboured  for  the  security  of  the 
county.  All  his  measures,  however,  were  soon  frustrated  by  the  conduct  of 
'W'illoughby  and  Ashley,  the  captain  of  the  ship  Resolution,  that  lay  in  the  har- 
bour. The  latter,  who,  in  disposition,  much  resembled  Willoughby,  was  also 
extremely  covetous,  and  a  violent  parliamentarian,  and,  either  out  of  avarice  or 
from  principle,  made  it  a  point  to  violate  the  pacification.  He  first  seized  and 
pretended  to  make  a  prize  of  Francis  D'Arcy's  ship,  although  she  lay  under  the 
protection  of  the  fort.  He  landed  his  men,  and  plundered  the  sea-coast  all  round 
the  bay,  pillaged  Sir  Richard  Blake's  house  at  Ardfry,  and  carried  away  his  goods 
and  cattle,  and  those  of  his  tenants.  Richard  Morris,  an  old  tenant  of  lord  Clan- 
ricarde's  in  lar-Connaught,  coming  in  a  boat  to  Galway  with  some  goods  to 
discharge  his  rent,  had  the  entire  seized  by  Ashley's  men,  and  no  satisfaction 
could  be  obtained  for  any  of  these  doings.  Captain  Willougliby's  conduct  was 
equally  outrageous ;  his  soldiers  endeavoured  to  hinder  all  recourse  to  the  town, 
and  those  who  attempted  to  have  access  to  it  were  robbed  by  them.  Although  the 
town  had  punctually  performed  the  articles  agreed  upon,  yet  the  governor,  without 
any  cause,  seized  upon  a  large  house  or  inn  near  the  great  gate,  called  the  Bull, 
then  kept  by  some  English  innkeepers,  and  in  this  he  placed  a  garrison  which 
considerably  annoyed  the  inhabitants.  He  also  sent  a  garrison  to  Castle-Gare, 
stationed  another  near  St.  Dominick's  abbey  at  the  west,  and  j)laccd  disorderly 
sentinels  at  every  gate,  who  abused  such  as  offered  to  go  out,  attempting  to  take 
them  prisoners  to  the  fort,  and  exercise  martial  law  upon  them,  besides  killing  and 


116 


HISTORY    OP    GALWAY. 


robbing  the  poor  people  tliat  came  to  market,  burning  their  fisliing-boats,  and  not 
suffering  them  to  go  out.  When  the  inhabitants  ventured  to  remonstrate  ivitli 
him  on  these  proceedings,  he  threatened  to  discharge  his  ordnance  into  the  town ; 
and,  not  satisfied  with  the  usual  supplies  from  the  country,  he  sallied  forth  in  con- 
junction with  captain  Ashley,  and  with  parties  of  horse  and  foot  indiscriminately 
burned  and  broke  open  houses,  carried  away  goods,  and  plundered  the  entire  dis- 
trict, to  the  extent  of  upwards  of  one  thousand  sheep  and  two  hundred  head  of 
cattle.  This  system  of  rapine  and  devastation  had  the  effect,  which  perhaps  the 
perpetrators  intended,  of  exasperating  the  whole  country.  Captain  AVilloughby, 
in  one  of  his  predatory  excursions  with  a  trumpeter  and  a  troop  of  horse,  couiing 
to  a  town  of  lord  Clanricarde's,  made  a  prisoner  of  one  Redmond  Eurkc,  (serjeaiit 
of  a  company  in  the  forces  which  lord  Clanmorris  had  raised  for  his  majesty's 
service,)  a  man  of  good  character  and  an  experienced  soldier,  respected  and  well 
allied  in  the  country  :  him  he  bouiid,  and,  with  two  others,  carried  to  the  fort,  and 
had  immediately  hanged,  (in  the  view  of  the  town's-people,  who  were  looking  on 
from  the  walls,)  under  the  commission  for  martial  law,  which  he  lately  received 
from  the  lords  justices. '  After  this  outrage,  which  was  little  better  than  delibe- 
rate murder,  he  proceeded  to  open  hostilities  against  the  town,  and,  as  if  in  a  fit  of 
frenzy,  without  any  provocation,  burned  all  the  suburbs,  the  houses  whereof  were 
set  for  more  than  one  thousand  pounds  a  year  rent,  and  obliged  upwards  of 
seven  hundred  flimilies  to  retire  within  the  walls,  to  the  great  incumbrance  of  the 
town.  He  killed  several  of  the  inhabitants,  assaulted  and  scaled  tlie  walls  by 
night,  and  fired  his  cannon  into  the  town  for  an  entire  day,  though  it  produced 
no  other  effect  than  a  vast  lavish  of  powder,  and  a  discovery  of  the  small  injury 
his  ordnance  could  do  to  the  town,  together  with  the  retreating  back  into 
the  fort  of  all  the  guards  and  sentinels  that  had  been  placed  near  the  gates.  All 
these  desperate  proceedings  were  well  calculated  to  create,  and  did  accordingly 
cause,  universal  discontent  and  resentment,  and  occasioned  and  hastened  the 
general  and  successful  confederacy  which  afterwards  ensued,  and  effected  the  des- 
truction of  tlie  fort,  and  finally  ended  in  the  total  subversion  of  the  royal  authority 
in  the  country. 

Such  was  the  situation  of  aftlilrs  about  Galway,  on  the  7th  of  August,  16'4.2, 
■when  considerable  agitation  and  sus])cnce  were  occasioned  in  the  town  by  the 
appearance  of  a  squadron  of  se\enteen  ships,  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  sailing 


\  IjOrd  Cliininorris,  unable  to  obtain  redress  for  this  Geoffry  Fitz-Tbibot,  ased  about  70  years,  and  his  wife, 

outrage,  revolted  from  lord  CUmricarde,   and  withdrew  who  was  also  old,  and  in  a  burnini;  fever,  were  killed  in 

liis  troops  from  his  majesty's  service.      He   also   vowed  their  beds,)  he  seized  two  or  three  of  the  soldiers,  and  had 

reven{;o  iij;a  nst  the  fo:t ;  and  having  soon  after  snrprised  thcni  imnieiliately  banned,  as  a  reparation  lor  the  death 

a  party  of  its  men  pillaging  the  village  of  Kenvi/c,  near  of  his  men.    Upon  this  his  lordship  rushed  into  tliose  rui- 

Ualway,  (..here  tliey  murdered  six  people;  among  whom  nous  measures  whieh  al'terwards  ended  so  lltally. — Carle. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  117 

into  tlie  bay.  They  came  to  anchor  in  the  road,  and  boats  were  soon  observed  to 
pass  and  re-pass  between  them  and  the  fort.  This  was  the  fleet  of  Alexander, 
lord  Forbes,  who  was  appointed  by  parHament,  (witliout  his  majesty's  concurrence,) 
lieutenant-general  of  the  additional  forces  raised  by  the  London  adventurers,  to 
waste  the  coasts  of  Ireland  in  a  privateering  way.  His  first  exploit,  after  his 
arrival,  sutiiciently  indicated  his  intentions,  and  put  the  town  on  its  guard  against 
him.  He  landed  a  body  of  men  on  the  county  of  Clare  side  of  the  bay,  and 
liiirncd  tlie  houses  and  wasted  the  lands  of  Daniel  and  Turlogh  O'Brien,  the  only 
two  gentlemen  in  that  country  who  adhered  to  their  allegiance,  invariably  relieved 
the  Enghsh,  and  assisted  with  their  long  boats  and  provisions  for  the  relief  of  the 
Ibrt,  when  it  was  besieged.  Lord  Forbes  declared  openly  against  the  late  j)acifi- 
cation,  and  required  the  town  to  receive  a  garrison  of  his  men.  A  messenger 
arrived  from  him  with  a  letter  lor  the  mayor,  and  the  form  of  a  submission  which  he 
insisted  upon,  by  which  they  were  to  confess  themselves  to  have  been  rebels,  and 
humbly  submitting  to  beg  his  majesty's  intercession  for  them  to  the  parliament  of 
England,  and  to  declare  they  would  admit  such  governors  as  the  king  and  state 
should  appoint,  and  until  then  put  themselves  under  the  protection  of  lord  Forbes. 
This  was  followed  by  a  proclamation  of  safe  conduct  to  repair  to  his  ship,  ^  but  the 
town's-peoplc  were  too  wise  to  be  caught  in  such  a  snare,  and  his  lordship  was  a 
good  deal  mortified  to  find  that  they  ]-efused  all  his  proposals,  and  declined  to 
receive  his  garrison,  or  to  make  the  submission  he  required.  On  the  contrary, 
insisting  upon  the  pacification  which  they  had  made  and  observed,  they  applied' 
to  the  earl  of  Clanricarde  for  protection.  His  lordship  represented  to  lord  Forbes 
the  iiital  consequences  that  Avould  attend  a  breach  of  the  pacification  and  the 
commencement  of  hostilities  against  the  town,  by  endangering  the  peace  of  the 
country,  and  making  it  the  seat  of  war,  which  he  would  be  totally  unable  either 
to  prevent,  or  effectually  oppose.  But  Forbes,  stimulated  by  Willoughby  and 
Ashley,  and  governed  by  the  advice  of  the  fiunous  fanatic,  Hugh  Peters,  whom 
he  brought  with  him  as  his  chaplain,  and  who  was  afterwards  hung  and  quartered 
for  his  rebellious  proceedings  and  the  murder  of  the  king,  was  entirely  deaf  to 
every  remonstrance  of  reason  or  discretion.  He  landed  his  men  on  the  west  side  of 
Gahvay,  took  possession  of  St.  Mary's  church,  planted  two  ])icces  of  ordnance 
airainst  the  town,  and  burned  all  the  surrounding  villages.    In  this  extremity  lord 


'  This  proclniniition  was  expressed   in  the  following  in  the  road  of  Galway,  to  treat  with  mc  concerning  a 

l(rri!> : — Alexander,  lord  Forbes,  lieiitenant-^enend  of  his  inessai;e  sent  liy  me  to  tlieni,  and  their  humble  submission, 

ninjuitv's  iorcc;  i)_v  sea  and  land,  sent  for  Ireland. — These  by  returning  to  their  allegiance  and  due  obedience  to  his 

arc-  to  signify  and  make  i.eown   unto  yon,    the  mayor,  majcbty  and  the   |iarliament  of  Kngland,  may  sa!ely  and 

alilcriiien  and  i-omnionalty  of  the  tnun  of  Galway,  and  freely  come  anil  return  without  fern-  or  danger  of  impri- 

iiiy  otlicr  whom   it  may  concern,  that  any  |)erson  and  sonnient. — Given   under  my   hand,    from   on   board   the 

(iiTson^,  ol  what  (]uali;y  or  condition  soever  he  or  they  be  Speedwell,  this  present  8th  of  Angnst,  lfi42. 
cl,  who  shall  be  desirous  to  eomc  on  board  my  ship,  now  Alexander  Forbes. 


lis 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


■'1 


Clanricarde,  and  lord  Ranelagh,  president  of  Connaiiglit,  came  to  Tirrclan,  to 
endeavour  to  paciiy  matters;  and,  even  while  there,  they  conkl  perceive  tlie 
country  around  on  fire,  and  heard  of  several  women  and  children  inhumanly  killed 
by  his  men.  They  exerted  all  their  power  and  influence  to  put  a  stop  to  these 
proceedings,  and  to  persuade  lord  Forbes  to  withdraw  his  forces,  and  leave  the  town 
and  country  in  quiet ;  but  even  these  entreaties  would  liave  proved  inefi'ectual, 
had  he  not  perceived  what  little  effect  his  battery  had  upon  the  walls,  and  that 
his  men  were  becoming  troublesome  for  want  of  payment.  At  length,  finding  him- 
self  unable  to  take  the  town,  or  to  execute  his  designs  against  it,  he  quit  the  bay 
on  the  4th  of  September,  and  sailed  for  Limerick  ;  after  having,  with  brutal  rage, 
defaced  St.  Mary's  church,  dug  up  the  graves  in  that  ancient  burial-place  of  the 
town,  and  burnt  the  coffins  and  bones  of  those  that  lay  there  interred  :  which 
barbarous  conduct  served  but  make  his  memory  detested,  and  exasperated  the 
minds  of  a  people  already  rendered  almost  desperate  from  the  treatment  which 
they  received.  Immediately  after  his  departure,  a  pinnace,  which  he  left  behind 
in  the  bay,  took  a  merchantman  belonging  to  the  town,  valued  at  near  six  thou- 
sand pounds,  and  made  her  a  prize.  Thus  were  these  ill-fated  people  doomed 
to  suffer  all  the  miseries  of  war,  and  to  be  treated  as  enemies  or  the  worst  of  rebels, 
at  a  time  when  they  were  desirous  of  peace,  and  particularly  zealous  in  the  cause 
of  the  king,  and  in  the  public  avowal  of  their  loyalty  and  allegiance.  That  there 
were,  at  the  same  time,  many  discontented  and  disorderly  persons  in  the  town  is 
certain.  The  young  men  and  lower  orders  wouhl  not  be  governed  by  the  magis- 
trates :  the  influence  and  interference  of  the  clergy,  who,  from  the  beginning, 
were  advocates  for  violent  measures,  were  considerable;  and  the  failure  and  pre- 
vention of  their  trade  and  traffic,  at  home  and  abroad,  (a  great  portion  of  which, 
between  the  ships  in  the  bay  and  the  neighbouring  towns,  was  usurped  with  many 
advantages  by  Willoughby;)  all  conspired  gradually  to  lessen  the  inflncnce  of  the 
earl  of  Clanricarde  in  the  town,  and  to  prepare  for  the  courses  which  were  after- 
wards adopted. 

The  disputes  between  th.c  town  and  fort  still  continued  unabated.  The  gates 
remained  closed,  and  all  intercourse  was  stopped.  Willoughby,  having  seized  some 
of  the  inhabitants,  caused  William  Lynch,  a  freeman,  to  be  executed  on  board 
one  of  the  ships  in  the  harbour,  and  kept  one  Geoffry  Lynch  under  sentence  of 
death  in  the  fort ;  while  the  town  forces,  on  the  other  side,  killed  several  of 
his  soldiers.  Both  parties  at  length  ap})ealed  to  the  earl  of  Clanricarde.  Wil- 
loughby offered  to  sign  such  propositions,  for  the  safety  of  the  town  and  accom- 
modation of  all  matters,  as  they  should  require ;  and  they  accordingly  proposed  to 
throw  open  the  east  gate,  and  allow  free  traffic,  on  condition  that  he  and  all 
others,  resident  in  the  fort,  should  take  an  oath  to  be  true  and  faithful  to  the 
king,  and  admit  none  to  the  fort,  or  under  its  protection,  or  within  the  reach  of 


HISTORY    OF    GALAVAY.  119 

tiicir  cannon,  that  adhered,  to  the  parliament  of"  England,  in  opposition  to  the  king  ; 
'iut  they  should  not  molest  the  town,  or  any  member  thereof,  by  sea  or  land  ; 
:.'ijt  they  should  restore  all  prisoners,  goods  and  chatties  taken  since  the  last  paci- 
:Ication,  and  particularly  the  ship  seized  by  the  pinnace,  or  its  value  :  and  towards 
the  conclusion  of  these  conditions  and  proposals,  which  were  presented  to  lord 
Cbnricarde  by  Sir  Richard  Blake  and  Patrick  D'Arcy,  they  •'  humbly  intreat  his 
lordship  to  take  the  present  condition  of  this  town  into  his  serious  consideration, 
;iiid  beseech  him  not  to  forget  his  ancestors  love  to  it,  and  their  hereditary  and 
never  interrupted  zeal  and  propension  to  love,  honour  and  serve  him  and  his 
l;ui)ily;  and,  after  a  sad  contemplation  of  their  representations  unto  him,  that  he 
may  please  to  take  that  resolution  thereupon  that  may  be  suitable  to  his  favour, 
piety,  honour  and  justice,  and  that  he  may  be  sure  this  town,  in  all  fortunes,  will 
continue  the  affection,  obedience  and  respect  it  owes  him." — Notwithstandino-  all 
their  endeavours,  this  treaty  ended  in  nothing,  owing  to  the  insincerity  and  delays 
of  Willoughby.  Even  while  it  was  depending,  his  soldiers  made  two  sallies  into 
the  country ;  killing,  in  the  first,  by  their  own  confession,  a  dozen  of  poor  inno- 
cent people,  men,  women  and  children  ;  and,  in  the  other,  pillaging  all  the  remains 
of  Sir  llichard  Blake's  stock  at  Ardfry.  But  what  most  of  all  evinced  the  real 
principles  and  intentions  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  fort,  was  the  conduct  of  captain 
Constable,  commander  of  one  of  the  ships  that  came  to  assist  it.  This  man, 
standing  on  the  rampart  of  the  fort  next  the  town,  called  with  a  loud  voice 
twice  over  to  the  towns-men  on  the  walls,  '•  A  new  king,  you  rogues  and  traitors  • 
your  king  is  run  away ;  you  shall  have  a  new  king  shortly,  you  rogues."  Froni 
all  these  and  other  circumstances,  it  was  at  length  concluded  that  the  fort  was  no 
longer  in  his  majesty's  obedience,  but  entirely  at  the  disposal  of  the  parliament. 

At  this  crisis  colonel  John  Burke  arrived  in  Galway,  where  he  was  joyfully 
received,  having  been  some  time  before  appointed  lieutenant-general  of"  Con- 
naught  by  the  general  assembly  of  Catholics  which  met  at  Kilkenny  on  the  24th 
of  October,  1642.  Colonel  Burke  was  born  in  the  comity  of  Mayo:  he  was  a 
man  of  great  prudence  and  discretion,  a  brave  experienced  soldier,  (having 
served  upwards  of  thirty  years  in  the  service  of  Spain,)  and  high  in  the  confidence 
of  the  town  and  country.  He  at  first  endeavoured  to  keep  a  fair  correspondence 
with  the  fort ;  ottered  to  open  the  gates;  have  the  benetit  of  markets  and  free 
intercourse  between  it  and  the  town,  provided  they  contained  themselves  within 
bounds,  v/ere  obedient  to  the  directions  of  lord  Clanricarde,  desisted  from  spoilino-, 
burning  or  plundering  the  country,  killing  or  taking  the  town's-men  prisoners,  or 
relieving  or  aiding  the  puritans  that  daily  come  in  siu'ps  unto  them,  and  who  were 
tlie  king's  declared  enemies.  These  amicable  propositions  being  all  rejected  by 
Willoughby,  and  the  castle  of  Clare-Gal  way  having,  on  the  2Sth  of  February, 
1G43,  through  the  contrivance  of  Jonakin  Lynch,  the  earl  of  Clanricarde's  tenant 
tJiere,  the  carelessness  of  the  warders,  and  the  management  of  a  Franciscan  friar, 


120  IIISTOKY    OF    GALWAY. 

been  surprised  l)y  captain  Thomas  Burke,  of  Anbally,  tlie  acquisition  of  a  ])lacC' 
of  such  strength  and  imjjortance  at  once  determined  their  future  proceed ino-s. 
Colonel  Burke  declared  against  the  fort,  and  called  upon  the  several  gentlemen 
of  the  country  to  levy  forces  for  the  purpose  of  besieging  it.  Accordingly, 
in  April,  lGl-3,  Francis  and  John  Bermingham,  son  and  grand-son  of  lord 
Athenry,  Sir  Ulick  Burke,  Hubert  Burke  of  Dunamon,  Redmond,  Rickard  and 
Thomas  15urkc  of  Kilcornan,  Derrymacloghny  and  Anbally,  the  three  Tei"-e 
Kellys  of  Gallagh,  Aughrim  and  Mullaghmore,  Sir  Valentine  Blake,  Sir  Roebuck 
Lynch,  and  other  principal  gentlemen  of  the  county,  took  up  arms,  and  marched 
with  considerable  strength  towards  Gahvay.  Colonel  Burke  put  himself  at  their 
head,  and  about  the  latter  end  of  that  month  began  to  inclose  the  fort  at  a 
distance,  and  fortify  some  passages  towards  the  sea,  to  hinder  any  relief  from  that 
quarter.  He  invested  it  with  upwards  of  a  thousand  men,  and  posted  a  body  of 
troops  at  Clare-Galway  and  Athenry,  to  prevent  any  movement  which  might  be 
attempted  by  lord  Clanricarde.  Provisions  becoming  scarce  in  the  fort,  captain 
AVilloughby,  who,  on  his  part,  was  not  inactive,  dispatched  a  party  of  fifty  men 
to  make  booty  in  lar-Connaught :  they  were  discovered  by  the  town,  who  sent 
some  companies  to  lie  between  them  and  their  boats,  and  most  of  them  were  cut 
off.  In  the  beginning  of  May  the  siege  was  pushed  on  with  vigor ;  the  town 
undertaking  to  defray  the  expense,  and  supply  the  forces  which  were  drawn  out  of 
the  country  and  the  county  of  JMayo  for  the  purpose.  Two  bulwarks  and 
batteries  were  erected ;  one  on  the  point  of  St.  Mary's  church  in  the  west,  called 
Rintinane ;  and  the  other  on  the  opposite  point  of  Jii/miure ;  and  a  chain  was 
drawn  across  the  harbour,  to  hinder  access  by  sea.  Lord  Clanricarde  was  unable 
to  afibrd  any  reliefl 

Rear-admiral  Brooke,  in  the  ship  Providence,  arrived  in  the  bay  in  the  begin- 
ning of  June,  with  provisions  and  arms  for  the  fort ;  but  the  batteries  on  the 
points  of  Rinmore  and  Rintinane  hindered  him  from  approaching.  He  endea- 
voured in  the  night  to  throw  in  supplies,  but  his  long  boats,  being  met  by  those 
of  the  town,  were  forced  to  retire.  Captain  '\^'illoughby,  being  thus  disap- 
pointed of  succour,  desired  permission  from  colonel  Burke  to  deliver  the  fort  to 
lord  Clanricarde  ;  but  this,  in  the  moment  of  success,  he  refused  to  agree  to,  on 
any  other  terms  than  that  ins  lordship  should  take  the  oatii  of  union  or  association,, 
and  not  dispose  of  the  place  without  the  consent  of  the  several  persons  under- 
named-'     These  terms  the  earl,  with  that  consistency  and  loyalty  which  always 


'  The  titular  ardiViishop  of  Tuam,  lieutenant-general  of  Gallagh,  captain  Tcige  Kelly  Fitz-William,   captain 

lord   Mayo,   colonel   Bfni;inghain,   colonel   Kurke,   lieu-  Mnrrogli    na-mart    O'Flahtrty,     captain   Antliony   Bra- 

tenant-coloncl  O'Flalierty,  scrjeant-ninjor  G'Shaughncssy,  liazon,    captain    Ulick    Carrrig/i    Burke,    ca|>lain'  Uliik 

serjeaiil-nu'.jor  Burke,  HichanI  Burke  Fitz-John, 'J'lioniiis  Burke    of    Castlehacket,    captain     Junack     iM'Thonnis, 

Burl^e  of  Anhally,   John   Beniiingliani,    llnlicrt   Burke,  captain    F.ilniond    O'Flalicrty,    captain   Jolui    Waddcn, 

capLain  Tci;;e  Kelly  of   A'.pjhriui,    cai,tain    'JtiL-c   liclly  caj;t:',iu    .Ijlin    Browne,     cajilain    John    Garv\-,    cai'Uun 


I 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


121 


mniked  liis  proceedings  and  character,  totally  rejected.  Willoughby  was  then 
forced  to  treat  for  a  surrender  to  the  confederates.  Articles  having  been 
accordingly  agreed  upon  and  signed,"  he  surrendered  that  important  fortress  on 
the  20th  of  June,  and  also  the  castle  of  Oranmore,  without  the  knowledge  or 
consent  of  lord  Clanricarde.  The  time  of  the  surrender  happened  fortunately 
lor  the  confederates;  for,  on  the  following  day,  three  large  ships  arrived  in  the 
bay  with  assistance.  Captain  Willoughby  and  his  men  embarked  on  Sunday,  the 
'2.3th  of  June,  in  the  Bonaventure,  commanded  by  vice-admiral  Swanlea,  the 
Providence,  commanded  by  rear-admiral  Brooke,  two  pinnaces  and  a  barque  sent 
them  by  the  town  ;"  thus  leaving,  by  his  misconduct,  the  second  fort  of  importance 


William  Burke  Fitz-John,  captain  Willuim  Burke  of 
Clu^lnin,  captain  Walter  Fitz-]\Iorris,  and  cii[)tain 
Richard  Betajjli. — Clanricarde's  Alemoirs. 

"  Articles  for  the  surrender  of  St.  Augustine's  fort, 
coiichuled  the  20th  June,  16<13. 

1.  Captain  Willouj^hliy,  on  the  faith  and  honour  of  a 
kolilicr  and  a  gentleman,  doth  covenant  and  grant,  to 
and  with  lieutenant-general  .fohn  Burke,  to  deliver  unto 
biiii  tile  fort,  together  with  all  the  ordnance  and  unnnu- 
nitioii  of  war  therein,  excepting  two  [lieces  of  ordnance 
erjiitcd  to  the  said  captain  Anthony  Willoughliy,  to 
carry  with  him,  together  with  suiTicient  match,  powder 
and  bullets,  to  serve  unto  the  port,  wherennto  the  said 
cajitain  Anthony  Willonghly  shall  first  apply  himself  after 
lii>  departure,  from  this  port ;  and  such  ordnaiice  as  the 
iaid  cajjtaiu  Anthony  Willoughliy  shall  make  a|ipcar  upon 
o;ith  to  have  been  brou[;ht  liy  himself,  and  were  not  sent 
unto  liiiu  by  the  king  or  state. 

2.  That  the  said  captain  A.nthony  Willoughby,  his 
ofiiccrs  and  soldiers,  shall  and  may  quietly  and  peaceably, 
Ntilhout  interruption,  carry  away  all  the  goods  and 
clmttlcs  wherein  they  Iiave  gained  any  property  by  the 
bw  of  the  land,  or  by  the  law  of  arms,  or  which  they 
seized  upon  by  strength  and  ii'om  an)'  of  this  town  or 
country  from  the  beginning  of  these  troubles. 

3.  That  the  said  captain  Anthony  Willoughby,  and  all 
iir.ilcr  his  command  here,  and  in  Oranmore,  shall  have 
•ach  goods  restored  unto  them  as  they  voluntarily 
deposited,  or  were  violently  intercepted,  or  unjustly 
detained  from  him  or  them  by  the  inhabitants  of  Galway; 
and  that  he,  and  such  as  are  under  his  command,  shall  do 
the  like  to  the  inhabitants  of  Galway. 

•1.  That  all  the  said  several  companies  and  particular 
persons  under  the  command  of  the  said  captain  Anthony 
Willoughby,  or  that  please  to  go  with  him,  shall  and 
ni.iv  have  free  liberty  to  march  away  to  the  waterside  in 
coiiipliat  arms,  with  their  drums  beating,  colours  Hying, 
matches  lighted  on  both  sides,  bullets  in  month,  muskets 
charged,  and  all  other  usual  postures  in  a  noble  quarter, 
and  so  to  continue  until  they  be  all  safely  shipped, 
•.\ithout  any  disturbance  or  opfiosiiion  whatsoever,  pro- 
vided that  all  English,  Irish  or  Scotch,  that  please,  may 
remain  with  their  goods,  and  enjoy  them  with  fulness 
and  security. 

5.  That  there  shall  be  no  aggravation,  or  questioning  of 
anv  former  matters  by  any  townsmen,  or  others,  against 


any  under  the  command  of  the  said  captain  Anthony 
^\'illoughby,  whether  it  be  for  debt,  t}thes,  trespasses, 
hurt  or  damages  whatsoever,  either  depending,  or  by  them 
or  any  of  them  formerly  connnitted,  excepting"  only  such 
debts  as  shall  apjiear  to  be  justly  due  upon  such  person 
or  persons,  as  shall  expect  from"  them  restitution  of  any 
goods  or  chatties. 

(!.  That  the  prisoners  on  Imth  sides,  as  well  Mr. 
Loghlin  as  all  others,  shall  be  freely  delivered  up  without 
ransom. 

7.  That  all  the  said  cafitain's  friends  or  acquaintance, 
either  in  Oranmore,  Kilcolgan,  or  elsewhere,  that  shall 
please,  have  free  liberty  to  march  away  with  the  said 
captain  Willoughby,  and  shall  have  full"  benefit  of  the 
said  articles,  as  far  forth  as  concerns  them,  and  as  the 
same  is  allowed  or  granted  to  those  in  the  fort. 

8.  That  after  these  articles  are  signed  and  sealed,  on 
both  sides,  the  said  captain  Willoughliy  shall  be  admitted 
to  send  a  letter  with  a  flying  seal  to  the  right  honorable 
the  earl  of  Clanricarde. 

9.  That  after  these  articles  are  signed  and  sealed,  the 
captain  of  the  ship  shall  be  admitted  to  land  here  at 
KnockenduUen,  and  pass  through  the  town  to  the  fort, 
to  confer  with  the  said  captain  Anthony  Willoughby. 

Of  the  conduct  of  the  inhabitants  of  Galway  during 
this  siege,  Bruodin  speaks  as  follows,  in  his  history  of" 
those  times,  p.  75. — In  ilia  obsidione  genuinos  ae  catho- 
licos,  et  veros  regis  et  patria;  libertatum  anuitores 
demonstrarunt  Galviensis  civitatis  nobiles  et  cives,  prie- 
sertim  vero,  Blakei,  Lincei,  Bruni,  Frincei,  Scherati,  Sec. 

°  The  following  account  of  the  subsequent  tragical 
fiite  of  many  of  those  unhappy  men,  shews  that  the  slow, 
but  awful,  vengeance  of  Providence,  which  never  fails 
sooner  or  later  to  punish  the  guilty,  signally  overtook 
them  for  the  many  massacres  and  murders  which  they 
committed  on  the  unotlending  inhabitants  of  Galway  and 
its  vicinity.  "  In  May,  )6W4,  lord  Ormonde  sent  cajitain 
Anthony  Willoughby,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
which  had  formerly  served  in  the  fort  of  Galway,  froiij 
Dublin  to  Bristol :  the  ship  which  carried  them  was 
taken  by  captain  Swanley,  who  in  two  jiarliament  ships 
committed  great  ravages  on  the  sea  about  Dublin,  who 
was  so  inhuman  as  to  throw  seventy  of  the  soldiers 
overboard,  under  pretence  that  they  were  Irish." — Carte. 
To/. /.  ;j.  481. 


Q 


122  HISTORY    OF    GALWAV. 

in  the  kingdom  in  the  hands  of  the  confederate  forces,  who  soon  after  caused 
it  to  be  demolished,  by  order  of  the  supreme  council. 

The  rejoicings  in  Gahvay,  on  the  surrender  and  demolition  of  the  fort,  were 
excessive ;  public  prayers  and  thanksgiving  were  offered  up  for  this  signal  event 
and  happy  deliverance  from  its  troublesome  and  dangerous  neighbour.  On  the 
Cth  of  August  they  threw  open  their  gates  to  the  Irish,  and  immediately  after 
raised  three  hundred  pounds  to  enable  them  to  lay  siege  to  Castle-Coote,' in  the 
county  of  Roscommon,  which,  with  lord  Clanricarde's  towns  of  Loughrea  and 
Portumna,  were  the  only  places  of  strength  that  held  out  in  the  province. 

Althougii  the  town  was  thus  freed  from  exterior  annoyance,  the  inhabitants 
wisely  foresaw,  from  the  unsettled  and  turbulent  state  of  the  times,  that  many 
serious  troubles  were  likely  to  follow.  They,  therefore,  resolved  to  be  prepared 
against  any  future  hostile  attempts  which  might  be  made,  and  accordingly,  before 
the  end  of  the  year  1G43,  finished  the  east  and  south-cast  rampart,  beo-inuin"-  at 
the  great  bulwark  of  the  east  gate,  and  extending  from  thence  round  to  the  little 
bridge  which  led  to  St.  Augustine's  abbey,  together  with  the  wall  commencing  at 
the  works  erected  in  the  mayoralty  of  William  Martin,  and  leading  from  thence, 
in  a  south-east  direction,  to  the  point  of  Cean-na-hhalla,  at  the  quay.  For  some 
years  after  this  period  several  considerable  additions  were  made  to  the  fortifica- 
tions. In  lGf.3  the  strong  bulwark  about  Lyons-towcr  was  built  as  well  to 
protect  the  abbey  of  St.  Francis  as  to  guard  tlie  Jittle  gate.  The  flanker  about 
the  new-  tower,  and  also  that  adjoining  I^yous-tower,  with  the  wall  and  ramparts, 
were  completed  in  IGI7,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  mayor  and  Walter 
Joes,  for  the  defence  of  the  town  walls,  and  of  the  shipping  in  the  pool.  These 
works  w-crc  soon  after  furnished  with  twelve  heavy  pieces  of  cannon,  consist- 
ing of  four  brass  and  four  iron  of  twelve,  and  four  iron  of  eighteen  pound  ball, 
which  were  purchased  in  France  by  the  directions  of  the  corporation,  and  brought 
over  by  Francis  D'Arcy.  The  gates  were  all  repaired,  and  the  new  flanker 
outside  the  east  gate  was  built  in  lGl-9.  The  following  year  the  rampart  and 
bastions,  from  thence  to  Kirwan's-tower,  were  completed,  which  finished  the  line 
of  fortifications  round  the  town,  and  rendered  it,  particularly  for  defence,  the 
most  considerable  in  the  kingdom. 

The  affairs  of  the  confederates  proceeded  prosperously  in  Connanght,  until 
the  defeat  and  slaughter,  by  Sir  Charles  Coote,  of  the  titular  archbishop  of 
Tuam  in  lGl.5,  in  his  attemj)t  to  recover  Sligo.  The  important  consequences 
wliich  followed  this  event,  particularly  that  attending  the  discovery,  among  the 
archbisjiop's  papers,  of  an  authentic  co])y  of  the  famous  private  treaty  between 
Charles  I.  and  the  earl  of  Glamorgan,  are  fully  detailed  in  all  the  histories 
of  this  period ;  but  the  subjoined  dispatch,  from  the  abbot  of  Kilmannock 
to  the  warden  of  GaKvay,  contains  a  more  satisfiictory  account  of  the  aiiidr  itself 


IIISTOIIY    OF    GALWAV. 


123 


liuiJ  is  clscwlicrc  to  be  Ibimd. "  During  all  the  vicissitudes  of  tliese  unliappy 
•inies,  the  town  steadily  adhered  to  its  original  declaration  of  allegiance  to  the 
l,i.'ii;,  which  it  embraced  every  opportunity  of  publicly  testifying.  An  offensive 
I  u!)lication,  intitled,  "  Disputatio  apologetica  de  jure  regni,  kc."  was  about 
ijiis  time  written  and  published  by  Connor  O'jNIahony,  an  Irish  Jesuit,  at 
Lisbon  :  its  principal  intention  was  to  recommend  the  sej^aration  of  Ireland  from 
Lngland,  and  to  stimulate  the  descendants  of  the  old  Irish  to  choose  a  king 
of  their  own  nation,  and  throw  oft"  the  English  yoke.  This  book  was  condemned 
bv  the  supreme  council  at  Kilkenny  ^  and  ordered  to  be  burned ;  but  the  mayor, 
sheriffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty  of  Galway  previously  assembled  on  the  subject, 
and  published  a  declaration,  expressing  their  abhorrence  of  these  pernicious  doc- 
trines. Tliis  document,  which  contains  a  manifestation  of  their  then  principles, 
;•;,  for  its  curious  import  and  singularity  of  expression,  laid  before  the  reader. '' 
About  the  same  time  the  corporation  farmed,  from  the  commissioners-general  of 
Connaught,  for  two  thousand  four  hundred  pounds,  the  excise,  thirds  and  rents 
arising  out  of  tlie  town  and  county,  for  the  year  ending  tlie  1st  of  May,   IGIS  : 


"  "  To  the  warilen  of  Gahvay. — Here  is  a  ti-ue  tragedie 
of  the  iinhappie  expedition  of  Sligoe,  viz.  last:  Sunday, 
in  the  afternoon,  our  forces,  after  taking  tlie  abbie  of 
.Sligoe,  and  hearing  of  tlie  approach  of  Coote  with  a 
«rong  relief  from  the  Xorth,  begun  to  march  hack  from 
Sli;;oe;  and  tliongh  they  heat  the  enemie  that  day  and  the 
Aiv  before,  yet  then,  a  few  horse  of  the  said  enemie  put 
them  most  shamefully  to  flight,  in  which  flight  (proh 
(iulor,)  my  lord  archbishop,  father  Teige  Coiiel,  father 
Aujustinc  Hig^in,  with  other  clergymen,  were  killed,  and 
pitlifnllie  mangled,  and  soe  left  in  the  way  near  Sligoe. 
(Icncral  TalVe  sent  a  trumpet  to  Sligoe,  and  got  newes, 
on  the  27th  instant,  that  the  Scots  will  not  part  with  my 
lord  archbishop's  body,  without  getting  out  of  it  thirty 
piunds  sterling.  The  said  trumpelter  brought  with  him 
two  letters  from  the  comniaiuler  of  Sligoe,  offering  to 
exchange  prisoners :  ours  write  that  they  are  kindly  used 
liv  them,  and  desire  relief  and  ransome.  John  Garvy  is 
jrrisoner  in  Xewtown,  witli  Mr.  Jackson,  and  the  rest  at 
Migoe;  their  names  are  as  followeth;  Licut>  colonels, 
Morogh  Flaherty  and  John  Garvey. — Majors,  Richard 
li.nirke  and  William  Shaughnessy. — Captains,  Gerald 
niUon  and  Roger  Costclo. — Lieutenants,  Christopher 
Kvan,  Conor  O'Heyne  and  Teige  Flaherty. — Cornets, 
J.ilin  B.irnwell  and  William  Tcrel. — F.nsigns,  John 
IlcJlow,  Bryan  Kelly,  Hugh  ^Ic.  Gillecooly  and  James 
I.iiicli. — Troo|)ers,  Richard  Bedlow,  Edward  Fitzgerald, 
Carrct  Dillon,  Richard  Bourk,  John  Boyle,  John  Fitz- 
Garct,  Francis  Cadel,  Christopher  Kent,  Richard  Bourk 
;ind  John  Iliggiu.—Drumniers,  Thomas  Walsh  and  Connor 
yuin. — Two  footmen  with  a  cornet  and  seven  troopers 
funiierlie  taken  in  the  skirmish  at  Ballimole. 

"  The  relief  sent  out  of  the  North  is  come  to  Sligoe,  of 
which  it  stands  us  much  upon  to  beware,  and  not  to  sleepe 
but  rather  stand  to  the  matter  stiflie.  The  forces  of  this 
touiity  arc  at  Strode,  where  they  intend  to  remain  until 
father  direction.      General  Tatl'e  writes  that  it  is  most 


requisite  that  the  provincial  counsel  doe  n:eet  in  all  haste, 
to  lay  down  a  course  to  keep  off  the  Scottish  tyrants. 
I  wrote  to  you  yesterday,  desiring  your  atleiidance  at 
Tuame,  the  4tli  of  the  next  month,  ami  now  once  again 
1  give  you  notice  to  be  there  then  or  the  day  at'ore,  viz. 
next  Jlonday,  otherwise  you  may  repent ;  and  soe  much 
distracted  and  restlesse,  I  am  yours,  John  Dowly. — 
Neale,  .51st  October,  IG45.— Om^'.  jIW. — The  writer  of 
this  dispatch  was  one  of  the  clergy  who  assembled  at 
James'  town,  in  the  county  of  Leitrim,  on  the  memo- 
rable 6th  of  August,  1G50,  on  which  occasion  he  was 
proctor  for  the  chapter  and  clergy  of  Tuam. 

"  The  general  assembly  of  the  confederate  Catholics  of 
Ireland  met  in  Kilkenny,  on  the  10th  of  January,  1647. 
The  following  natives  of  Galway  sat  as  representatives 
of  the  commons ;  viz.  Sir  Richard  Blake,  of  Arilfry, 
who  was  chairman  or  speaker  of  the  assembly ;  Patrick 
D'Arcy,  the  celebrated  lawyer,  who  presided  at  the 
meeting,  as  the  lord  chancellor  does  in  parliament;  John 
Bermingham,  Francis  Blake,  Dominick  Bodkin,  Edward 
Browne,  Geoffrey  Browne,  Christopher  French,  James 
French,  Patrick  Kirwan,  Martin  Lynch,  Nicholas  Lynch, 
Roebuck  Lynch  and  Anthony  Martin. 

'  1647,  September  11th. 

"  By  the  mayor,  sheriff's,  free  burgesses  and  commonalty 
of  the  town  of  Gahvay. 
"  Whereas  we  have  of  late  credibly  lieard  that  a 
scandalous  seditious  book,  intituled,  "  Disputatio  apo- 
/ogctirn  ft  manifrstutiva  dc  jure  re/'ni  HihernicE  pro 
Cril/in/icis  Hibcrnis  ndversns  /icrcticm,  (and  have  seen 
brief  notes  of  the  matter  eontayned  in  it,  full  of  vene- 
nious  and  vu-ulent  doctrines,  and  damnable  treasons 
against  our  king  and  coimtry,)  hath  been  lately  printed 
and  published,  most  maliciouslye  intending  to  distracte 
and  alienate  the  hearts  of  his  majesty's  faithfuU  catholique 
subjects   of   Ireland  from   their    boundcn   and    diitifull 


124 


HISTORY    OF    GAL  WAY. 


the  principal  part  of  the  money  was  immediately  advanced,  and  the  remainder 
stipulated  to  be  paid  within  a  few  months.  Trade  seemed  on  the  increase  ;  and 
the  town,  amidst  the  grievous  troubles  which  agitated  the  remainder  of  the  king- 
dojTi,  enjoyed  for  a  while  a  reasonable  portion  of  peace  and  security. 

Tlie  assembly  at  Kilkenny  having  found  it  necessary  to  conclude  a  cessation  of 
arms  with  lord  Inchiqnin,  president  of  Munster,  Rinuncini,  the  Pope's  nuncio, 
imm.cdiately  published  a  declaration  against  it.  From  this  the  assembly  appealed,, 
and  was  supported  by  a  great  body  of  the  clergy  of  tlie  kingdom,  together  with 
the  army  under  the  command  of  the  marquis  of  Clanricarde,  lord  Taalfe  and 
general  Preston.  In  vain  the  nuncio  fulminated  his  excommunications ;  his 
measures  and  party  fell  into  discredit.  In  this  dilemma  he  sought  refuge  in 
Galway,  where  he  had  some  abettors,  particularly  the  warden  and  others,  wiiom 
his  presence  and  exhortations  stimulated  to  open  acts  of  violence  and  commotion. 
The  mayor  was  desirous  to  proclaim  the  cessation,  but  was  prevented  by  the 
populace,  wdio  forced  their  way  into  his  house,  and  wrested  the  ensigns  of  autho- 
rity from  his  hands ;  but  this  insolence  occasioned  such  a  tumult,  that,  had  they 
not  been  inmiediately  restored  by  the  very  hand  that  took  them,  the  consequences 
would  have  been  lamentable ;  and,  even  as  it  was,  two  or  three  men  were  killed. 
The  cai'melite  friars  shewing  some  resistance  against  this  proud  ecclesiastic,  their 
dwelling  was  assaulted  by  night,  and  their  persons  abused.  In  a  fit  of  rage  he 
ordered  their  bell  to  be  pulled  down,  and  placed  two  priests  at  the  entry  to  their 
cliapel,  to  keep  the  people  from  resorting  there  to  prayers.  Those  who  favored  the 
cessation  were  declared  under  censure  •,  the  churches  were  closed,  and  all  divine 
offices  interdicted.  In  this  state  was  the  town,  when  the  archbishop  of  Tuam, 
who  declared  against  these  measures,  arrived.  Having  desired  to  see  the  nuncio's 
power  for  assuming  such  authority,  he  refused  to  produce  it,  whereupon  the  })relatc 
told  him  to  his  face  that  he  would  not  obey:  "  Ego,"  ansvt-ered  the  nuncio,  "  non 
ostendam :"  "  ct  Ego,"  replied  the  archbisliop,  "  non  obediam ;"  and  he  immediately 


nllfj;iaiicc  ami  nlicilicnce  to  their  undoubtcil  lawful 
tovcraiiliic  lunl  ami  kin;;,  Cliarlcs,  tliat  now  is  king  of 
Great  Britain,  France  ami  Irelaml ;  and  that  divers  copies 
of  the  said  bookc  are  dispersed  into  several  partes  of 
this  kingdome;  and  albeit  wee  have  made  diligent  search 
for  finding  oute  the  said  bookc,  and  for  learning  who 
might  be  the  true  author  of  soe  pestilent  a  worke,  wc 
have  not  as  yet  attained  to  onr  desires  in  that  behalfe, 
bnt  do  expect  that  onr  intentions  therein  will  shortly  take 
oHecte.  Wherefore,  in  tl'.e  interim,  (by  way  of  prevention, 
in  manifestation  of  onr  zeal,  duty  and  allegiance  to  onr 
saiil  suvc'.Tign  lord  and  king,  Charles,  to  his  heirs  and 
liiAui!  siiece.^^orj,  kings  of  England,  and  in  full  and  open 
(Ic'i-lara'/ion  before  Gou  and  the  world,  that  noe  accident, 
wliii'.i  happened  in  the  late  government  of  this  his  king- 
(Kiiac  of  Ireland,  shall  nor  may  induce  ns  to  alter  or 
viohue  pur  constant,  sincere  and  faithfuU  loyalty  to  his 


majesty,  his  lawfull  lieirs  and  successors,)  we  thought  fit 
and  expedient,  and  well  becomcing  ns,  by  our  ])ublii|'.ie 
and  unanimous  declaration  of  onr  consciences  in  that 
behalfe,  to  protest,  like  as  by  these  presents  wee  do  protest, 
that  wee  doe,  and  always  will  preserve  and  continue  iu 
our  faith  and  allegiance  to  onr  said  soveraigne  lord  kiii'^ 
Charles,  bis  heirs  and  lawful  successors,  and  that  wee  diS 
not  embrace  nor  accepte  any  other  power  over  us,  in  any 
temporal  things  or  causes,  which  may  any  way  derogate 
from  his  and  their  royal  preheminency  or  authority,  or  be 
inconsistent  with  the  same.  And  wee  doe  likewise 
protest  and  declare,  that  wee  do  utterly  ilctcst  and  abjure 
the  said  daiimablc  and  seditious  book,  and  doctrine  therein 
contained,  and  doc  and  will  censure  and  damne  lite  same, 
Willi  the  aiit/wr  thereof,  if  we  light  on  them,  to  scorching  and 
revenging  fire,  whicll  Ihej/  dcicrre! — Gou  save  the  King. 
Cur  I).  Jlouh,  A.  "  John  Blake,  niai/or." 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  125 

r.ftcr  caused  the  church  doors  to  be  opened  by  force.  The  nuncio,  finding  himself 
t'luis  opposed,  summoned  a  synod  to  meet  in  Galway  on  the  15th  of  August;  but 
the  council  forbiddiug  the  clergy  to  attend,  and  ordering  all  civil  and  military 
otlicers  to  stop  their  passage,  they  were  unable  to  meet.  Lord  Clanricarde  having 
been,  in  the  mean  time,  reinforced  by  Inchiquiu,  laid  siege  to  the  town  on  the 
nth  of  xVugust,  and,  hindering  all  access  of  provisions  by  land  or  water,  the  pro- 
moters of  those  violent  proceedings,  unprepared  for  a  siege,  were  forced,  about 
the  Ith  of  September  following,  to  surrender.  They  were  then  put  under  articles 
to  proclaim  the  cessation,  pay  a  considerable  sum  of  money,  and  renounce  the 
nuncio,  who,  thus  finding  all  his  measures  frustrated,  took  shipping  at  Galway, 
on  the  23d  of  February  following,  and  departed  from  the  kingdom. 

The  English  and  Irish  armies  being  now  united,  under  the  command  of  the 
marquis  of  Ormonde,  Galway  advanced  him  five  thousand  pounds '  on  the  security 
of  the  customs  of  the  town,  in  aid  of  his  intended  campaign  against  the  parlia- 
mentary forces.  Upon  this  occasion  his  lordship  knighted  Walter  Blake,  the 
mayor.  The  melancholy  news  of  the  king's  violent  death  soon  after  reached  the 
town,  and  was  received  with  every  manifestation  of  sorrow.  His  successor, 
Charles  II.  was  immediately  proclaimed  with  the  greatest  solemnity.  The  mayor 
liad  afterwards  the  satisfaction  of  receiving  the  following  letter  from  his  majesty. 
"  Charles  11. 

"  Trusty  and  well-beloved,  we  grcete  you  well.  "Wee  have  been  duly  informed  of 
the  loyalltye  and  good  affection  that  you  and  the  cittie  of  Galway  have  expressed 
to  us  at  all  tymes,  but  especiallye  of  late,  when  others  have  soe  shamefully  betrayed 
the  trust  wee  reposed  in  them,  by  resigning  themselves  into  the  hands  and  power 
of  the  rebells:  wee  doubte  not  but  you  will  constantly  continue  the  same  loyalltie 
to  us,  with  due  care  for  the  preservation  of  our  just  authority  amongst  you  ;  and  for 
vour  encouragement  therein,  wee  assure  you  that  wee  are  not  only  truly  sensible 
of  what  you  have  alreadye  done  for  our  service,  but  as  that  cittie  of  Galway  is 
one  of  the  principal  citties  that  hath  eminently  continued  their  loyalltye  and 
devotion  to  us,  soe  shall  we  in  due  time  conferre  such  priviledges  and  favor  upon 
von  as  may  be  lasting  monuments  of  your  deserving  above  others,  and  of  our  par- 
ticular grace  and  acceptation  thereof,  and  soe  wee  bid  you  farewell. — Given  at 
our  court  in  Jersey,  the  4th  day  of  Tebruarye,  lGl-9,  in  the  second  year  of 
our  raignc. ' 
"  To  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  the  mayor  and  aldermen  of  our  cittie  of 

Gallvvayc." 

The  day  this  communication  was  received  in   Galway  was  one  of  the   last 
days  of  its  greatness  and  prosperity.      For  upwards  of  a    century    after    this 

'  Carte  says,  that  this  sum  was  not  paid  by  the  town         '  Corp.  Book,  A. — How  far  he  afterwards  performed  the 
until  alter  tlie  siege  of  Dublin.  promise  contahied  in  this  letter  wilt  appear  in  the  sequel. 


126 


HISTORY    OF    GALV^AY. 


period,  war,  pestilence  and  persecution,  succeeding  each  other  in  rapid  and  mchni- 
choly  succession,  afflicted  its  devoted  community,  and  reduced  this  once  opulent, 
populous  and  respectable  town  to  the  most  unenviable  situation.  Since  the  com- 
mencement of  the  civil  commotions,  a  degree  of  insubordination  and  licentious- 
ness had  prevailed  amongst  the  inhabitants,  which  it  was  not  in  tlie  power  of  the 
magistracy  cither  to  suppress  or  control ;  and  vices,  before  unheard  of  and  un- 
known, and  indeed  incompatible  with  the  integrity  and  simplicity  of  former  man- 
ners, were  now  become  prevalent  and  familiar. '  The  population  of  the  toMii 
had  also  increased  considerably,  several  persons  fi'om  the  country  flocking  in  with 
their  families  and  property  lor  protection ;  and  in  this  crowded  state  was  the  place 
when  the  plague  made  its  appearance,  in  the  month  of  July,  ICAQ,  and  continued 
to  rage  with  unabated  virulence  until  the  end  of  April  following,  during  Avliicli 
time  it  swept  away  upwards  of  three  thousand  seven  hundred  of  the  inhabitants, 
including  two  hundred  and  ten  of  the  most  respectable  burgesses  and  irecmcn 
with  their  families.  Those  who  survived  or  escaped  the  contagion  graduallv  left 
the  town,  as  the  only  means  of  preservation,  until  it  was  almost  entirely  deserted 
of  its  inhabitants.  They  assembled  in  the  country  ;  and,  having  made  a  collection 
of  two  thousand  marks  to  pay  physicians  and  provide  necessaries  lor  the  sick, 
they  formed  a  committee  of  health,  whose  judicious  measures  and  assiduity  tinally 
succeeded  in  eradicating  the  infection.  An  entry  of  this  memorable  visitation, 
made  in  the  corporation  book  in  the  year  1G50,  concludes  with  these  words :  "  It 
is  to  be  ever  remembered  how  our  Saviour,  out  of  the  abundance  of  his  niercy, 
hath,  about  our  Lady's  day  in  lent  last,  freed  and  cleared  tliis  town  and  all  the 
inhabitants  thereof  from  the  said  sickness,  so  as  they  have  returned  to  their  o\^n 
dwellings,  and  ever  since  do  inhabit  them  with  as  much  security  as  ever  bcibre." 
The  town  was  no  sooner  freed  from  this  dreadful  visitation,  than  it  becainc 
again  involved  in  all  the  distracting  politics  of  the  times.  The  marquis  of  Ormoiul, 
having  determined  upon  leaving  the  kingdom,  arrived  here  in  the  beginning  of 
December,  accompanied  by  lord  Inchiquin,  colonels  Vaughan,  "VVogan,  AVarrcn, 
and  about  twenty  other  persons  of  distinction,  all  of  whom  sailed  from  Glanci- 
nagh,  in  the  bay,  on  board  the  Elizabeth,  of  Jersey,  a  small  frigate  of  twcntv- 
four  guns,  and,  after  a  hard  passage  of  three  weeks,  landed  at  Perose,  in  Basse 
Bretagne.  At  the  same  time,  a  large  Dutch  ship,  called  the  Seven  Stars,  sailed 
from  Kilcolgan,  which  arrived  at  another  port  in  France.     The  marquis  of  Clan.- 


'  The  following  curious  description  is  taken  verbatim 
from  a  manuscript  written  at  tin's  period. — "  The  ensuing 
thin;^s  brought  no  good  success  to  the  town,  but  rather 
ambition,  discord  and  discredit ;  viz.  knights,  lawyers  and 
bomery-niastcrs :  knights  brought  pride,  lawyers  intricacy 
and  licentiousness,  where  all  matters  formerly  were  tried 
and  determined  by  two  honest  burgesses  or  friends ;  and 
rbomery-mastcrs  brounht  discredit  in  the  highest  degree. 


In  old  times  they  would  rather  liang  theniselvcs  than 
break  or  discontent  strangers,  but  it  is  now  made  a 
conunon  trade,  to  the  great  dishonour  of  the  good,  and 
famous  report  evermore  held  of  thib  town.  They  are 
also  infected  with  pride,  none  being  accounted  worthy  of 
good  marriage  or  portion,  however  so  well  bied  or  edu- 
cated, unless  he  had  a  stone  house  or.good  estate;  like» 
wise  in  the  said  town  the  sin  of  lechery  abounded," — JilS, 


niSTOUY    OF    GAL'WAY. 


127 


ricarde,  who  succeeded  as  lord  deputy,  soon  af"ter  arrived  in  town,  and  knighted 
the  mayor,  Sir  Oliver  Oge  French ;  but  he  could  not,  however,  prevail  on  the 
inhabitants  to  admit  a  garrison,  or  any  number  of  troops,  but  what  should  be 
entirely  under  their  own  control. 

In  the  latter  end  of  February,  Stephen  de  Henin,  abbe  of  St.  Catherine,  and 
ambassador  from  the  duke  of  Lorrain,  arrived  in  the  bay  of  Galway,  with  offers  of 
assistance  and  relief  for  the  nation.  The  marquis  of  Clanricarde,  as  soon  as  he  was 
apprized  of  his  coming,  repaired  to  Tirellan,  and  appointed  a  committee,  com- 
posed of  the  bishops,  nobility  and  gentry  then  in  the  town,  to  treat  with  Iiim ; 
but  on  ascertaining  his  proposals,  which  were,  that  the  duke,  his  master  and  his 
successors,  should  be  accepted  as  protectors  of  Ireland,  with  royal  powers,  and 
that  some  towns  should  be  put  into  his  hands,  as  security  for  what  he  should 
expend  in  recovering  tlie  kingdom,  the  lord  deputy,  with  strong  expressions  of 
resentment,  totally  rejected  them,  as  entirely  derogatory  to  the  king's  honor  and 
authority,  and,  preparing  to  depart  from  Tirellan,  refused  the  abbe  even  an 
audience  of  leave.  This  reception  so  intimidated  the  ambassador,  that  he. imme- 
diately clianged  his  conditions,  and  consented  to  advance  twenty  thousand  pounds 
on  the  security  of  the  city  of  Limerick  and  town  of  Galway,  Avithout  any  other 
stipulation.  To  this  the  marquis  assented,  referring  all  articles  relative  to  the 
protectorship  to  be  adjusted  by  a  treaty  at  Brussels,  which  Avas  to  be  managed 
by  tlie  queen,  the  duke  of  York  and  lord  Ormond.  He  then  issued  a  warrant  of 
freedom  to  the  town,  "  and  articles  of  agreement  were  concluded  between  the 


"  A  warriint  of  freedom  to  the  town  of  Galway. 
"  Cliinricarcle. 
"  Whereas  the  eity  of  Limerick  and  town  of  Gallway 
arc  cautionary  for  the  payment  of  twenty  thousand 
pounds  sterliii;;  unto  iiis  limhncss  the  (hike  of  Lorrain, 
liis  majesty's  jnst  dues  therein  heiiig  hy  us  en;;agecl 
iDwards  the  repayment  thereof,  which  rnj;agcnienl  may 
liriii!;  npoii  the  said  city  and  town  the  burthen  and 
troiiMe  of  ^'arrisons  jnore  than  usmd ;  we  have  taken 
tlie  same  into  our  consideration,  and  the  willingness  of 
tlio  sail  city  and  town  to  forward  the  service  of  his 
iii.ijvsty  an.l  this  kin;;doin,  and  that  they  Iiave  been,  and 
at  |irc;,L'nt  are,  at  ;;reat  expence  in  fortifyinj^  the  said  city 
find  town  ;  are,  therefore,  liy  the  advice  and  consent  of 
(he  coiniiiis-iducrs,  intrusted,  in  pursuance  of  the  articles 
of  peace,  and  at  the  e.u'uot  recpicst  of  the  mayor  and 
iiiliabitants  of  tlie  saiil  town  ot'  Gallway,  and  of  the 
ii;;uiits  of  the  city  of  Limerick,  pleased,  that  the  said 
city  and  town,  the  liberties  and  counties  of  them,  and 
c\cry  of  them,  shall  not  contribute  or  be  liable,  during 
the  time  they  shall  be  cautionary,  to  any  of  the  applot- 
incnts  or  assessments  in  the  county  at  large,  or  in  any 
other  place  of  the  kingdom,  other  than  upon  the 
repayment  of  his  highncss's  disbursements  by  the  kingdom. 
The  said  city  and  town  shall  pay  their  just  proportion  of 
the  said  twenty  thousand  pounds,  and  of  such  further 


supplies  as  his  highness,  his  heirs  and  successors,  will 
afford  for  the*  service  of  the  kingdom.  And  we  are 
further  pleased,  that,  during  t!ie  said  engagement,  the 
merchants  of  the  said  city  and  town  shall  have  free 
liberty  of  CNportation  of  all  native  and  foreign  commo- 
dities, notwithstanding  any  act  to  the  contrary ;  tlier 
paying  thereout  his  majesl^'s  just  dues,  as,  by  the  articles 
iiunle  between  ns  ami  the  said  ambassador,  they  are 
disposed.  And  we  are  further  pleased  that  two  hundred 
musketeers,  with  olhcers  and  a  gunner,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Sir  Robert  Lynch,  be  forthwith  sent  to  the  Isles 
of  Arran,  with  a  reasonable  proportion  of  aniniuriition, 
and  three  pieces  of  ordnance  with  necessaries;  and  that 
three  months  means  he  provided  them  out  of  the  said 
twenty  thousand  pounds  to  be  received,  deducting 
thereout  so  much  as  the  contributions  of  the  said  islands 
comes  unto,  according  unto  their  dividend  for  tliat  time, 
the  said  ammunition  to  be  provided  by  the  [iiiblick;  and 
the  said  town  of  Gallway  to  furnish  the  three  (lieces  of 
ordnance,  for  which  the  said  cor|)oration  is  to  be  paid, 
by  the  publiek,  out  of  the  next  supplies :  and  after  the 
expiration  of  the  said  two  months,  the  said  tv\o  hundred 
men  and  officers  to  be  there  maintained  at  the  public 
charge,  as  the  rest  of  the  standing  forces  of  the  eountv 
of  Gallway. — Given  at  Tyrellan,  the  7th  of  April,  Itil." 
— Memoirs. 


128  niSTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 

ambassador  and  tlie  major,  slicriffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty,  by  which  it  Mas 
covenanted  that  the  town  shoukl  be  governed  according  to  its  charters,  be  free 
from  any  imposition  of  taxes  by  the  duke,  or  pay  of  his  soldiery,  secure  in  their 
persons,  goods,  lands,  estates  and  possessions,  upon  which,  if  any  injury  should 
be  committed,  full  reparation  should  be  made  ;  and,  tinaily,  that  the  town  should 
not  be  liable  to  repay  the  twenty  thousand  pounds,  or  any  part  tliereof,  except 
its  just  proportion.  Sir  Nicholas  Flunket  and  Geofl'rcy  Browne,  Ixj.  were  dis- 
patched by  the  lord  deputy  to  Brussels,  with  directions  to  conclude  the  treaty 
in  conjunction  with  lord  Taaflfe.  How  this  aftair  was  conducted  and  ended,  may 
be  found  in  all  the  histories  of  those  times.  They  entered  into  articles  with  the 
duke,  contrary  to  the  directions  which  they  had  received.  I'he  loixl  deputy  made 
a  formal  protest  against  this  unwarrantable  proceeding  ;  and  Lorrain,  taking  the 
opportunity,  from  some  private  unexplained  reasons,  put  an  end  to  the  treaty. 

"Whilst  this  hollow  ncgociation  was  going  forward,  the  parliamen.tary  forces 
proceeded  ^\ith  rapid  strides  towards  the  conquest  of  the  kingdom.  Pi-eston,  the 
gallant  Irish  commander,  betrayed  and  gradually  defeated  in  c\ery  other  quarter, 
finally  threw  himself  with  a  few  troops  into  Galway,  where  he  was  intrusted 
with  the  chief  command,  and  honored  with  the  title  of  governor.  The  town 
was  soon  after  invested  by  Sir  Charles  Coote  and  commissary-general  Reynolds 
and  was  quickly  reduced  to  a  state  of  blockade.  The  castles  of  Tirellan,  Oraii- 
more  and  Clare-Galway  were  taken  ;  and  on  the  l'2th  of  August,  10,51,  the  enemy 
pitched  their  camp  between  Lough-a-thalia  and  Suckeen,  v.ithin  a  few  hundred 
yards  of  the  walls.  Limerick  having  surrendered  on  the  S7th  of  October,  a 
council  of  war  was  held  by  Ireton,  to  determine  whether  he  should  innncdiatclv 
march  with  his  army  towards  Galway.  The  general  himself  and  ses'ci'al  oflicers 
were  for  this  measure;  but  others  complaining  of  the  ill  condition  of  their  men, 
through  sickness  and  severe  service,  and  the  near  approach  of  winter,  it  was 
resolved  that,  for  the  present,  they  should  summon  the  town  to  accept  the  condi- 
tions originally  tendered  to  Limerick.  Accordingly,  on  the  morning  of  the  Qtli 
of  November,  dispatches  arrived  from  the  lord  deputy  for  the  governor,  (inclosing 
letters  also  to  the  mayor  and  inhabitants,)  in  which,  after  some  pointed  reflections,  ; 
he  informs  him  that  if  he  shall  freely  communicate  tlie  proposals  to  the  town's- 
people,  and  be  himself,  "  waving  the  frivolous  impcrtinencies  of  a  soldier's  honor 
or  humor  rather,"  inclined  to  capitulate,  he  might  then  expect  to  partake  in  the 
benefit  of  the  conditions  ;  but  that  if  he  smothered  or  suppressed  them,  he  might 
be  sure  that  his  head  would  pay  for  the  trouble  or  mischief  that  should  follow. ' 


*  The  interesthig  nature  of  the  correspondence  which  last  political  act  of  their  eventful  lives.    For  these  reasoni, 

took  place  on  this  occasion,  inilcptnclently  of  its  never  it  is  hoped,  it  may  not  be  unaceept.ible  to  the  reader, 

before  having  been  made  public,  induced  its  insertion  here.  "  To  general  Preston, 

It  strongly  displays  the  characters  of  the  famous  indivi-  "  I  shall  not  now  doe  you  the  curtesie  to  summon  you 

duals  in  question,  and  is  further  remarkable  for  being  the  at  such  a  distance,  because  your  gravity  once  chid  nie  for 


HISTORY    OF    GALVrxr. 


129 


Enraged  at  this  threat,  Preston,  ou  the  l^th,  returned  an  angry  answer  of  dcfi. 
ancc,  teUiug  Ireton  that  the  "  licads  of  those  with  him  were  as  unsettled  on  tlieir 
siioulders  as  any  he  knew  of  within  the  town."  The  communication  for  the 
inhabitants  was  artfully  contrived  to  create  distrust  of  the  garrison ;  hut  the 
example  of  Limerick  operated  more  powerfully  ;  they  seemed  inclined  to  yield, 
and  accordingly  desired  to  know  tlic  particulars  of  the  conditions  which  lie  pro- 
posed. In  the  mean  time  Preston,  dreading  the  event  of  a  surrender,  by  which 
liislife  would  be  endangered,  took  shipping  in  the  bay,  and  went  to  France.  Before 
any  further  negociation  could  take  place,  Ireton  died  in  Limerick,  of  the  plague, 
on  the  yOth  of  November,  and  was  succeeded  in  command  by  lieutenant-general 
Ludlov/.  On  the  death  of  this  '•  gloomy  republican,"  a  momentary  gleam  of 
hope  passed  over  the  desponding  minds  of  the  inhal)itants  of  Galway,  and  they 


it  a;  imaJvisedh-,  but  for  the  good  men's  snkc  oftlie  city, 
wlio  pcrlinps  may  not  be  so  angry  in  tlio  nolioli  ol'  a 
soiiUlier's  honor,  as  to  inulcrst;uulc  the  quil)bles  of  it,  or 
to  find  that  worth  or  weight  in  them  to  admit  in  baiemce 
against  the  more  feeling  concernments  of  their  own  safety 
jind  snb^i-.tence,  thongli  men  of  yonr  unhappy  breeding 
thinic  such  glorious  trifles  worth  the  sacrificing  or  ven- 
turing of  other  men's  lives  and  interests  for,  (however 
vim  would  your  owne,)  I  have  here  sent  to  tliem  a  sober 
tender  of  conditions,  which  they  may  (perhaps)  think  it 
behoves  them  to  consider,  while  there's  time,  or  rather  at 
distance,  than  stay  till  tlic  refusal  bring  miseliief  or 
danger  nearer  to  their  doores.  This,  if  you  shall  fairly 
communicate  as  'tis  directed,  and  especially  if  you  be 
found  compliant  to  the  substance  and  effect  of  it,  (waving 
the  frivolous  impcrtinencys  of  a  souldior's  honor  or  humor 
rather,)  you  may  partake  in  the  benefit  of  such  conditions 
ai  your  i|nality  renders  you  capable  of.  If  you  smother 
or  suppress  it,  you  may  guess  whose  head  shall  pay  for 
the  trouble  or  mischief  that  shall  follow,  if  Gou  enable 
us  to  reach  it,  as  I  doubt  not  but  lie  will,  because  he  is, 
and  we  have  eminently  found  him  still  to  be,  a  righteous 
iiidse  pleadiiigc  the  qnarrell  of  the  innocent,  and  a 
severe  avenger  of  their  blood  .against  those  that  spill  it  or 
li'ditly  regard  it,  as  well  as  a  merciful  fatlier  and  faithful 
master  to  those  that  seek  and  serve  him. -Sir,  your 
iiCnant. — Clare-eastle,  7th  Nov.  1651. — H.  Ireton." 
"  For  general  Ireton. 
"  It  would  prove  noe  curtesie  unto  nic  your  summoning 
Tne  at  such  a  distance,  but  rather  a  discurtecy,  which  had, 
in  mv  opinion,  rendered  you  guilty  of  a  second  error 
ajainVt  the  rules  of  v.arrc.  You  may  not  think  strange 
that  the  pcojdc  of  this  towne  should  stand  upon  souldier's 
honor,  and  have  skill  to  oppose  an  enemy,  wlio  have  of 
tlicnisclves  (without  the  assistance  of  others)  long  since 
stood  out  against  the  threats  and  attempts  of  the  lord 
Forbes,  who  was  general  of  a  fleet  when  he  beseiged  them, 
and  forced  him  to  retire  without  any  loss  to  themselves. 
If  my  profession  be  unhappy,  (as  you  terme  it,)  I  cannot 
liat  admire  you  should  follow  the  same,  which,  if  it 
hitherto  hath  proved  to  your  content,  may  hereafter 
prove  unhappy  to  you,  accordingc  to  your  own  judgment 
of  it:  and  if  men  of  that  profession  shall  be  backward 


in  venturing  men's  lives  in  a  just  cause,  (such  as  I  ownc, 
being  for  my  religiini,  king  and  country,)  they  shall  hardly 
attain  to  the  effcctirg  of  any  great  enterprize.  But  sncli 
as  hazard  men's  lives  without  a  just  cause,  will  one  day 
answer  lor  their  blood  bel'ore  Gou,  the  just  judge,  in 
which  (when  you  reflect  on  your  owne  action--,)  you  will 
find  yourself  as  guilty  as  others.  Your  letter  to  the 
nunor,  aldermen  and  burges  es  of  this  towne,  I  delivered 
them,  knowing  their  honest  and  gallant  resolution  to  be 
such  as  they  may  not  be  drawn  or  temfited  to  any  of  the 
least  distrust  or  jealousy  of  the  souidiers  an:ongst  them, 
which  you  endeavour,  by  your  letter,  to  fill  their  imagi- 
nations withall,  for  your  owne  ends  and  their  utter  ruine; 
and,  had  I  suppressed  or  smothered  it,  I  cannot  guess 
whose  head  here  should  be  subject  to  pay  ibr  it;  for  I 
hold  that  the  heads  of  those  with  you  are  as  unsettled  on 
their  shoulders  as  any  I  know  in  this  towne. — Sir,  your 
servant. — Galhvay,  1 2th  Nov.  1651. — Thomas  Preston, 
Taragli." 

The  dispatch  for  the  citizens  was  as  follows : 
"  Gentlemen,  I  su])pose  you  cannot  but  understand  that 
(as  Gou  hath  pleaded  to  bless  and  dispose  of  our  aflfaircs) 
wee  have  no  place  considerable  in  Ireland  to  intend  next 
but  your  city,  where,  I  believe,  you  must  needs  feelc  some 
restraint  already  both  to  your  trading  and  supplyes,  and 
cannot  but  foresee  more  coming  on,  that  will  reduce  joii 
(by  GoL>'s  blessing  continuing  with  us)  to  extremity  ere 
long,  though  wee  should  not  at  all  deal  with  you  in  a  more 
forceable  way.  And  therefore,  though  I  can  expect  little 
fruit  of  a  formal  sunnnons,  at  this  distance  and  season, 
if  you  be  under  the  power  of  a  mercenary  souldiery,  (who 
will  perhaps  pretend  point  of  honour,  not  to  yield  before 
more  extremity  or  immediate  force  at  hand,  but  really 
intend  their  ow  n  interests,  soe  farr  as  to  keepe  themselves 
in  a  warm  (juarter  and  good  pay,  whilst  they  can,)  thongli 
thereby  (besides  first  milking  oi' you  dry )  tiiey  bring  you 
into  as  bad  a  condition  at  last  as  those  in  Limerick  and 
other  places  have  done  the  poore  people  tluit  maintained 
them,  and  then,  getting  us  good  conditions  as  they  can 
for  themselves,  to  be  gone,  leaving  you  with  your  more 
weighty  interests  behinde  to  stand  at  tlic  stake ;  yctt  not 
knowing  but  your  wisdome  may  have  kept  yon  soe  far 
masters  of  yourselves  and  your  citty,  as  to  be  able  to  rid 


130 


IIISTOKY    OF    GALWAY, 


ngain  determined  on  tlie  most  vigorous  resistance.  About  the  beginning  of 
December  Coote  again  p-roposed  the  conditions  ofl'cred  to  Limerick,  but  they 
declined  the  treaty.  HostiUties  warmly  commenced,  and  continued  -with  Aarious 
success  on  both  sides,  until  some  reverses  experienced  by  the  town  changed  the 
face  of  affairs.  Being  in  a  slate  of  strict  blockade,  and  provisions  beginning  lo  gvow 
scarce,  about  eighty  of  the  iniiabitants  went  privately  out  of  the  town,  and  seizing 
one  hundred  head  of  cattle,  designed  to  drive  them  in,  but  being  met  on  their 
return  bv  a  party  of  the  enemy,  upwards  of  sixty  were  killed,  and  the  cattle  re- 
taken. This  disappointment  was  followed  by  another  much  greater;  i'or  two 
vessels  laden  with  corn,  endeavouring  to  get  into  the  harbour,  were  ptu'sued  by 
two  parliamentary  frigates,  who  took  one,  and  forced  the  other  on  the  rocks,  near 


yourselves  of  such  puPsts  when  vou   sec  cauie,'  I  tlioudit 

Ik   herchy  to  ottl'i'  you,  as  once  I  diJ    to  Liiuerich,  last 

year,  wliiUt  they  were  tlicir  ownc  masters,  that  if  you  will 

yet  open  yonr  irates,  an  J  snbniitt  to  the  state  of  EngUuul, 

vou  shall  fuul  more  mercy  anil  favours  lo  all,  save  the 

ii:'ii;inal   authors  of   the    rebellion,  the  first  engagers  in 

eonnnand  or   eouneill   therein,   before  the    fu'at   general 

assembly,    or  such  as  sate  therein,  than  you  sliall   ever 

have  from  mcc,  by  bargaining  for  yourselves.     Or  if  yon 

think  it  better  for  you  to   eapilula.te  for  eousiilerations, 

I  shall  (if  you  aeee|it  them  without  furtlier  trouble  lo  us) 

give  yon  the  same  in  eti'eet  which  I  tenderM  to  Limerick 

at  uiy  first  sitting  tlown  before  it  this  yeare,  in  ease  they 

would  have  surremlercd  then,  soe  as  lo  have  set  us  free 

for  other  worke  the  remainder  of  the  summer,  which,  if, 

upon  the  said  example  of  what  they  by  the  refusal  have 

lost,  and  what  they  came  to  at  last,  after  all  the  distresses, 

impoverishments  and  miseries  of  the  siege,  yon  incline  to 

lay   I'.old  on    wliiie  you  may,  and  soe  prevent   the  like 

miseries,   yo'a  shall  soone  understand  them  from  nice. 

Now,  indeed,  tiiongh  you  shoidil  not  bo  overmastered  by 

im  luingry  sharking  souldicry,  yet  the  multitudes  of  priests, 

those  incendiaries  of  blood  and  miseliicf  amorigst  men, 

and   of .  other   desperate   persons    (engaged    upon    their 

principles  in  the  heginning  of  this  rebellion,  and  in  the 

iruu'dcrs  and  outrages  therein  eomniitteil)  which  I  tnider- 

stanu  you  have  amongst  you,  makes  me  apt  to  doubt  that 

hv  reception  and  protecting  of  them,  and  adherence  tluis 

fai-  r.uto  them,  (if   not  by  any  bloody   and  treacherous 

actinge  of  your  ownc,)  you  may,  in  t!ie  righteous  judgment 

of  God,  be  soe  far  involved  with  them  in  the  same  gnilt, 

as  to  be  doomed  to  partake  with  them  in  flie  same  plague, 

and  given  up  to  be  either  overawed  or  deludcil  thereunto 

by  the  same  peraons,  with  whom  and  for  wiiose  sake  you 

have  soe  made  yourselves  partakers  in  the  guilt,  or  (at 

least)  I  am  sure  such  as  those  amongst  yon  (soe  far  as 

ihcy  can  prcvaile  to  overpower  you  or  deceive  yon)  will 

endeavor  to  engage  you  as  decpe,  render  you  as  desperate 

as  themselves,  and  make  yonr  wenltli  and  strength  serve 

to  maintain   or  perfect  them,   and  their  broken  wicked 

interest,  as  long  a^  ever  they  can.     Yet  whatever  issue  it 

have,  I  shall  have  tlie  suti^i'action  in  n'vsclf  of   having 

discharged  such  a  duty  towards  tlic  saveing  and  real  good 

of  men,  (ii'  cajiablc  of  it,)  and  in  iiaving  by  this  a  good 


tryal  how  God  sufTers  you  to  be  inclined  for  mercy  or 
judgment  to  youi'^clves,  and  see  the  more  clearly,  what 
dealing  he  calls  for  towards  von  from  our  hands.  If  you 
shall  be  blinded  or  hardened  to  the  rcfnsall  of  this  mercy 
whiht  you  may  have  it,  and  to  put  the  state  of  iLngland, 
and  us  their  servants,  to  the  charge,  bard  bi[)  and  labour  of 
drawing  before  you  to  besiege  you,  when  there  is  noe 
town  iint  yours  to  protract  the  enil  of  the  war,  yon  may 
well  ex]>eet  (since  wee  have  nothing  cUe  considerable  to 
do,)  that  wee  shall  endeavor  to  tlie  utn.ost  to  n:ake  yon 
|iay  dearly  for  it  in  the  i.^sllc,  an<l  more  than  others  bcibre 
you,  by  how  much  you  alone  doe  with  lesse  reason  or 
hopes  (and  iv.oyc  malignant  obstinacy  )  lengthen  out  our 
charge  and  trouble,  and  make  your.-clves  the  single  and 
more  singular  mark  of  justice. — Yours,  H.  Ireton." 
Answer. 
"  Wee  received  yours,  dated  at  the  castle  of  Clare,  the 
7th  of  this  instant,  wherein  you  seemed  (under  the  cloud 
of  a  friendly  advice)  to  set  distrust  and  jealousy  betwixt  us 
and  the  souldicry  amongst  u.,  which  perhaps  the  like 
hath  wrought  you  desired  eth'cts  of  divi>ion  and  distraction 
in  Limerick  and  other  places,  to  their  owne  mine:  yet 
have  v.'ce  that  confidence  in  the  omnipotent  God,  wlio  is 
the  author  and  foimtaine  of  imion  and  charity,  that 
nothing  shall  be  able  to  rend  or  break  the  seitlcd 
conjimction  which  is  between  us  in  the  towne,  soe  that 
howsoever  God  shall  be  pleased  to  direct  onr  intentions, 
it  will  appear  by  the  eHe'ct  to  be  the  general  act  of  all, 
without  exception.  You  were  pleased  to  speak  in  vour 
letter  of  condition  ofitired  to  Limerick  last  year,  and 
likewise  of  others  ofKrcd  by  you  to  them,  when  first  von 
sate  before  that  eitty  this  yeare,  of  both  which,  wee  being 
ignorant,  cannot  give  that  full  resolutinn  upon  tho.e  offers 
by  you  made.  Wee  doe  expect  from  you  that  fiiil  scope 
of  both  those  conditions  mentioned  in  your  letter,  and 
that  without  excejition  of  any  person  or  (lersous  in  or  of 
this  towne,)  whereupon  wee  will  rctm'n  unto  you  such 
answer  and  resolution  as  Goo  shall  direct  iis,  and  wliicli 
shall  become  good  christians,  and  men  of  our  condi- 
tion and  (|uality,  and  soe  we  remaine  your  servants — 
I'ichard  Kirwan,  mayor;  Oliver FIVcnch,  Stephen  Ffrcnch, 
'J'houias  Lynch,  James  Lynch,  Dominick  Browne,  John 
lilake. — Galway,  iL'th  November,  liiSl. — To  general 
Ireton." — Council  Booli. 


IIISTOnv    OF    GALWAY, 


IJl 


tlie  islands  of  Arran,  where  slie  was  lost. '  These  disasters  were  considerably 
liciglitened  by  the  increased  population  of  the  town,  which  was  crowded  l)y  n\ulti- 
tiidcs  of  the  nobility,  clergy,  and  other  persons  of  rank  and  interest  in  the  king- 
dom, who  flocked  hither  as  their  last  place  of  refuge  and  safety.  Meetings  were 
frequently  held  to  deliberate  upon  the  state  of  affairs,  at  wliieli  the  marquis  of 
tlaiiricarde  generally  presided;  and  it  was  at  length  resolved,  when  too  late,  that 
proposals  sliould  be  made  for  a  general  pacification  and  settlement  of  t)ie  king- 
dom. Accordingly  dispatches  to  that  etfjct  were  sent  by  the  marquis  to  general 
Ludlow,  on  the  Itth  of  February,  requiring,  at  the  same  time,  a  safe  conduct  for 
commissioners  to  carry  on  the  treaty.  To  these  proposals  Ludlow,  on  the  SItli, 
returned  a  very  vague  and  indefinite  answer,  merely  informing  him  that  the  settle- 
ment of  the  nation  belonged  to  the  parliament,  who  he  was  assured  would  not 
capitulate  with  those  wlio  ought  to  be  in  submission,  and  stood  in  opposition  to 
their  authority ;  but,  "  if  the  Lord  inclined  their  hearts  to  submission,  such  mode- 
rate terms  would  be  consented  to,  as  men  in  their  condition  could  reasonably 
expect."  The  submission  here  intimated  may  easily  be  conceived  to  have  meant 
little  less  than  an  absolute  surrender  of  their  lives  and  liberties  to  the  mercy 
of  the  besiegers.  The  great  council  (as  they  were  still  called)  again  assembled 
within  the  town,  and  resolved  to  propose  a  cessation  of  arms,  and  demand  a  licence 
for  conmiissioiiers  to  repair  to  tlie  parliament  in  England.  These  proposals  having 
been  also  rejected,  ^  the  principal  part  of  tlie  nobility  and  men  of  rank,  then  in 
the  town,  took  siiipping  in  the  bay,  and  left  the  kingdom  in  despair. 

Thus  circumstanced,  the  inhabitants  unanimously  resolved  to  sell  their  lives  as 
dearly  as  they  could.  Every  preparation,  both  offensive  and  defensive,  was  vigo- 
rously made  ;  the  fortifications  were  refitted  ;  communication  with  the  country 


1  Luillow's  T.Tcmoirs.     Vol.  I.  339. 

'^  All  extract  iVoni  Ludlow's  Ji-.)).itcht'i  to  Sii-  Riclip.rd 
Dlakc,  in  answer  to  titosc  ;)roi)osi;i'ms,  will  t'lilly  Jjvclopc 
the  views  of  the  i)ailiaiiiciil;irv  leuJcrs,  and  justiiy  the 
ffiirs  then  enturtaiiieil  oi'  tlK'if  iiuenllons. — "  Y.)u  reiterate 
the  former  applicatioii  tVoni  tlu  earl  of  Chmriciirde  for 
the  settlement  of  tliis  nation;  ilitlerini;  only  in  tiiis,  tliat 
he  woiiM  have  eapitulateil  on  liie  plaee:  you  pro|.'Osc  to 
repaire  to  Englaiul,  ajiDivliendini;  the  former  (ienyall  to 
proceed  I'roni  want  of  power  here,  v. licreas  the  cliicfo 
proiiiuls  were  the  nnrcasonahlcii'jss  of  the  proposition, 
thai  such  (who  are  gnilty  of  a  Moody  and  erucll  massacre, 
at  least  engaged  in  the  witooldiiii;  of  thein  from  ju-.tiee 
who  are  soe,  whom  the  lighteons  hand  of  Gou  hath 
prosccntcd  from  field  to  iicld,  from  city  to  city,  even  to 
t!ie  gates  of  Galway,)  should  be  adn.ittcd  to  eapitnlate 
ahout  the  settlement  of  this  nation  with  the  pariianient 
of  En^land,  (their  lav.fuU  magistrate,)  wlioin  Goo  hath 
nut  only  permitted  to  lie  raised  to  their  present  height, 
a^  yon  terme  it,  but  by  his  owne  outstretelieil  arine  and 
clorions  presence  hath  enabled  to  become  a  tcrronr  to 


cvill  doers,  and  an  encouragement  to  them  that  doe  well; 
;inil  this  capitulation  to  be  before  they  have  either  owned 
their  guilt,  or  delivered  up  those  Acluuis  to  justice,  for 
whose  iniquity  the  land  mournes.  Indeed  if  once  the 
Lord  would  truly  humble  you  under  his  omnipotent  hand, 
for  your  raising  and  fomenting  this  unnatural  (juarrell 
between  two  nations  of  late  linked  in  love,  allyed  in  blood, 
and  not  Uilierent  in  laws,  (as  yourselves  coul'esse,)  anil 
woidd  incline  you  timely  and  readily  to  submit  to  their 
authority,  (as  the  greatest  part  of  the  nation  have  already 
done,)  i  should  then  hope  that  deliverances  were  drawing 
niiih.  As  touching  the  cessation  you  pri)])0se,  for  avov- 
dinge  the  further  efliision  of  christian  blood,  1  conhl  wish 
that  this  tenderness  luul  in  the  beginning  posscst  your 
spirits;  but  how  such  a  cessation  can  be  satisfactory  to 
the  parliament  of  England  appcarcs  not  to  iiiec,  seeing 
they  have  bene  at  soe  vast  a  charge  in  their  pre[iarations 
for  the  putting  a  speedy  issue  totliis  warr,  wfiieh,  by  the 
Lord's  assistance,  shall  be  licwtily  persecuted  by  your 
servant,  "  Edunind  Ludlov  e. 

"  Dublin,  irthMaidi,  1651."— (.'u^/ici/i'oeA-. 


132 


inSTOllY   Oi'^   galway. 


was  renewed,  and  snccoiiis  contracted  ibr,  which  wonkl  have  enabled  them  to 
protract  the  v.'ar,  and  even  render  its  issue  in  some  degree  doubtl'id.  These  pre- 
parations, though  tlicy  excited  tlie  alarm  and  raised  the  fears  of  the  enemy,  had, 
however,  no  other  eifjct  thaii  that  of  rendering  them  more  inclinable  to  terms  of 
acconnnodation.  The  great  dearth  of  pro\isions,  which  now  threatened  the 
besieged  with  all  the  horrors  of  approaching  famine,  at  length  obliged  ihetn  to 
submit  to  a  treaty  of  capitulation  with  Coote.  Commissioners  on  both  sides  were 
ap])ointed  ;  and  the  condilious  originally  offered  to  Limerick,  by  Iretou,  were  now 
made  the  basis  of  the  articles,  which  were  finally  agreed  upon,  and  signed  on  the 
5th  of  April,  l(i5'2.  By  these  articles,  the  town,  forts,  fortifications,  2vc.  were 
to  be  delivered  up  to  Sir  Charles  Coote  for  the  parliament  on  the  I'ith  instant;  all 
persons  within  the  town  were  to  have  (piarter  for  their  lives,  liberties  and  persons, 
and  six  months  time  to  depart  with  their  goods  to  any  part  of  the  nation,  or  beyond 
seas.  The  same  time  was  allowed  the  clergy  to  quit  the  kingdom  ;  and  all  those 
comprized  in  the  second  article  were  to  have  an  indemnity  for  past  ofi'euces,  except 
Dominick  Kirwan  and  others  who  were  concerned  in  the  attack  on  captain  Clarke's 
ship  on  the  19th  of  March,  iGfl.  The  inhabitants  were  to  enjoy  their  estates  to 
them  and  their  heirs  for  ever,  in  all  houses,  castles,  lands,  S:c.  within  the  town 
and  the  old  and  new  liberties,  with  liberty  to  let  and  set  same,  but,  in  case  of  sale, 
to  pay  a  third  part  of  the  price  to  the  state  of  England.  They  were  to  be  charged 
with  no  contribution  but  in  proportion  witli  other  cities  and  towns,  and  were  to 
enjoy  two  parts  of  their  real  properties  in  all  places  within  the  state's  dominion,  but 
su'oject  to  regulations  for  remimeration  when  contiguous  to  castles,  fortifications 
or  streights.  Upon  surrender  of  the  town,  they  were  to  enter  into,  and  enjoy  all 
their  real  estates,  until  persons  should  be  a])pointed  by  the  parliament  to  di.ipose 
of  one-third  thereof  for  its  use  ;  and  the  composition  of  five  thousand  pounds, 
insisted  upon  for  the  third  part  of  their  goods  ajul  chattels,  was  referred  to  com- 
missioners for  remittal  or  mitigation.  The  corporation  charter  and  pri\ ileges  were 
guaranteed,  and  liberty  to  trade  provided  for.  All  prisoners,  natives  or  inhabitants 
of  Galway,  or  the  islands  of  Arran,  were  to  be  liberateil  without  ransom  ;  and  all 
shi})  goods  or  merchandize,  taken  by  laud  or  sea,  going  to,  or  coming  fh)m  the 
town,  were  to  be  restored.  A  breach  of  the  articles  was  lo  be  deemed  on!)'  the  act 
the  person  committing  it.  The  lord  presiden.t,  Coote,  was  to  procure  them  to  be 
ratified  and  confirmed,  within  twenty  days,  by  the  commissioners,  and  also  to  be 
secured  by  an  act  of  parliament.  Sir  ^'alentine  lilake.  Sir  Oliver  I'french,  John 
Blake,  esq.  and  Dominick  Blake,  were  to  be  delivered  as  hostages;  and,  finally, 
the  ncv/  castle  at  Tirellan  and  the  fort  in  Mutton-island  were  to  be  surren- 
dered by  twelve  o'clock  at  noon  on  the  day  following.'^      These  were  the  condi. 


Sec  the  articles  of  surreiidci-  at  full  in  tiic  Ainii-iicllx.. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  133 

'li'His  upon  wliicli  tlie  town  of  Galway  surrendered  to  the  parliamentary  forces, 
.■.!:il  which  will  for  ever  remain  an  indelible  memorial  of  the  perseverance  and 
Ijravery  of  its  inhabitants,  who,  after  a  siege  of  nine  months,  during  which  they 
viiiicred  every  human  privation,  at  length  succeeded  in  obtaining  such  articles  as, 
if  honorably  observed,  would  have  had  no  otlier  eflect  on  the  town  than  that  of 
iraiiiferring  its  allegiance  to  the  then  rulino-  power  ;  but  how  flagitiously  they 
WL'i'O  afterwards,  infringed  in  every  particular,  will  ai)pear  in  the  sequel. 

8Ir  Charles  Coote,  without  delay,  transmitted  an  account  of  his  jjroceedings 
!o  the  commissioners  of  the  parliament,  in  Dublin,  for  their  approbation.  His 
dispatches  arrived  on  the  11th  of  April  at  the  castle,  and,  tliough  it  was  then  the 
liour  of  midnight,  a  council  of  war  was  immediately  summoned.  The  articles 
".ere  taken  into  consideration,  and,  liaving  been  unanimously  considered  as 
:uo  favorable  to  the  besieged,  several  resolutions  were  entered  into,  which  were 
;Jniost  entirely  subversive  of  their  spirit  and  meaning.  The  result  of  this  con- 
tlrcnce  was  disjjatched  back  that  night,  in  order,  if  at  all  practicable,  to  prevent 
the  ratification  of  the  treaty,  or  if  it  should,  in  the  mean  time,  be  concluded,  to 
iiavc  their  counter-resolutions,  explanatory  of  its  meaning,  signed  as  soon  after- 
,,<  po.s<i!)le  ;  but  they  arrived  too  late  for  the  former  purpose,  and  the  latter  was 
i-ist!y  rejected  by  the  inhabitants,  as  an  open  violation  and  infringement  of  tlie 
.  rtic  !os.  The  town  was  surrendered  on  the  l^tli,  and  colonel  Peter  Stubbers 
inaichiod  in  v>ith  two  companies  of  foot.  The  commissioners  at  Dublin  exculpated 
tlioiiiselvcs  to  the  council  of  state  and  parliament  in  England  from  having  consented 
I.)  the  terms  of  the  articles,  hut,  at  the  same  time,  stated  that  Sir  Charles  Coote, 
ia  granting  them,  had,  in  their  judgment,  acted  very  faitiifidly,  and  conceived 
!!iat  what  he  consented  to  was  for  the  service  of  the  state  ;  and,  if  he  had  not  made 
•'lose  concessions,  there  Vvas  great  possibility  that  more  troops  would  be  brought 
;:ito  the  town,  which  would  have  kept  all  tlie  forces  in  those  parts  occupied 
/;anng  the  sumnicr.  From  the  moment  the  articles  were  signed,  it  v.as  resolved 
\i)  viohite  them.  Coote  hiformcd  the  connnissioners,  that  if  the  parliament  ordered 
tliat  no  Irish  or  Papists  shouki  be  permitted  to  reside  in  any  garrison  in  Ireland, 
!,j  was  sure  the  iniiabitants  of  Galway  would  declare  themselves  bound  1)5'  such  a 
i.'.w,  ami  th;'.t  they  wouhl  not  insist  upon  tlie  articles.  By  these  and  similar  con- 
t  :\anccs  they  were  gradually  evaded,  not,  liowever,  without  leaving  a  perpetual 
■  ;aiii  on  tlie  character  of  the  then  unprincipled  rulers  of  tlie  counti}-. 

With  feelings  of  the  deei)est  emotion,  the  attention  of  the  reader  will  now  be 
turned  towards  the  state  of  affairs  within  this  devoted  and  uiihapj)y,  though  once 
;  rospcrous  and  flourishing,  town,  whose  inhabitants  were  the  flrst  in  Ireland  that 
I 'i/k  up  arms  in  defence  of  tlieir  religion  and  king,  and  the  last,  either  in  Great 
llriliin  or  Irchuid,  that  laid  them  down.  The  surrender  was  followed  by  a 
[jiuine  throughout  the  (.oiuUry,  by  which  multitudes  perished.  This  was  again 
luccecded  by  a  plague,  which  carried  off  thousands  both  in  the  town  and  the 


134 


n  I  STORY    OF    GALWAY. 


surrounding  districts ;  so  that  tlic  severest  vengeance  of  heaven  seemed  now  to 
have  been  poured  down  on  the  heads  of  this  devoted  community.  Many,  driven 
to  despair  by  tlic  severities  inflicted  ujjon  them,  instead  of  avoiding  the  pestilence, 
sou2;lit  refuge  in  death  from  their  merciless  persecutors.  This  dreadful  visitation 
continued  tor  two  years,  during  which  upwards  of  one-third  ol'  the  jiopulation  of 
the  province  was  swept  away,  and  those  who  survived  were  doomed  to  undergo 
sufferings  to  which  even  deatli  itself  was  preferable.  Colonel  Stnbbers,  who  was 
appointed  military  governor  of  the  town  upon  its  surrender,  under  pretence  of 
taking  up  vagrants  and  idle  persons,  made  frequent  nightly  excursions,  with  armed 
troops,  into  the  country,  and  seized  upwards  of  a  thousand  people,  often  without 
discrimination  of  rank  or  condition,  whom  he  transported  to  the  West  Indies,  ami 
tliere  had  sold  as  slaves.  ^  JJu.t  tlie  town  was  the  great  scene  of  persecution. 
Immediately  after  the  surrender,  a  contribution,  amounting  to  four  hundred  pounds 
monthly,  was  imposed  contrary  to  the  articles,  wliich  terminated  in  the  total  ruin 
of  the  inhabitants.  "J'his  excessive  charge  was  exacted  with  the  utmost  severity. 
An  author  who  was  then  in  the  town  relates,  '^  that  unless  it  v'as  paid  to  the  last 
farthing,  at  a  certain  hour,  every  Saturday,  of  which  notice  was  given  by  beat  of 
drum  or  sounding  of  trumpets,  the  soldiers  rushed  to  the  houses  of  the  inhabi- 
tants, and,  A\ith  their  muskets  pointed  to  the  breasts  of  the  inmates,  threatened 
them  with  immediate  death,  luiless  paid  whatever  they  thought  proper  to  demand; 
and  when,  from  the  continual  payments,  the  town's  people  were  imable  any  longer 
to  discharge  it,  such  articles  of  household  furniture  as  the  soldiery  could  find, 
even  to  the  clothes  of  the  women,  were  seized,  and  sold  in  the  market-place  for 
whatever  they  would  bring :  so  that,  according  to  this  author,  the  return  of 
Saturday,  being  the  period  of  payment  and  visitation,  seemed  to  the  inhabi- 
tants to  realize  the  idea  formed  of  the  day  of  judgment,  the  sounding  of  llic 
trumpets  striking  them  with  almost  equal  terror. 

Henceforth  the  most  violent  acts  of  oppression  and  injustice  openly  took  place 
without  any  control.  The  king's  arms  and  every  other  emblem  of  ro}alty  were 
torn  dovv'n  ;  upwards  of  fifty  of  the  Catholic  clergy  were  shipped  to  the  islands 
of  Arran  and  Bophin,  until  they  could  be  transported  to  the  ^^'est  Indies;  and, 
being  allowed  but  two  pence  a  day  each  for  their  support,  they  were  nearly 
famished.  The  churches  and  abbies  were  converted  into  stables  tor  the  dragoons, 
the  chalices  and  sacred  vessels  used  as  drinkiug-cups,  and  the  old  and  valuable 


*■  These  proceedinjis,  -aided  by  the  plague  and  sword,  those  times,  that  the  wages  of  a  common  labourer,  indc- 
nearly  depopidatcd  the  whole  country,  and  caused  such  pcndentiy  of  meat  and  drink,  had  arisen  to -l/.  13«.  yearlv, 
a  scarcity  of  people,  and  so  much  enhanced  the  value  of  and  that  of  an  ordinary  woman  servant  so  high  as  50<.— 
labour,  that  it  became  a  matter  of  general  coiiiplaint,  in     Annnls. 

'  Lvnch,  in  vita  Kirovani, 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAT. 


135 


ii!)raries  of  the  clergy  burnt  or  sold  to  the  shops.  The  mayor  and  aldermen, 
:hoiigh  expressly  protected  by  the  articles,  were  repeatedly  abused  and  dragged 
to  prison,  for  daring  to  remonstrate  with  the  licentious  soldiery,  who  set  no 
buuiuls  to  their  brutality  and  violence. " 

The  inhabitants  having  repeatedly,  but  in  vain,  appealed  to  the  governor 
:.^ainst  these  atrocities,  at  Icngtli  ventured  to  represent  their  grievances  to  the 
coinniissioners  in  Dublin  :  "^  they  received,  however,  such  replies  as  shewed  they 
■.u're  to  expect  no  relief  from  tluit  quarter.  After  several  specious  and  evasive 
_i;s\vcrs,  to  preserve  the  appearance  of  justice,  orders  of  reference  were  made  to 
t!io  very  persons  complained  of:  they  were  finally  informed  that  the  articles  of 
virrender,  being  still  under  consideration  in  England,  could  not  be  interfered 
with ;  and  they  were  thus  dismissed,  to  undergo  even  worse  treatment  than 
before  for  at  all  presuming  to  complain. 

In  the  mean  time  the  state  was  not  inattentive  to  the  security  of  the  town. 
The  east  and  west  citadels  were  built,  and  se\eral  new  outworks  added  to  the  east 
i  )rtifications.  It  also  ajjpears  that  the  very  men  who  wei-e  hourly  violatino;  all 
liiclaws  of  religion  and  humanity,  with  their  usual  consistency  of  character,  now 
considered  it  necessary  to  erect  a  meeting-house  "  for  the  service  of  God,"  the 
ixpenses  of  which  they  took  care  should  be  defrayed  by  applotnient  on  the 
Catholic  inhabitants.  The  question  concerning  the  articles  of  surrender  havin"- 
j.L-cn  at  length  decided  in  England  against  them,  contrary  to  the  public  faith, 
^!id  to  e\ery  law  of  natuie  and  nations,  the  final  destruction  of  the  inhabitants 


'  The  Annnlb  relate,  that  their  avarice  went  so  far  as  to 
'-«k  open  the  to^lh^,  and  root  the  deail  hoches  out  of 
•.  lirirraves,  in  liopes  of  finding  riches  interred  with  them; 

;J  that,    when    disappointed,    tliey    h'l't    the    carcases 

covered,  so  tliat  tliey  were  oiltii  found  mangled  and 
•-•fii  bv  the  do;;s. — Aiinah. 

'  The  following  extract  from  their  memorial,  or  "  list 
'f  grievances,"  presented  on  this  occasion,  will  fjive  the 
;  ..Jir  some  idea  oi  the  abject  condition  to  which  this 

;tc  fiourishing  population  was  now  reduced. 
"  Grievances. 

"  The  poor  distressed  [lelitioners  hum'  ly  represent  unto 
'.  .i;r  lionora,  that  the  connnissioners  of  this  precinct  doe 
;  i!  '^ive  due  respect  to  tliC  major,  but  u|iou  all  occasions, 
A  t!hir  plfasini",  imprison  him  with  his  alderujen. 

■'  liiat  whirca-.  tluir  tenants  in  the  e^ist  ami  west  fran- 
r!.:.^^  of  the  said  towuc,  who  nii;,ht  give  a  consiileiable 
i-i.taiKC  towards  the  (launent  of  th.eir  conlrilintion,  as 
Uing  there  residint  with  their  stock  these  seventeen 
ni'M;tiis paste,  are  taicen  i'rom  thei.i,  and  joyne<l  with  other 
lifOiiii-s;  and  our  merchants  afroad,  who  did  contribute 
:u  their  charges,  upon  the  hist  diffidend,  are  charged 
aliroad,  and  e\i nipt jd  from  the  petilloneis,  which  is  an 
i:.c.;ii;;l  ty  done  to  the  corporation,  as  they  humbly 
n  iKtiic,  wherein  they  desire  your  honors  relief. 

"  That  three  parts  in  eight  of  the  tythcs,  great  and  small, 


of  the  parish  of  St.  \ieholas,  was  invested  in  the  n)avors 
of  Gallway,  and  their  predecessors  before  thcni,  succes- 
sively, time  beyond  the  memory  of  man,  untill,  about  a 
yearc  atul  a  halfe  ago,  the  same  was  disposed  of  by  the 
conmiissioners  without  answering  any  reservation  thereout : 
their  Innnhle  request  is,  for  the  establishment  of  their 
possession  and  payment  of  the  rent  incurred  fur  the  time 
past,  pursuant  to  their  capitulation. 

"  The  said  mayor  doth  fmthcr  olfer  unto  your  honors, 
that  his  demesne  lands  in  Kinmore,  in  the  franchises  of 
Gidlway,  were  disposed  of  by  the  cojnmissioners  to  the 
use  of  the  horse  ol  the  garrison  without  answering  any 
rent  therefore,  this  yeare  and  a  halfe  back,  beiiig  liis 
chief  subsistence,  contrary  to  their  articles,  wherein  hee 
desires  your  honors  relief. 

"  That  the  petitioners  being  an  ancient  colouie  of  Eng- 
lish, plantcil  in  this  nook  of  the  country,  have  been,  hv  the 
crown  of  England,  endowed  with  charters,  grants"  ;inil 
imnnities,  as  alao  with  the  charler-custoin  of  the  said 
towne  held  by  the  saiil  corporation  without  interrujition, 
time  beyond  the  memory  of  man,  and  to  them  expressly 
secured  by  their  articles  made  upon  the  snrrejuler  of 
the  said  town,  yet  the  commissioners  permit  them  not  to 
enjoy  same ;  tluy  therefore  jiray  your  honors  order   for 

the  q\iiet   enjoyment   thereol'    without  molestii'ion." 

Council  Buoli, 


136 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Avas  now  determined  upon.  The  first  step  taken  was  to  extina;nish  the  old 
corporation ;  and  accordingly,  upon  a  petition  from  the  "  English  Protestant 
inhabitants"  of  the  town,  an  order  was  made  by  the  council  of  state,  on  the  25tli 
of  October,  1651',  that  the  mayor  and  other  chief  officers  should  be  "  English 
and  Protestants,"  and  in  case  the  then  mayor  or  other  chief  officers  were 
•'  Irish  or  Papists,"  that  they  should  be  removed.  This  order  was  immediately 
carried  into  execution  ;  and  Thomas  Lynch  Fitz-Ambrose,  the  mayor,  John  Blake, 
the  recorder,  and  Richard  Lynch  and  Anthony  French  Fitz-Pcter,  the  shcrifls, 
were  deposed ;  and,  in  their  place,  colonel  Peter  Stubbcrs,  the  governor,  was 
appointed  mayor,  Robert  Clarke  recorder,  and  Paul  Dodd  and  Marcns  Lyiicli 
Fitz-Thomas  ^  sherhis.  The  English  soldiers  were  next  made  free,  and  the  old 
members  of  the  corporation  finally  disfranchised. 

This  measure  was  only  the  prelude  to  others  more  serious :  it  was  next  deter- 
mined  to  banish  all  the  native  inhabitants  out  of  the  town,  and  to  supply  their 
place  with  an  English  colony.  An  order  was  accordingly  made  by  the  lord 
tlcputy  and  council,  on  the  23d  of  July,  1655,  that  all  persons  who  claimed  or  had 
any  right  to  any  houses  or  other  real  estate,  within  or  conliguons  to  the  town,  -. 
being  popish  recusants,  should  remove  themsehcs  and  their  families  thereout 
before  the  1st  of  November  then  ensuing,  being  paid,  pursuant  to  the  articles, 
their  full  value  ;  and,  in  case  they  should  refuse  or  neglect  to  do  so,  the  officers  and 
soldiers  were  required  to  remove  them.  ^  Before  the  time  limited  for  compliance 
with  this  ordinance  had  expired,  another  was  issued  more  innnediate  in  its  opera- 
tion ;  for  "  the  state  taking  into  consideration  the  extraordinary  strength  of'  the 
town,  and  the  great  intercourse  the  inhabitants  had  ibr  many  ages  with  the  donii- 
nions  of  the  king  of  S2)ain,  and  conceiving  it  probable  that  the  S])aniard  might 
entertain  more  than  common  hopes  from  that  circumstance,  under  colour  of  giving 
-succour  to  the  king  of  Scots,"  (Charles  IL)  they  accordingly,  on  the  30th  of 
October,  ordered,  "  that  all  the  Irish  and  other  popish  inhabitants  should  be  forth- 
with removed  out  of  the  town,  in  order  that  accommodation  shoidd  be  provided 
for  such  English  Protestants,  whose  integrity  to  the  state  would  entitle  them  to  be 
trusted  in  a  place  of  such  importance."     This  order  was  carried  into  effect  by 


'  This  inJividiinl,  acconling  to  tradition,  was  the  only 
native  of  Gahvay  who  chani;ed  his  principles  and  religion, 
and  joined  the  comnion  enemy  of  liotli;  in  consequence 
of  which,  all  roninninication  was  denied  him  liy  his 
Cricnds  dnring  his  lil'e,  and  he  is  said  to  have  ilicd  of  a 
broUen  heart,  occasioned  by  remorse  and  shame  for  his 
apostacy. 

«  Council  Book,  A  9.  page  52. — On  the  18th  of  October, 
colonel  Richard  Lawrence  and  Thomas  Richardson,  esq. 
were  deputed  to  value  the  castles  and  houses.  Their 
appointment  was  renewed  on  the  30th,  and  they  were 
directed  to  sm'vey  and  appraise  the  houses  in  Gahvay; 
and  all  proprietors  that  desired  it,  under  their  hands. 


were  to  have  lilierty  imtil  the  loth  of  Xovembcr,  1656, 
to  make  sale  of  their  interests  to  any  Protestant  that  haJ 
not  been  in  arms,  or  other«ise  dlsaliccted  :  the  tliinl  part 
of  the  purchase-money  to  f;o  to  the  commonwcallli. 
Such  houses  as  should  not  be  sold  by  tlie  piuprictort 
before  the  11th  of  December,  165 J,  to  be  disposed  of 
for  a  year's  time  by  the  governor  to  any  Protestant  not 
havint;  been  in  arms  against  the  conunonwealth  ;  provide! 
that  the  governor  "  do  cn/jage  such  as  shall  take  the  same, 
that  no  waste  or  spoil  should  be  committed  on  the  hou><:i 
that  stand  empty  and  undisposed  of,  or  suder  saiiic  to  be 
spoiled  or  wasted  by  the  soldiers." — IJ. 


IIISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


137 


t'oote,  tlie  lord  president,  witli  unrelenting  severity. "  The  wretched  inhabitants, 
uithout  distinction  of  rank  or  sex,  except  a  few  who  were  oppressed  by  sickness 
and  years,  were  driven  out  of  the  town  in  tiie  midst  of  winter,  (which  was,  at 
the  time,  peculiarly  severe,)  and  were  forced  to  take  shelter  by  the  ditches  and 
in  poor  cabins  in  the  country,  without  fire  or  sufficient  clothing,  in  consequence 
of  wliich  many  fell  victims  to  the  uncommon  inclemency  of  the  season.  Thus 
deprived  of  its  inliabitants,  who  were  succeeded  only  by  soldiery,  tlie  town  pre- 
sented the  appearance  of  a  military  camp,  without  either  order  or  regularity,  and 
soon  fell  to  decay.  Tlie  superb  houses,  which,  in  tlie  language  of  the  Annals, 
were  "  fit  to  lodge  kings  and  princes,"  and  are  described  as  the  best  built  and 
most  splendidly  furnislied  of  any  in  the  kingdom,  were  seized  upon  and  occu- 
pied by  the  lowest  of  the  populace,  until  they  were  completely  ruined.  The 
trifling  trade  which  recently  remained  had  now  entirely  ceased ;  and  the  town, 
thus  circumstanced,  resembled  a  rich  bee-hive  plundered  of  its  treasures,  while 
its  industrious  people  lay  smothered  and  destroyed. 

Tlie  work  of  destruction  being  thus  complete,  the  ruinous  situation  to  which 
this  unfortunate  town  was  now  reduced,  at  length  forced  itself  on  tlie  attention 
of  the  governing  ])arty ;  and  an  expedient  was  soon  devised,  which  it  was  sup- 
posed would  remedy  all  that  had  been  done.  An  act  was  passed  in  tlie  parliament 
of  England,  on  the  17th  of  September,  1G5G,  "  for  the  ascertaining  and  eifectual 
setting  out  of  lands  and  houses  in  Ireland,  in  consideration  of  losses  sustained 
bv  Anthony  Edwards  and  others,  tlie  well-affected  inhabitants  of  the  city  of 
Gloucester,"  during  the  siege  which  that  city  sustained  against  the  royal  forces  in 
iGi','.     The  intentions  of  this  act  not  being  yet  carried  into  execution,  Henry 


»  On  tlie  Ttli  of  Noveiiibei-  Coote  made  a  report  of  his 
proccediiij;s  in  "  clearing  tlie  town"  uMiler  tliis  order, 
la  which  he  states,  that  he  had  "  dispensed  only  with  a 
Wv  pci'ions,  who,  through  extreme  age  and  sickness,  and 
the  unseasonableness  of  the  weather,  were  unable  to 
amove,  but  that  the  security  of  the  place  was  well 
provided  for." — Council  Book. — In  return  for  this  com- 
munication he  recei\ed  the  thanks  of  the  state,  but  was 
cautioned  to  take  care  that  the  few,  so  dispensed  with, 
I'wuld  be  ronoved  as  soon  as  the  season  would  permit ;  it 
king  their  desire  "  that  so  considerable  a  place  should  be 
iiitircly  inhabited  by  Protestants ;"  and  he  was  further 
ilircctcd,  that  in  the  interim,  and  until  the  town  should 
\<  better  inliabitod,  he  should  "  prevent  any  spoil  bei;i^ 
r.uilc  of  the  houses  within  the  towne,  cither  by  the 
sjukliers  or  others,  who,  without  due  care,  would  be  apt 
(0  injure  tliem  upon  all  oceaaions;  as  also  that  they  should 
W  kept  stanch,  and  in  good  repayre,  in  a  condition  to  be 
tenanted  at  considerable  rents,  which  that  place  yielded 
informer  times  more  than  any  other  cilly  of  this  nation." — 
Council  Book. 

This  was  followed,  on  the  19th  of  November,  by 
further  instructions  to  Coote,   wherein  he  was  ordered 


to  "  take  care, — 1.  That  a  draw  well  be  sunk  in  the  most 
convenient  place  within  tlie  east  eitidcll  of  the  citty  of 
GaKvay. — 2.  That  three  platforms  be  forthwith  raisert  ■ 
wherever  it  would  be  conceived  would  most  tend  to  the 
publick  service. — 3.  That  the  several  houses  within  the 
eitidcll  be  repaired. — 4.  To  keep  within  the  towne  twenty 
Irish  masons  and  workmen  : — and,  5.  That  the  priests  or 
fryars,  now  imprisoned  within  the  town,  that  are  above 
the  age  of  forty  years,  be  forthwith  banished  into  France, 
Portugal,  and  other  neighbouring  kingdoms  in  amity  with 
this  commonwealth;  and  that  the  rest  of  the  priests,  that, 
are  under  the  age  of  forty  years,  be  forthwith  shipt  away 
for  Barbadoes  or  other  the  American  plantations ;  and  to 
give  public  notice,  tliat  in  case  any  of  tlicni  return  without, 
licence,  they  shall  be  proceeded  against  according  to  the 
laws ;" — i.  e.  punisJicd  wiih  death. — Id. 

On  1st  September,  lo'5fi,  another  order  issued,  "that 
the  governor  of  the  city  of  Galway  do  forthwith  remove 
thereout  all  Irish  Papists,  and  that  no  Irish  be  permitted . 
to  inhabit  therein,  unless  disabled  to  remove  through  ex- 
treme old  ago  or  sickness,  or  bed-rid."  It  was  also  ordered, 
"  that  he  should  cause  the  weekly  markets  to  be  kept 
outside  the  city  till  further  orders." — Id.  A.  10.  /).  1 03. 


138 


HISTOllY    OF    GALWAY. 


Cromwell,  the  lord  deputy,  embraced  this  as  a  favorable  opj)ortunity  for  phintiii"' 
Galwav  with  English  settlers,  to  whom  the  forfeited  lands  and  houses  could 
be  disposed  of  to  the  amount  of  10,0U0/.  being  the  compensation  to  be  made  to 
Gloucester.  Having  accordingly  consulted  the  council  in  Dublin  on  the  subject, 
he  forwarded  dispatches  to  England  on  the  7th  of  April,  wherein,  after  statini^ 
that  the  public  would  suffer  considerably,  if  some  sjjeedy  and  effectual  course  wcrd 
not  immediately  taken  for  planting  the  town  of  Gal  way,  he  adds,  "  His  higlmess 
hath  too  perfect  an  understanding  of  that  place,  as  wee  need  not  add  much; 
howbcit  we  may  be  bold  to  say,  that  for  the  situation  thereof,  voisenage  and  com- 
merce it  hath  with  Spaine,  the  strayts,  West  Indies  and  other  places,  noe  towne  or 
port  in  the  three  nations  (London  excepted)  was  more  considerable,  nor,  in  all 
probability,  would  more  encourage  trade  abroad  or  manufactures  at  home,  than 
this,  if  well  improved.  It  is  a  towne  made  very  defensive  both  by  art  and  nature, 
and  consists  of  many  noble  buildings,  uniform,  and  most  of  them  of  marble,  whicli 
that  country  hath  plenty  of;  yet  by  reason  of  the  late  horrid  rebellion  and  generall 
waste  then  and  since  made  by  the  impoverisht  English  inhabiting  there,  many  ol' 
the  houses  are  become  very  ruinous ;  and  inasmuch  as  there  appears  more  encou- 
ragement for  this  new  plantation  than  formerly  {for  that  noe  Irish  are  permitted  to 
live  in  ihecitlij,  or  tcithin  three  miles  thereof,  the  better  to  accommodate  the  inliabitants 
with  conveniencies,  the  place  becomes  better  secured,)  and  merchants  have  more 
hopeful  gain  by  trade,  tlian  wlien  the  interest  of  the  towne  was  in  tlie  Irisli  and 
other  Papists  that  lived  there."  It  was  then  proposed  that  the  town  and  lands 
about  it,  and  other  lands  near  Athlone,  and  at  Ballinrobc,  in  Mayo,  or  such  ])art  as 
should  be  tliought  fit,  should  be  sold  to  the  corporation  of  Gloucester,  by  whom  the 
town  coidd  be  colonized  ;  and  he  concluded  by  rcca])itulating  tlie  many  ad\  anta"'es 
which  would  result  from  such  an  undertaking.  The  project  \\as  favorably 
received  by  Cromwell,  and  agreed  to  by  the  citizens  of  Gloucester,  who  sent  over 
doctor  Thomas  Clarges,  as  their  agent,  to  transact  the  business. 

A  survey  of  the  forfeited  lands  was  accordingly  made, '  of  which  Dr.  Claro'es- 
-was  put  into  possession.  The  several  forfeited  houses  in  the  town  were  also 
surveyed  and  valued  by  captain  William  Webb  and  .lames  Hinds;"  and  although 
they  were,  on  the  17th  of  February,  1057,  declared  to  be  in  the  real  and  actual 
possession  of  Anthony  Edwards  aiulTliomas  Whitcombe,  in  trust  for  the  purposes 
contained  in  tlie  Gloucester  act,  yet  no  immediate  exertions  were  made  to  promote 
the  plantation.     But  Cromwell  having,  just  about  that  time,  ordered  that  another 


\ 


'  Sec  Ific  Appendix. — This  siii-vcy  was  transmitted  to  the 
lord  deputy  ;md  council  by  Mr.  James  Cuttc,  one  of  tlie 
CO  nmi  sion^rs,  liy  which  it  appear,;  I,  that  se\eii  hundred 

•and  sixty-three  and  a  halfacres  were  bituatc  in  the  liberties  „ ^.      .  „^  ..„.„,,  ^  ,„,„.  .,„^  ..„„^„,  „,  ,„ 

of  Galway,  two  hiMuh-cd  in  the  harony  of  Athlone,  and  years  piircluisc,   to  3110/.  8j.  which,  wuh  the  value  of        \ 

two  thousand  near  B^'.lhnrohc,  in  the  county  of  Miwo,  all  the  land,   was  witliiu  eight  shillings  of  the   10,000.'.—        '\ 

'.vhicn  were  valued  at  889/.  -is -liul.  Pat.  Rolls  Ojjice.  Rot.  Pat, 


'  The  schednles  of  these  valuations,  which  arc  also 
given  in  the  Appendix,  cannot  but  prove  particulnrlv 
interesting  to  the  descendants  of  the  old  families  of 
Galway.      The  houses  in  the  town  were  valued,  at  sLx 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


139 


sum  of  10,000/.  which  had  been  formerly  allowed  the  town  of  Liverpool  for  its 
losses  in  the  parliamentary  interest,  should  be  satisfied  out  of  the  remainder  of 
the  houses  in  Galway,  the  lord  deputy  again  pressed  the  subject  of  the  coloniza- 
tion and  improvement  of  the  town,  as  well  on  the  inhabitants  of  Liverpool  as 
those  of  Gloucester.  He  represented  to  them,  that  for  building,  situation  and 
strength,  the  town  was  of  very  great  importance  to  the  security  of  the  nation  ;  was 
most  advantageously  situated  for  trade,  having  the  sea  open,  and  free  for  Spain, 
the  Straits,  the  Indies  and  other  places ;  and  that,  before  the  rebellion,  it  was 
inhabited  by  many  wealthy  and  flourishing  inhabitants  ;  and  that  it  would  concern 
them  to  use  their  utmost  diligence  for  speedily  planting  the  place  with  English 
Protestants,  by  whom  the  houses,  then  ruinous,  might  be  repaired,  and  connnerce, 
which  was  then  utterly  decayed,  might  be  revived.  The  reader  may  anticipate 
that  all  these  designs  proved  abortive  ;  the  wished-for  plantation  never  took  place, 
having  been  perhaps  only  prevented  by  the  unexpected  and  happy  revolution  which 
immediately  afterwards  followed. 

The  appalling  scene  of  atrocities,  hitherto  opened  to  the  view  of  the  reader,  is 
now  drawing  to  a  close.  On  the  15th  of  September,  1G58,  Richard  Cromwell 
was  proclaimed  lord  protector  in  Galway,  with  great  rejoicings.  The  con- 
temptible corporation  of  the  day,  having  no  luore  victims  to  persecute,  began  to 
quarrel  amongst  themselves ;  and  their  disputes  became  so  violent  that  the 
government  was  obliged  to  interfere,  and  threatened  to  annul  the  charter,  and 
aholish  their  privileges.  On  the  7th  of  August,  1G59,  an  order  issued  to 
apprehend  lord  Clanricarde,  Sir  Richard  IMake,  and  the  other  principal  gentlemen 
of  the  county  ;  and  on  the  '22i\,  colonel  Thomas  Sadlier,  the  governor,  was 
ordered  to  remove  "  all  the  Irish  Papists"  out  of  the  town  and  liberties,  and  not 
permit  them  to  return  without  licence  from  the  commander  of  the  forces.  Other 
instances  of  persecution  afterwards  occurred,  but  they  gradually  decreased,  both 
in  number  and  severity;  and  some  appearance  of  moderation  and  justice  was  finally 
introduced,   and  for  a  while  established,   by  the  restoration. 


140  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


CHAP.  VI.  "^■ 

FROM  1660  TO  THE  SURRENDER  OF  GALWAY  TO  KING  WILLIAM'S 
FORCES,  1691. 

On  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.  many  of  the  netu  settlers  disappear,  and  the  old 
natives  and  former  inhabitants  return — Letters  of  the  Icing  to  the  lords  justices,  to 
restore  them  to  their  freedom  and  estates — A^iimosities  and  disputes  heizveen  them 
and  the  7iexv  settlers— yln  instance  of  one  of  these  contentions—Prejudice  of  the 
lords  justices  agaif7st  the  old  natives— Opposition  given  to  their  claims — Excluded 
from  corporate  privileges,  and  finally  expelled  the  town — l^ew  rules  established — The 
corporation  lands,  idth  the  charter  and  market  duties,  granted  to  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Hainilton — The  earl  of  Essex,  lord  lieutenant,  opposes  the  grant— His  description 
of  the  decayed  state  of  the  toiim— Colonel  Theodore  Russell  jmrchases  the  charter 
and  market  duties,  a?ul  is  elected  mayor — The  king  grants  a  nexv  charter,  containing 
many  ample  privileges — Population  of  the  town  co7isiderably  diminished,  and  the 
houses  falling  to  ruin — Many  of  the  old  ?2atives  give  security  and  are  permitted  to 
return  to  the  town — They  are  soon  aj'ter  obliged  to  depart,  owing  to  the  clamors 
and  discontent  of  some  members  of  the  corporation — Address  to  the  king,  on  his 
escape  J  rom  the  Rye-house  conspiracy — Accession  of  James  II.  to  the  throne — The 
Catholic  inhabitants  return  to  the  town,  and  made  free  qj  the  corporation— Catholic 
clergy  established  in  the  town— New  charter  granted — Troubles  begin,  and  thejbr- 
tifications  of  the  town  repaired — Resolulio)2s  to  adhere  to  king  James  and  his  govern- 
ment— Protestant  inhabitants  removed  out  of  the  town — Battle  of  Aughrim — Siege 
of  the  town — It  surrenders  on  articles — Treatment  of  the  Roman  Catholics — Forti- 
fications built,  to  secure  the  conquest  of  the  toxin  and  the  islands. 

On  the  restoration  of  Cliarles  II.  such  of  the  new  settlers  in  Galway  as  were 
clistingLiished  for  the  violence  of  their  principles,  or  tlieir  hatred  of  the  royal 
cause,  apprehending  prosecution  and  punishment,  suddenly  disappeared;  while 
as  niany  of  the  old  natives,  as  siu-vived  the  past  scenes  of  destruction,  hailed  with 
joy  an  event  from  which  they  expected,  according  to  the  king's  repeated  decla- 
rations,  not  only  the  termination,  but  also  the  reward,  of  their  manifold  sufferings, 
and  particularly  the  restitution  of  their  usurped  privileges  and  estates.  Accord- 
ingly, one  of  the  first  acts  of  the  king,  after  entering  upon  the  exercise  of  his  royal 
function,  was  an  order  to  reinstate  the  ancient  inhabitants  of  Galway  in  the  pos- 
session of  their  properties  and  privileges,  directed  to  the  lords  justices  of  Ireland, 
ot  the  following!;  tenor  : 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


HI 


"  Charles  R. 
"  Forasmuch  as  the  ancient  inhabitants,  freemen  and  natives  of  our  towne  of 
Gallway,  in  our  kingdome  of  Ireland,  have  held  that  towne  for  us  against  a  siege 
of'nine  months,  being  encouraged  and  commanded  thereunto  by  our  several  letters, 
and  was  the  last  towne  of  consequence,  in  that  our  kingdome,  that  held  out  for 
us  against  the  usurped  power :  and  whereas  the  said  ancient  inhabitants,  freemen 
and  natives,  and  our  garrison  there  being  reduced  to  necessity,  have,  at  the  ren- 
dition of  the  said  towne,  made  quarter,  and  obtayned  articles  of  warre  from  the 
commander  in  chief  of  the  armie  besiegeing  the  said  towne  ;  by  which  articles, 
bearing  date  the  5th  day  of  April,  lGJ'2,  amongst  other  things,  they  were  to 
enjoy  their  freedoms,  priviledges  and  immunities,  and  their  resjiective  interests, 
liouses  and  estates,  in  such  maimer  as  in  the  said  articles  are  mentioned ;  upon 
consideration  whereof,  after  full  debate  of  that  matter,  at  a  committee  of  our 
privy  councill  appointed  for  Irish  affairs,  wee  thought  it  reasonable  and  just  to 
:illow  and  make  good  unto  the  said  inhabitants,  freemen  and  natives,  the  benefit  of 
the  said  articles. — It  is,  therefore,  our  will  and  pleasure,  and  we  do  hereby  order 
and  require,  that  the  said  inhabitants,  freemen  and  natives,  and  all  other  persons 
in  tlie  said  articles  comprised,  shall  have  and  henceforth  enjoy  all  and  sino-ular  the 
benefits,  advantages,  libertyes,  freedomcs,  privileges  and  immunities,  and  all  and 
singular  the  houses,  estates,  lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments  within  the  said 
towne  of  Gallway  and  libcrtys  thereof,  and  elsewhere,  which  were  promised  unto 
tlicm  in  or  by  the  said  articles,  as  by  the  instrument  thereof,  perfected  by  you, 
.Sir  Charles  Coote,  earle  of  JMountrath,  bearing  date  as  aforesaid,  unto  which  we 
lei'er  you,  shall  appeare  ;  and  we  do  hereby  require  you  to  cause  this  our  royall 
pleasure  and  commande  to  be  duly  executed  as  fully  and  as  amply,  for  the  advan- 
tage of  the  said  inhabitants,  freemen  and  natives,  and  others  comprised,  as  the 
said  articles  and  instrument  aforesaid  doth  express,  which  you  are  there  upon  the 
place  to  peruse,  examine  and  allowe,  without  other  or  future  explanations  or  expo- 
sitions there,  as  tlie  same  was  concluded  on  the  rendition  of  tlie  said  towne  :  and 
we  arc  likewise  pleased,  and  it  is  our  will,  order  and  commande,  that  the  said 
inhabitants,  freemen  and  natives,  shall  have  and  be  allowed  siicli  further  addition 
of  grace  as  you  shall  find  us  engaged  unto  by  our  royal  letters,  or  they  can  justly 
claime  by  the  articles  of  peace  concluded  there  in  the  yeare  IGIS  :  and  in  as  much 
as  wo  are  informed,  by  the  duke  of  Ormonde,  that  divers  of  the  said  inliabitants, 
freemen  and  natives,  have  in  a  more  eminent  manner  than  others,  and  in  tlie  worst 
of  tymes,  gyven  testymony  of  tlieir  loyalty  and  afii?ction  to  us,  we  requiie  you 
particularly  to  inform  yourselves  of  ihc  said  persons,  and  to  troate,  use  and  esteeme 
tliL'in  as  persons  in  a  more  speciail  manner  meritting  of  us,  and  accordingly  to 
counlenaiice,  favour  and  settle  them  in  the  same  measure  as  we  have  provided 
for  others  by  express  names  in  our  declaration.  And  it  is  our  royall  will  and 
pleasure,  and  we  require  all  persons  concerned  to  give  ready  obedience  to  these 


142  HISTORY    OF    GALWAV, 

our  commandes  and  order,  as  they  will  answer  the  contrary  at  theire  perllls.  And, 
for  the  more  speedy  and  efFectuall  execution  thereof,  it  is  our  will  and  pleasure 
that  you  issue  and  give  your  effectuall  orders  unto  our  commissioners  appointed 
for  executing  of  our  publique  declaration,  and  to  all  our  commissioners,  officers 
and  ministers,  who  are  or  shall  be  employed  or  concearned  in  restoring  of  persons 
rcstorable,  to  cause  this  our  order  to  be  put  in  speedy  and  due  execution  :  alsoe 
that  you  give  order  to  our  barons  of  our  court  of  Exchequer,  attorney  and  soli- 
citor-generall,  and  other  officers  there  concerned,  to  cause  all  and  every  matters  and 
things  remaining  in  charge  upon  the  houses  and  estates  of  any  of  the  said  persons, 
who  are  to  be  restored  by  virtue  of  this  our  order,  to  be  putt  out  of  charge, 
without  further  charge,  plea  or  suite,  other  than  the  ancient  charge ;  and  likewise 
tliat  you  command  the  trustees  appointed  for  settling  the  securilycs  for  arreares, 
before  the  5th  of  June,  lO-iOj  and  all  persons  deryving  from  them,  to  suffer  tiie 
said  inhabitants,  freemen  and  natives,  and  other  persons  before  mentioned,  without 
interruption,  to  possess  and  enjoy  their  severall  estates,  whereunto  they  are  to  be 
restored  as  aforesaid,  and  the  profitts  thereof,  notwithstanding  any  disposall  made 
or  to  be  made  thereof  by  the  said  commissioners  whatsoever;  for  all  which,  tin's 
shall  be  to  you,  and  all  persons  concerned,  a  sufficient  warrant. — Given  at  our 
court,  at  Whitehall,  the  17th  day  of  June,  in  tlie  thirteenth  yeare  of  our  rein-ne. 

By  his  majesties  command." 
This  gracious  and  equitable  mark  of  tlie  royal  favor,  liowc\cr  sincere  and 
■well  intentioned  the  motives  of  tlie  king  might  then  have  been,  proved  but  of 
little  use  to  those  for  whom  it  was  intended.  Party  ieelings  ran  so  high  in  the 
nation,  that  their  claims  were  drowned  amidst  the  general  clamor  of  discontent; 
but  the  inveterate  prejudices  of  the  men  in  power  against  their  religious  principles 
operated  more  powerfully  against  them  than  any  other  cause.  Tlie  kino^'s 
declaration,  also,  as  might  reasonably  have  been  expected,  occasioned  several 
animosities  and  disputes  between  tlie  old  natives,  who  reclaimed  tiieir  properties, 
iind  such  of  the  new  comers  as  remained  in  the  town,  and  who,  depending  on  the 
partiality  and  protection  of  the  existing  government,  resolved  to  run  all  Juizards 
rather  than  tamely  surrender  their  newly-acquired  possessions.  In  order  to 
convey  a  general  idea  of  the  feelings  by  which  tiiose  contending  parties  were 
then  agitated,  an  occurrence  which  took  place  between  two  of  the  most  respect- 
able of  the  disputants  is  here  selected  as  a  specimen  of  the  remainder.  Robert 
Martin,  of  Ross,  one  of  the  natives  of  tiie  town,  having  obtained  an  order 
from  the  king  to  be  restored  to  the  possession  of  his  mansion-house  in  Galway, 
which  was  then  in  the  occupation  of  Edward  Eyre,  the  recorder,  (and  one 
of  the  members  recently  elected  to  represent  the  town  in  the  new  parliament,) 
he  came  to  Galway  to  demand  possession,  which  being  refused,  complaint  was  made 
to  the  lords  justices  that  the  occupant,  Mr.  Eyre,  not  only  refused  to  obey  the 
king's  order,  but  also  declared,  "  that  he  denied  the  king  to  be  the  only  head  or 


HlSTOny    OF    GALTVAY. 


143 


cliief  governor  of  the  kingdom,  and  that  he  did  not  value  his  order  at  eighteen 
pence."  Upon  receiving  this  information,  the  lords  justices  directed  the  attorney- 
general  to  lay  it  before  the  commons :  the  accused  member  was  immediately 
.■•iimmoned ;  and  he  delivered  in  a  written  statement,  totally  denying  the  char^-e, 
and  challenging  an  immediate  investigation/  After  some  further  commu- 
nications and  delays,  the  house  at  length  came  to  a  resolution,  that  there  were  no 
;;rounds  for  the  complaint;  and  the  recorder,  having  received  some  handsome  enco- 
miums for  his  loyalty  and  integrity  to  his  majesty,  was  unanimously  acquitted. 
Tills  injudicious  proceeding,  on  the  part  of  the  accusers,  proved  considerably  inju- 
rious to  the  interest  of  the  old  proprietors,  and  equally  serviceable  to  the  new;  for  it 


'  Answer  of  Edward  Evrc,  Esq. 
"  Robert  ^Lirtinc,  of  I{oi->e,  accoinpiiiiicd  with  liis 
!*)n-in-la\v,  Isidoriis  Lyncli,  came  to  the  hou^ie  in  Galway 
where  I  now  live,  t!ie  property  formerly  of  said  Robert, 
a'mat  some  business,  which  being  ended,  the  said  Robert, 
in  a  jcstinj;  manner,  asked  nte,  what  I  wonld  say  if  he 
fhoulil  have  his  lionse  aj;ain;  to  which  I  replied,  "  Witli 
:;ll  Miy  heart,  Robert;  I  iiope  you  will  admit  Jiie  your 
tenant,  for  I  have  h?stowed  mncli  in  repairs,  and  have 
Iv.'ii  civil  to  your  niece  and  chiMren,  to  whom  I  have 
ci\cii  room  in  the  said  honse;"  to  wiiicli  the  said  Robert 
■■jiswcrcd,  "  Ye.,  in  good  faitli  have  you,  and  you  shall  be 
truant  for  a  year  and  a  day,  and  no  ion;;er."  I  then  asked 
liini,  upon  what  account  iie  was  so  confident  of  his  house; 
h;  replied,  "  I  have  an  order  in  my  pocket  from  the  king 
til  bj  restored  to  it."  I  th.en  dcniandjd  of  him,  whether 
his  order  was  confirmed  or  allowed  of  by  the  lords 
i'l'ticci,  pursuant  to  the  late  proclamation  grounded  on 
hi-  iiinjesty's  letter,  "that,  whereas  many  orders  were  by 
il!c  Irish  surreptitiously  gotten,  lirc."  to  wliich  the  said 
Roiicrt  replied,  "  In  faith  it  is  not."  I  then  told  him,  "  I 
illil  believe  it  wonld  not  be  worth  three  pence  unto  him ;" 
nlicreupou  Isidjrii-j  Lynch  said,  "  llath  my  order  cost  me 
lixtv  pounds  to  our  agents,  and  now  not  worth  three 
pcni'ci'  you  may  a*  well  deny  tlie  king's  authority."  I 
replied,  "  Xo,  I  deny  that,"  meaning  his  inference. — 
Alter  this,  there  was  some  jesting  discourse  ol  their  agents, 
and  what  m meys  they  had  given  them,  and  then  we 
fri.-iidly  parted,  without  any  distaste.  They,  leaving  me, 
met  witli  one  Deane,  Lynch,  French,  anrl  cither  natives 
of  (SaKvay,  who  fell  into  discourse,  that  they  had  gotten 
prOcr^  for  to  return  into  the  said  town,  and  be  as  free  as 
ever  they  were;  to  which  Marline  replied,  "  Yon  may  be 
J;n'vpd,  for  I  was  with  the  recorder  lately,  who  told  me, 
uar  orilcr^,  if  not  confirmed,  woidd  not  be  worth  three 
pence."  .N'icholas  rrcnch  rrplied,  tliat  it  was  high  trea- 
wii  and  und;rv.iliiatijn  of  the  king's  authority  to  say, 
oar  orders  wei-c  not  worth  three  pence.  The  next  day, 
Frci'.c'ii,  captain  Martine,  and  five  or  six  more  of  them, 
»i;nt  nnlo  Mr.  Bernard's  iiouse,  and  told  him  that  I  had 
»-^!;cii  treason,  and  that  they  hail  written  unto  the  lord 
fn;,nccl!or  of  it,  and  did  not  doubt  but  to  liinder  my 
•ilting  in  the  house.  Mr.  Bernard  immediately  came  to 
rnc,  and  acquainfcd  me  with  all  they  said,  and  desired  me 
to  take  notice  of  it,  for  lie  was  confident  they  would  do 
Bc  all  the  mischief  tliey  could.    I  replied,  1  valued  not 


their  malice  on  that  account,  and  took  no  further  notice 
of  it.     In   ihe  afternoon  the   said  Bernard  came   a"ain 
unto  me,  where  were  present  the  mayor,  aldermen,  and 
about  twenty  gentlemen  of  the  town,  and  with  them  the 
aforesaid  Marline,  and  told  me,  that  those  Irish  had  been 
again  at  his  house,  and  ranted  high  what  they  would  do 
against  me ;    whereupon  I  desired   a  warrant  from  the 
mayor,  and  sent  a  serjeant  and  arrested  Nicholas  Frenclr 
and  captain  Lynch,  who  persuaded  the  serjeant  to  bring 
them  unto  me.     French  demanded  of  nie,  wherefore  I 
arrested  him;  I  told  him,  because  he  had  scandalized  ami 
threatened  me,  he  answered.    He  never  heard  me  speak  a 
word,  but  that  Robert  Marline,  then  jiresent,  told  him 
I  had  spoken  treason  ;  to  which  the  said  Robert  answered, 
"  niou  art  a  drunken,  trepanning,  lying  knave:"  and  the 
said  Marline  being  ilcsired  by  some  [irescnt  to  relate  what 
was  said  by  me,    that  occasioned  this   noise,    answered, 
that  in  a  jesting  discourse  of  their  orders,  I  did  say,  "  that 
unless   they  were  allowed  and  confirmed  by  the  lords 
justices,  they  would  not  be  worth  them  three  pence;"'  and 
there  was  not  one  word  spoken  relating  to  the  king  or  his 
government.     I  told  the  said  Lynch,  if  he  or  any  others 
had  any  thing  to  say  against  me,  they  shoukl  give  in  their 
testimonies  before  the  mayor:  he  answered,  lie  heard  me 
say  nothing,  but  that  Marline  told  him  so;  but  pcrcciviiiJ' 
he  must  go  to  prison,  he  fell  into  a  great  passion,  and  hid  the 
.sheriff'take  him  into  cuatody,  for  I  was  a  rebel  and  a  traitor. 
The  next  day,  I  intending  for  Dublin,  he  jirevailed  witli 
several   of  the   townsmen    to    mediate  with   me  for  his 
release,  alleging  that  he  was  drunk,  and  in  these  fits  he 
would  abuse  any  one;  that  it  would  be  his  undoing,  if  I 
should  leave  him  in  gaol ;  whereupon  he  was  sent  for,  and, 
before  many  witnesses,  acknowledged  that  he  had  injured 
me,  and  was  sorry  for  it.     I  then  gave  order  to  h.ive  the 
action  withdrawn,  he  finding  sureties  to  appear  the  next 
assizes,  who  did  so;  but  after  I  came  to  Dublin,  the  said 
French  went  railing  through  the  streets,  shewing  a  letter, 
and  reading  of  it,  a  copy  whereof  he  said  he  had  sent 
unto   my    lord    cliancellor;    whereujion    he    was   again 
arrested,  and,  as  I  am  informed,  he  then  wrote  to  Patrick 
D'Arcy,  who  gave  in  the  information  that  Mr.  Attornev 
moved  in  this  honorable  house.  Sec. — This  is  all  I  know 
and   can   say   in    answer   to    the   said    information,    the 
contents   whereof  will   be  attested   by   many  witnesses. 

" 'i7tli  July,  1661.  "  Edward  E}re." 

Com,  Jour.  Vol,  J.  ji,  439. " 


144 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


served  not  only  to  prejudice  the  minds  of  the  lords  justices  against  the  former, 
but  also  to  increase  and  strengthen  the  opposition  of  their  opponents  ;  insomuch 
that,  from  the  previously  ruined  state  of  their  finances,  the  resistance  and  delays 
now  given  to  their  claims,  and  the  consequent  heavy  expenses  attending  the 
prosecution  of  them,  they  were  in  general  eitlier  defeated,  or  abandoned  in  despair, 
and  left  unfinished ;  in  consequence  of  which,  very  little  benefit,  as  before  observed, 
was  derived  from  the  king's  declaration  in  their  favor;  and  whate\'cr  part  of  their 
ancient  patrimony  the  descendants  of  the  natives  afterwards  possessed  in  the 
town,  was  priuciinilly  obtained  by  purchase  from  the  new  possessors,  whose  titles, 
liowever  acquired,  had  been  ratified  and  indiscriminately  confirmed  by  grants  and 
leases  from  tlie  crown."  They  were  also  continued  in  all  the  offices  of  the 
corporation ;  and  although  several  writs  of  Qiio-Xiarranto  had  been  brought 
against  them  for  exercising  jurisdiction  as  a  corporate  body,  and  judgment  finally 
obtained,  they  still  retained  their  power  in  the  town,  through  the  infiuence  of  the 
duke  of  Ormond,  and  were  ultimately  triumphant  over  all  opposition.  Thus 
disappointed  in  their  expectations  of  being  restored  to  their  properties,  and  that, 
chiefly,  througli  tlie  indifference  or  ingratitude  of  a  prince  in  whose  cause  they 
had  been  sacrificed,  the  ancient  natives  felt  the  less  regret  at  their  subsequent 
expulsion  from  the  town,  and  consequent  exclusion  from  all  those  corporate 
privileges  and  freedoms  which  they  had  formerly  exercised,  and  which  had  been 
so  honorably  acquired  and  so  long  enjoyed  by  their  ancestors.  They  withdrew, 
therefore,  to  brood  in  silence  over  their  wrongs,  but  fiiUy  resolved,  however,  as 
the  sequel  will  shew,  to  embrace  with  avidity  any  opportunity  that  might  present 
itself  to  redress  them. 

The  town  continued  to  be  governed  under  its  former  charters  until  the  year 
1672,  when  the  "  new"  rules,  orders  and  directions  were  made  and  established 
by  the  lord  lieutenant  and  council,  pursuant  to  the  act  of  explanation,  "  for 
the  better  regulating  of  the  corporation  of  the  town  of  Galway,  and  the  electing 
of  magistrates  and  officers  there."  By  these  rules,  which  have  tlie  force  and 
effect  of  an  act  of  parliament, — 1.  The  names  of  the  mayor,  sheriffs,  recorder, 


*  An  inquisition  taken  in  the  tholscl,  on  1st  Marcli, 
1664,  finds  "  tliat  tlic  lanils,  commonly  called  or  known 
by  the  name  of  Fort-hill,  were  part  of  the  abbey  of  St. 
Aiignstiiie;  and  tliat  same,  with  other  abbey-laiuls,  were 
invested  in  the  crown  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VIII.  That 
a  fort  for  his  majesty's  use  was  erected  on  part  of  those 
lands,  and  continued  in  his  possession  until  164.'5,  when  it 
was  surrendered  by  captain  Willoughby  to  John  Bourke 
and  others,  commanding  the  Irish  forces,  by  whom  it  was 
demolished  by  order  of  the  sii[jreme  council.  Wlio 
received  the  issues  and  profits  since,  the  jury  could  not 
find ;  but  before  the  fort  was  erected,  Nicholas  D'Arey, 
deceased,  was  the  reputed  proprietor  of  the  premises, 
and  since  the  surrender  there  were  several  possessors,  but 


under  what  title  they  could  not  find,  and  say  the  lands 
contain,  by  estimation,  twelve  acres.  That  upon  the 
lands  of  Ballymanaiih,  the  foiuulation  of  a  fort,  and  a 
good  part  ol'  the  w  alls  thereof,  w  ere  laid  and  erected  liir 
his  majesty's  use,  about  the  year  1025,  which  continued 
in  his  possession,  and  in  the  custody  of  John  Turner, 
deceased,  until  IG-41,  when  it  was  entrusted  to  the  charge 
of  Sir  Richard  Blake,  knight,  by  the  lords  justices  and 
council ;  it  contains,  by  estimation,  one  acre,  but  tlicy 
cannot  find  any  known  proprietor  thereof  except  las 
majesty.  That  the  lands  of  Mutton-island,  containing, 
by  estijnation,  three  acres,  were  made  use  of  in  common 
by  the  inhabitants  of  Galway  and  the  liberties  thereof— 
Orig.  Inq.  RulU  Office. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  J45 

or  town-clerk,  to  be  annually  elected  for  ever  thereafter,  are  to  be  forthwith 
presented  for  approbation  to  the  lord  lieutenant,   or  other  chief  governor  or 
;;ovcrnors,  and  the  privy  council ;  and  if  they  or  any  of  them  be  not  approved  of 
within  ten  days,  a  new  election  shall  take  place,  except  in  cases  of  such  as  die  in 
their  year  of  oftice.— '2.  The  warden  to  be  nominated  by  the  lord  lieutenant,  or 

uther  chief  governor  or  governors  of  the  kingdom,  for  the  time  beino-. 3.  AH 

oliiccrs  of  the  corporation  to  take  the  oaths  of  supremacy  and  alle^-i^ance,'  and 
also  that  against  taking  arms  against  the  king/—!..  All  officers  to  be°elected  by 
the  mayor,  shcrifis  and  common  council:  all  matters  in  debate  first  to  pass  the 
common  council  before  being  propoimdcd  in  tholsel,  and  offenders  disfranchised. 
—5.  All  foreigners,  strangers  and  aliens,  as  well  others  as  Protestants,  beino- 
merchants,  traders,  artisans,  artificers,  seamen  or  otherwise,  then  residiu"-  or  to 
come  to  reside  in  the  town,  to  be  admitted  freemen  daring  residence  and  habi- 
tation, and  to  be  deemed  denizens  of  the  kingdom,  on  payment  of  a  tine  of 
twenty  shillings,  first  taking  tlie  oaths  and  paying  charges:  any  person,  magistrate 
or  otherwise,  refusing  to  admit  such,  or  interrupting  tiiem  when  admitted  to  be 
disfranchised. — These  rules,  which  were  in  eflect  the  same  that  reo-ulated  the 
(lihcr  cities,  walled-towns  and  corporations  of  the  kingdom  at  the  time,  althouo-h 
introduced  into  the  succeeding  charter,  continue  in  force  to  the  present  dav. '' 

Tlie  reader  will  not  be  surprised  that  the  same  king,  who  had  so  uuo-ratefullv 
permitted  the  injustice  that  had  taken  place  against  the  former  inhabitants  of 
(iaiway,  and  that,  after  spilling  their  blood  and  wasting  their  treasure's  in  his  cause 
would  equally  disregard  the  interests  of  their  successors  in  the  corporation,  who 
he  was  well  aware,  became  his  friends  merely  from  necessity,  and  would  remain  so 
only  as  long  as  it  was  consistent  with  their  interest.  Of  this  he  now  gave  a  striking 
instance.  During  the  civil  wiu",  the  town's-people  mortgaged,  at  different  times 
and  to  several  persons,  almost  the  entire  of  the  corporation  property,  consistino- 


'  "  This,  wliicli  was  called  "  the  little  oath,"  was  taken 
»«:iy  hv  statute,  4  Geo.  I.  .". 

*  Alderman  Edward  Eyre,  after  so  triumphantly  de- 
fcalinu'  the  charge  brought  against  him  hy  the  ancient 
n.'.ives,  became  the  principal  ruler  of  tlie  town  and 
coqsoration,  whose  aflfiiirs  he  regulated  as  he  thought 
(•ri>]«.r.  On  20th  April,  1670,  he  caused  them  to  grant 
>  !l■.L^e  to  trustees  for  his  use,  for  00  years,  at  tlie  rent  of 
rJ.  yearly,  of  the  principal  pait  of  the  corporation  pro- 
frny  adjoining  the  town,  viz. 

"  The  small  house  on  the  town  wall,  wherein  Robert 
Brown  formerly  dwelt,  with  so  nuich  of  the  void  place 
I'  llie  breadth  of  the  said  house,  takes  up  within  ten  foot 
cf  tlic  key-gate  round  by  the  town  wall. 

"  Tlie  void  place  oppo^ite  llarriichallii,  alias  the  wood- 
kiy,  iilong  the  river  to  Suckccn,  and  to  the  stone-gate  and 
uujc«  ay  about  to  the  cabins  on  the  south  side,  leaving 


a  sufficient  highway,  not  exceeding  twenty  foot,  between 
it  and  the  opposite  cabins. 

The  lower  part  of  the  green,  from  the  east  side  of  the 
flanker  pointing  to  the  causeway,  leading  to  Fort-hill 
along  till  it  mears  with  the  meadlc,  and  so  to"john  Thorn's 
house,  at  the  beginning  of  the  lane,  leaving  sufficient 
room  for  the  cojumon  highway  mearing  with  the  south 
and  south-west,  with  the  ancient  bounds  of  Forl-hill. 

"  The  waste  place  on  the  backside  of  Tlionias  Williams's 
garden,  bounderl  by  the  pool  on  the  soutli  side,  round  to 
the  jetty  of  stones  that  joins  with  the  place  called  the 
exchange  on  the  key  on  the  west-side,  and  bounded  oil 
the  south-eabt,  castwani,  with  the  bounds  of  Fort-liill. 

"  The  tiled  shed  on  the  key,  a  small  place  or  dunghill  in 
the  river  for  erecting  a  mill  beyond  the  west  gate,  and 
the  cabins  on  the  green,  under  the  citadel  on  the  iiijirkef- 
place,  in  the  cast."— .fffi'is/.  OJkc,  odjubj,  1712. 


146 


niSTOItY    OV    GALVVAY. 


of  their  lands,  and  the  charter  and  market  duties, '  for  several  sums  of  money, 
which  they  handed  over  to  the  duke  of  Orniond  and  marquis  of  Clanricarde  for 
the  king's  service.  After  the  restoration  the  morlgagccs  were  found  to  be 
forfeiting  persons  ;  and  the  premises  having  become  vested  in  the  king  under,  the 
acts  of  settlement  and  explanation,  he  accordingly,  by  letters  patent,  dated  5tli 
December,  iGyS,  "^  granted  the  entire  to  Elizabeth  Hamilton,  widow  of  James 
Hamilton,  esq.  one  of  the  grooms  of  his  majesty's  bed-chamber,  and  to  her  heirs. 
This  unexpected  exercise  of  a  dormant  right,  which  it  was  supposed  was  obsolete, 
and  such  as  would  never  have  been  thought  of,  or  at  least  revived,  ai^ainst  the  pre- 
sent corporation,  created  considerable  alarm.  JNIrs.  Hamilton's  agent,  JNIatliew 
Quin,  for  daring  to  assert  her  rights,  though  under  pretence  of  having  offered 
insult  to  the  mayor,  was  tlirown  into  prison,  and  every  resistance  was  made  against 
her  in  the  town.  She  accordingly  had  recourse  to  cluuicL-.ry  for  redress,  and,  after 
some  proceedings,  which  were  defended  by  the  mayor,  '■'  she  succeeded  in  estab- 
lishing her  claim,  and  thus  laid  the  ground-work  of  the  future  decay  and 
j-nonopoly  of  the  corporation.  Tiie  earl  of  Essex,  tiien  lord  lieutenant,  at  first 
opposed  this  ruinous  grant ;  but  the  king  having  expressly  signified  his  pleasure 
that  it  should  take  place,  his  lordship  Avas  obliged  to  acquiesce.  In  a  commu- 
nication on  the  subject  to  the  secretary  in  England,  he  states,  "  As  to  the  affair 
of  the  town  of  Galway,  betwixt  it  and  JMrs.  Hamilton,  kc.  I  cannot  but  tell  you, 
that  I  apprehend  this  grant  will  be  the  ruin  of  that  town.  It  was  once  a 
considerable  place  of  trade,  and  one  of  the  principal  strengths  of  the  kingdom: 
it  furnished  all  the  province  of  Connanght  (it  being  the  only  frequented  port 
there,)  with  foreign  commodities ;  but  now  I  hear  the  merchants  are  all  lea\in'T 
the  place,  and  the  gentlemen  of  that  country  are  forced  to  send  as  far  as  this  city 
(Dublin)  for  those  things,  whereof  they  used  to  be  provided  from  thence."  "^ 

Such  was  tJie  melancholy  state  to  which  this  once  opulent  town  was  reduced  in 
the  hands  of  its  new  possessors.    The  corporation,  however,  to  prevent  their  utter 


'  Particulars  of  the  corporation  property  mortgaged 
for  the  state,  previous  to  1652. 

Tlie  charter  customs,  mortgaged  to  Nicholas  Blake, 
Gregory  Lynch  and  otiiers,  for  L'OOO/, 

Tiie  market  customs,  ^"hh  the  duties  and  fees  thereof, 
together  with  tlic  market-house,  mortgaged  to  Jolni 
Blake,  esq.  late  recorder,  for  'loo/. 

The  lands  of  Shantallo,  in  tl'.e  west  liherties,  mort- 
gagcil  to  Gregory  and  Peter  Browne  and  Roebuck  Frentli 
lor  130/. 

The  lands  of  Suckin,  in  the  east  liberties,  containing 
twelve  acres,  formerly  set  to  John  Blake  for  09  years,  at  6*. 

Farranlosnona,  in  the  west  liberties,  mortgaged  to 
Jasper  French  for  40/. 

Knockanegeherne,  in  the  west  liberties,  mortgaged  to 
alderman  P;.trick  Mai'lin  and  alderman  Marcus  Ku'wan 
for  30/. 


A  close  called  Lacybeh_v,  in  said  liberties,  mo:t£;a<»C(l 
to  Martin  Blake  Fitz-Anchew  for  ."o/.  wiih  a  lease. 

The  close  called  the  middle  close,  in  the  east  liberties, 
mortgaged  to  the  said  Martin  Blake  for  45/. 

The  lands  of  Loghanecraggy,  in  said  liberties,  mort- 
gaged to  Thomas  Lynch  Filz-Patrick  for  8(7. 

Laghtybcgg,  in  said  liberties,  mortgaged  to  John  Browne 
and  Andrew  Quin  lor  GO/. 

Gorteno\ei-,  in  said  liberties,  mortgaged  to  Andrew 
Oge  Blake  for  85/. 

The  island  of  Altanagh,  in  the  west  liberties,  bestowed 
by  connnon  seal  to  the  nuns  of  St.  Clara. — Jiot.  25  Car. 

n.op.y. 

•■   Irrot.  9th  Dec.  1 673. 

'  Bill  filed  28th  January,  1673.    Answer  of  Gregory 
Constable,  the  mayor,  and  others,  10th  October,  1674. 
''   Stale  Letters.    Januari^i  2Zcl,  167-1-5. 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


141 


mill,  solicited  Theodore  Russell,  esq.  a  colonel  in  the  army,  who  had  amassed 
coiisiJcrable  wealth,  and  was  then  settled  in  the  town,  to  enter  into  a  negociation 
with  Mrs.  Hamilton  on  the  subject.  He  accordingly,  on  condition  of  being 
elected  mayor,  and  continued  in  that  office,  purchased  from  her,  in  the  year  iCyi-, 
the  charter,  market  and  petty  duties  for  2,500/.'  He  was  then  elected,  and  served 
eleven  years  successively,  during  which  time  he  continued  in  the  exclusive  receipt 
of  those  duties  and  customs ;''  and,  encouraged  by  the  commiseration  expressed 
by  the  lord  lieutenant  for  the  decayed  and  ruinous  state  of  the  town,  he  and  the 
rest  of  the  corporation,  in  the  year  I67O,  petitioned  for  a  new  charter,  "  for  the 
encouragement  of  trade  and  his  majesty's  service  in  the  town  ;"  and  that  the  great 
disbursements  of  colonel  Russell,  "  to  redeem  them  from  their  lost  condition, 
sliould  be  provided  for,  and  further  compensation  made  for  his  great  pains  and 
favonr  therein  shewed  unto  them."  This  application  was  favorably  received  by 
the  lord  lieutenant ;  and  accordingly  the  king,  by  charter,  dated  the  14th  of 
August,  IG7C),  ordained  and  granted  that  the  town  of  Galway  should,  at  all 
times,  for  ever  thereafter,  be  one  entire  and  free  borough  of  itselti  to  be  known 
liy  the  name  of  the  "  town  and  borough  of  Galway  ;"  and  that  the  town,  and  all 
V. itliiii  t'ao  miles  of  it,  in  a  direct  line,  should  thenceforth  be  a  countv  of  itself. 


'  Mrs.  Hr"..T:i'ton  aftcrwarc'.s  ilispojc!  of  all  t!ic  lands  to 
Jnliii  ritzpatritk,  by  wlioni  lliey  were  assigned  to  John 
Kirwan,  bv  uocU,  Uatcil  L'yth  October,  16S1. —  ViJcClmrl. 
Juc.  II. 

'  During  tliis  peviod  colonel  Russell  CNpcricnocd  much 
opriO'-ition.  Ou  1st  Aiigmt,  1679,  apprclicnsJvu  of  being 
dIL-ctiially  opposed  in  his  election,  he  had  a  resolution 
pxsscd  in  council,  that  whoever  was  elected  mayor  for  the 
ensiiini;  year  should  serve  without  salary ;  antl,  although 
■.his  secured  his  own  return,  he  afterwards  charged  his 
usaal  stipend  of  200/.  for  that  year.  Tlieir  disputes  also 
l>i(|iicntly  descended  into  downright  scuriillty,  of  which 
an  instance  is  given  in  the  list  of  mayors  and  sheriti's. 
1:1  1G80,  the  following  account  was  ilrasvn  up  against  him 
i  V  tl:e  other  members  of  the  corporation. 

Colonel  Theodore  liusscll,  mayor  of  Galway,  Dr. 
To  several  sums  received  for  charter  duties, 

Ac.  from  'J  1st  July,   lo'T-l,  to  30th  Dec. 

1G7G 1514      4    10 

To  charter  duties  received  by  Dominick 

B  )ilkin,  by  your  order,  from  oOth   Dec. 

I';7C,  to  2Jth  JIarch,  16S0      -         -  ITOS     5     2^ 

T"  John  Vatighan,  i'or  rent  of  the  market, 

from   2'.»tli    September,     1G75,    to   2'jth 

September,   1G78,  at  ICO/,  per  annum         480     0     0 
To  same  for  rent  of  do.  from   29th   Sep- 
tember, !G78,  to  29th  September,    1C80      400     0     0 
To  rent  of  the  town  lands  lor  live  years, 

from    29tli    September,    1675,    to    29tli 

September,   IGSO    .         -         -         -  274   18     4 

To  the  rent  of  the  custom  of  the  tin-f,  at 
■     the  briilge  gate,  for  £  years,  from   29tli 

Seiitembcfj  167C,  to  29th  Sep.  1678  40    o    o 


To  the  charter  duties  of  beef,  from  21st  July, 
1674,  to  C9th  September,  1G80.      No  ac- 
count being  yet  given  of  it,  notwithstanding 
we  know  it  to  be  due  by  charter 
To  the  receipt  of  Dominick  Bodkin,  for  goods 

sliipt  by  coast  cocquettc    -         -         -  1 1      S     3 

We  find  the  receipts  of  the  several  branches  of  the 
revenue  of  the  town  of  Galway,  from  the  21st  Jnly,  1674, 
to  the  date  hereof,  to  l)C  as  above  stated,  pursuant  to 
order  of  council  of  4th  June  last.  Dated  5th  June,  1GS2. 
Thomas  Andrews,  &c. 
This  account  was  read  in  council  on  tlic  loth  October 
following,  when  the  corporation  was  found  indebted  to 
colonel  Russell  in  ^'1701  \Ss.  8d. — Cvrji.  J}ooA. — In 
IGSJ,  when  they  considered  him  over-paid,  they  again  re- 
quired him  to  settle  accounts,  upon  w  Inch  he  charged  2000/. 
for  ten  years  salary,  as  mayor :  this  they  disputed,  alleging 
he  undertook  to  serve  the  office  gratis;  and,  on  the  14th 
November,  1G84,  petitioned  the  lord  lieutenant  and 
council  to  refer  the  accoiuits  to  indifferent  persons  to 
report  thereon.  They  wero  accordingly  referred  to  the 
honorable  captain  Richard  Coote,  Sir  John  Jo[.!iam  and 
doctor  John  Coghill,  wlio^e  investigation  proving  uu;;i- 
vorable  to  the  mayor,  an  order  was  made  by  tlie  lords 
justices  and  coimcil,  that  he  slionld  give  in  security ;  and 
on  25th  April,  1G85,  the  following  entry  a]>pears  on  the 
records  of  the  corporation: — "  colonelRussell  hath  this  day 
delivered  in  council  the  following  pledges,  &c.  one  silver 
bowl  of  Walter  Atliy's,  one  silver  taniard,  one  silver  salt 
with  a  cover,  anil  two  gold  rings  of  Marcus  /iniic  Lynch, 
and  two  pieces  of  stuff' of  Mr.  George  Davison's."— t'i>/yi.  . 
lioo/,-,  C. — The  change  in  public  affairs  wbicli  immedi- 
ately after  took  place,  prevented  any  further  iu\  cstig..tiou.. 


148  niSTOHY    OF    GALAVAY. 

corporate  and  separate  from  tlie  county  of  Galway,  and  be  known  by  the  name 
of  the  "  county  of  the  town  of  Galway  ;"  provided  always,   that  judges  of  gaol 
delivery,  justices  of  peace,  sheriffs  and  other  officers  of  the  coimty  at  largo, 
should  have  free  ingress  and  regress,  to  hold  their  sessions,  &c.  in  the  town. 
'That  the  corporation  should  consist  of  one  mayor,  two  sheriffs,   free  burgesses 
and  commonalty,  to  be  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  the   "  mayor,  sheriff's, 
free  burgesses  and  commonalty  of  the  town  and  county  of  the  town  of  Galway;" 
by  which  name  they  might  purchase  lands  and  goods,  demise  lands,  and  do  all 
other  things  corporate,  plead  and  be  impleaded,  and  return  members  to  parliament. 
The  modern  mayor,   sheriffs,   recorder  and  tov,-n  clerk,  were  a])pointed,  and  their 
successors  for  ever  thereafter,  to  be  elective,  and  to  hold  for  one  year.     That  the 
mayor  might  appoint  a  deputy  in  case  of  sickness  or  absence,  and  that  the  usual 
oaths  should  be  taken.     That  he  and  the  recorder,  and  their  deputies,  should  be 
justices  of  the  peace  for  the  county  of  Galway  ;  and  directions  were  given  for  the 
election  of  mayor,  in  case  of  death  in  office.     That  the  sheriffs  sliould  be  elective, 
and  all  writs,  bills,  Sec.  for  execution  within  the  town,  should  be  directed  to  them. 
That  no  other  sheriflF  should  enter  the  town  to  execute  his  office,  except  as  before 
excepted.     The  names  of  the  corporate  officers  to  be  presented,  and  the  warden 
nominated  pursuant  to  the  "  new"  rules.      That  no  officer  should  be  capable  of 
exercising  his  office  until  he  should  take  the  prescribed  oatlis  ;  and,  on  refusal,  his 
election  to  be  void,   unless  dispensed  with  by  govei'umcnt.      That  all   officers 
should  be  chosen  by  the   mayor,    sheriffs    and  common    council ;  and  that  no 
freeman  should  vote,  if  not  of  the  council.     That  no  matter  should  be  proposed 
in  the  tholsel  until  first  passed  in  council. — Regulations  were  then  laid  down  as  to 
the  admission  of  foreigners,  artisans,  &c.  to  their  fi'ecdom.     A  guild  of  merchants 
of  the  staple  was  appointed  :  also   that  the  mayor  sherifls,  free  burgesses  and 
commonalty  might  have  and  use  such  several  vestments,  ensigns  and  ornaments, 
"  for  the  honour  and  dignity  of  the  town,"  as  had  been  used  before  the  y3d  day  of 
October,  1G41  ;  and  that  the  mayor  should  have  a  sword  borne  before  him,  "  for 
the  greater  eminence  of  the  mayoralty,  or  office  of  mayor."     That  they  should 
liave  a  tholsel  wherein  to  assemble,  and  have  full  power  and  autliority  to  make  bye- 
laws,  and  punish  for  the  breach  of  them,  provided  such  bye-laws  and  punishment 
should  be  reasonable,  and  not  repugnant  to  the  laws  of  the  kingdom,  or  the  "new" 
rules.      That   they  should  for   ever   thereafter  hold   a  weekl}'  coiul  on  every 
Tuesday  and  Friday,  before  the  mayor  and  recorder  or  their  deputies,  of  all  pleas 
and  actions  upon  the  case,  trespass,  &c.  arising  within  the  town  and  county  of 
the  town,  and  cause  the  defendants  to  be  attached  by  their  goods  and  chattels,  or 
their  bodies  to  be  arrested  and  imprisoned.     The  king  then  confirmed  unto  them 
nnd  their  successors,  for  ever,  all  manors,  messuages,  houses,  countries,  lands, 
kc.  possessed  by  their  predecessors,  the  mayor,  &c.  on  the  22d  of  October,  lOi], 
and  all  liberties,  franchises,   powers,  authorities,    &c.  before  that  time  granted 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


MO 


Tinto  tliem  by  any  royal  grants  or  charters,  or  enjoyed  by  any  other  right  or  titU'; 
^vhatsoever,  saving  to  Elizabetli  Hamilton  her  rights  in  and  to  any  lands  formcrh' 
belonging  to  the  corporation,  and  to  Theodore  Russell  his  right  to  the  cliarter, 
market  and  petty  duties  and  customs  lately  assigned  by  her ;  and  it  was  specially 
ordained  that  the  corporation  should  not  demand  or  levy  any  of  those  customs, 
until  he,  his  assigns  or  agents,  should  receive  out  of  the  same  the  sum  of  '2,,jOO/. 
vliich  he  disbursed,  and  be  also  paid  oOO/.  over  and  above,  "  as  a  reasonable  com- 
pensation for  the  great  pains  and  trouble  imdergone  on  the  belialf  and  for  the 
good  of  that  corporation  :"  after  which  they  were  to  revert  to  the  mayor,  sheritis, 
free  burgesses  and  commonalty  for  ever. ' 

For  this  ample  extension  of  corporate  privileges,  tlie  town  was  principally 
indebted  to  the  earl  of  Essex,  who  evinced  every  inclination  to  promote  its  interest, 
and,  if  possible,  to  restore  it  to  its  original  state :  but  all  exertions  of  this  nature 
proved  abortive,  for,  being  deprived  of  its  former  respectable  population,  and  pos- 
sessed by  a  set  of  men  their  very  opposite,  botli  in  principles  and  character,  who  were 
bred  up  to  a  military  life,  and  mostly  ignorant  of  any  other  pursuit,  commerce 
entirely  declined,  and  even  tlie  buildings,  for  want  of  inhabitants,  were  falling  to 
the  ground.  This  latter  circumstance  caused  the  agent  of  the  duke  of  Ormond 
(his  lordship  having  some  time  before  obtained  a  grant  of  several  forfeited  houses  in 
the  town,)  to  represent,  in  the  year  1679,  to  the  corporation,  "  that  by  reason  of 
the  removal  of  the  market  and  Irish  inhabitants,  a  greate  parte  of  the  houses 
of  the  towne  are  falling  down;"  and  he  then  required,  "  that  such  of  the  Irish  of 
the  said  towne  as  should  give  security  might  be  restored."  "  This,  after  much 
opposition,  was  complied  with  only  through  necessity.  Several  of  the  ancient 
names  and  families  liaving  accordingly  entered  into  recognizance  for  their 
peaceable  demeanor,  were  pei-mitted  to  return,  and  tlie  trade  of  the  town  imme- 
diately after  began  to  revive. "  Tliis  soon  awakened  the  rankliug  hatred  and 
jealousy  of  tlie  members  of  the  corporation  ;  and  four  months  had  scarcely  elapsed 
■when  they  assembled,  and,  in  a  body,  j-cpresented  to  the  mayor,   "  that  several 


'  Enrolled  29  C/ia.  IT.  2  p. —  Vide  Appendix,  Xo.  VII. 
for  a  copy  of  the  cliartcr  carefully  collated  with  the  original. 

■"  C\,rp.  B-ju!c,   B. 
f^.  °  Ahout  this  time  the  corporation  became  involved  in 

a  contest  willi  Mathcw  Ouin,  oiic  oi  the  old  natives  of 
the  town,  coiiccrnini;  a  branch  of  their  small  duties  and 
customs. — .An<!rew  Lynch,  Ouin's  uncle,  previously  to 
;ii-ll,  v.'as  seized  in  fee  of  certain  small  duties,  viz.  four 
jicnce  for  every  beef  co%\',  bullock  or  ox,  and  one  penny 
fur  every  hop;  or  sheep,  slaughtered  in  tiie  town  or  liberties; 
three  piMice  for  e^ei'v  cask  ol'  buttei'  sold,  twenty  [lence 
for  every  ton  of  beef,  and  twenty  pence  An-  every  ton  of 
butter  exported,  (whicli  were  granted  by  the  fonncr  cor- 
■  poration  to  one  of  said  Lynch's  ancestors,  in  consideration, 
nf  a  sum  of  money,  and  an  assignment  of  his  dwelling- 
I'.ause,  wliich   was  converted  into   a    tholsel.)     These 


duties  havini;  become  forfeited,  and  \ested  in  the  crown, 
were  connnucd  to  Mathcw  Quin,  "  in  consideration  of 
his  loyalty  and  sufferings,"  by  patent  dated  19th  February, 
1072,  for  99  years  ;  and  although,  as  he  stated,  they  were 
never  grantcil  to  the  corporation,  yet  they  obstructed  him 
in  the  rceei|)t  of  thcni.  lie  was  therefore  obliged  to  appeal 
to  chancery,  and  accordingly  obtained  a  decree  on  1st 
Jane,  1675,  to  quiet  him  in  the  possesion. — On!;^.  Decree, 
Rulls  Off. — In  16'80,  the  corporation  coniplnined  to  the 
chancellor  that  Ouin,  not  content  with  his  patent,  had, 
by  exacting  beyond  it,  augmented  to  300/.  yearly,  what, 
in  I Ci I ,  was  f-unictl  for  1  s/.  and  pr.ayed  relief. — Corpu- 
rutioii  Book,  B. — The  affair  was  afterwards  comiiiomisei? 
between  them.  In  ICSJ,  the  duties  of  the  markets  and 
the  ingate  and  outgatc  customs  were  set  for  one  vcar  foe 
210/.— W.  C 


150 


KISTOr.Y    OF    GALAVAY. 


intruders  and  un-iVccr.icii  and  others,  who  keep  servants  not  fitly  qualified,  do 
daily  intrude  on  our  privileges,  by  thrusting  themselves  and  their  servants  into 
our  said  corporation,  and  keep  open  shop,  to  the  great  indignitye  of  the  hvudablc 
laws  and  customs  of  the  same.""  However  inclined  the  mayor  might  be, 
he  was  unable  to  resist  this  intolerant  body  ;  and,  consequently,  many  of  the 
persecuted  pco])lc,  who  had  been  so  recently  admitted,  were  again  obliged  to 
quit  t!ie  town.  '' 

For  the  Hvc  succeeding  years  very  little  worthy  of  ol.iservation  occurred  in  tlic 
town,  with  the  exce})tion  of  a  loyal  congratulatory  address  presented,  in  l()SS, 
by  the  corporation  to  Charles  II.  on  the  escape  of  his  majesty,  and  the  duke  of 
York,  from  the  Rye-house  conspiracy  ;  '^  and  a  memorial,  in  the  year  IGSI,  from  the 
Catholic  merchants  and  traders,  (many  of  whom  had,  in  the  interim,  been  per- 
niitted  to  return,)  to  theloi'd  lieu.tenant  and  council,  for  a  reduction  and  settlenieiU 
of  the  charter  duties,  whereupon  a  certain  schedule  was  agreed  to  between  thcni 
and  the  corporation,  nnder  which  these  duties  afterwards  continued  to  be  received.' 
On  the  accession  of  James  II.  to  the  throne,  the  hopes  of  the  proscribed  Catholic 
jKitives  of  Gahvay  once  more  revived,  and  they  ventured  more  freely  to  approach 
the  town.  The  king  having  soon  after  directed  the  earl  of  Clarendon,  the  lord 
lieutenant,  to  provide  for  the  admission  of  Catholics  to  the  freedom  of  corpo- 
rations, colonel  Russell,  the  mayor,  on  the  'Joth  of  June,  iGSG,  received  direc- 
tions from  his  lordship  to  admit  to  their  freedom  such  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
merchants  and  dealers  as  should  desire  it,  without  tendering  the  oath  of  supre- 
macy, or  any  other  oaths  except  those  of  allegiance  and  of  freemen,  at  the  same 
time  nominating  nineteen  of  the  principal  persons  to  be  immediately  admitted 
free,  and  sworn  of  the  common  council.  This  communication  was  received  with 
dismay.  The  council  assembled  ;  and,  after  some  debate,  the  mayor  was  requested 
to  commu)iicate  their   readiness  to  admit  these,  and  all  other  the  natives  and 


"   Corporafion  Bool;  B. 

^   The    words    c;!'   tlic    Itoiium   ]ioct    miu'ht  justly    be 
iipphc'd    lo    the    curporator^   on    this   occiision ; 
"  Ncc  tecum  possum  vivcrc,  iicc  sine  Ic. 

Martial. 

'    Vide  Com.  Jour.  Vol.  7,  AjipcncUx,  for  this  ^x■hecl^^!e. 

'  Tile  foliowiii!,'  extract  iioiii  tliis  aildi'css  v. ill  shew  the 
loyalty  and  priiiciiiles  of  the  cor|)Oi-ation  at  this  jieriod  : 

"  V.'e,  your  majesties  diitii'id  and  loyal  snhjcetd,  have,  in 
this  remote  an<;le  of  your  dominions,  heard  of  that  most 
traytions  and  bloody  conspiraej'  of  some  execrable  men, 
actuated  by  fanatical  and  rebellions  ],rinci|)les,  to  assassi- 
nate the  person  of  your  most  sacred  miijcstie,  ami  of  your 
royal  brother,  ami  who  by  that  act  designed  the  sub\cr- 
sion  of  the  best  of  governments,  under  the  blessed  influence 
whereof  our  ancestors  flourished  for  so  ma.ny  ages,  and 
became  the  envy  of  our  neighbour  nation*.  The  true  sense 
of  which  most  horrid  contrivance,  as  it  fills  our  hearts  w  ith 
humble  adoration  of  that  Divine  Providence,  tliut  hath,  by 


a  series  of  mercies,  so  signally  appeared  in  the  constaiit 
preservation  of  your  most  sacred  person,  so  likewise,  villi 
just  l-.orror  against  all  traytroiis  persons  and  principles; 
and  this,  dread  sir,  being  the  language  of  our  souls,  we 
prestune  to  lay  ourselves  with  it  at  yoiu' royal  feet,  dcclnr. 
ing  that  we  do,  in  heart  and  soul,  alihor  ail  fanatical  iiiij 
rebellious  persons  and  positions,  and  are  rciidi/  to  sacrifice 
all  thai  is  dear  tii  us,  in  the  drfeiire  iif  your  viosl  incrcii 
person  and  government,  and  of  i/onr  dear  and  roj/al 
brother,  and  your  majesties  Imcjul  heirs  and  snecessors,  in 
the  immediate  and  legal  course  of  descent  :  nor  can  wc,  iu 
this  juncture,  end  our  presumption,  without  rcndiriii; 
gratefid  acknowledgements  to  yourtacrcd  majesty  forllic 
calnuiess  we  enjoy  in  this  kingdom,  under  the  sedulous 
administration  of  his  grace  the  duke  of  Oni:oud,  and  Us 
excellciiey  the  lonl  deputy  ;  and  that  the  Almighty  may 
ever  shield  your  u;ajcstie  irom  violent  and  bluod-tliirsty 
men,  and  crown  your  royal  head  with  all  lasthig  honoui 
and  grandeur." — Curj).  Zluuh;  C. 


HISTORY    OF    GAL^VAY.  151 

rnliabitants  of  the  tovvn,  to  their  freedom  ;  but  as,  by  the  rules  of  the  corporation, 
tlicy  were  bound  and  sworn  to  maintain  the  ancient  customs,  one  of  which  was, 
that  the  common  council  should  be  elected  only  on  the  Monday  after  Michaelmas 
Jay,  they  should  be  obliged  to  postpone  tliat  part  of  his  directions  imtil  then  ;  but 
that,  on  the  2d  of  July  Ibllowing,  those  to  be  admitted  free  would  be  projiosed 
in  tliolsel.  In  answer  to  this,  the  lord  lieutenant  observed,  that  iji  ej:traurtiinarij 
cases  then  xcere  not  hound  to  anjj  particular  daij  to  admit  members  of  the  council, 
and  peremptorily  directed  immediate  obedience  to  his  former  orders.  '  Accord- 
ingly, in  the  begiiniing  of  July,  one  hundred  and  sixty  Catholics,  of  the  ancient 
fiames  and  natives,  were  sworn,  and  before  the  end  of  the  year  several  others 
'  ^\cre  admitted,  by  v.hich  time  they  obtained  a  complete  ascendency  in  the 
corporation. ' 

After  the  severe  treatment  which  tlie  Roman  Catholic  inliabitants  of  the  town 
hiul,  for  many  years  before  this  period,'  experienced,  it  would  be  expecting  more 
than  the  nature  of  man  is  capLible  of,  (at  least  in  an  aggregate  body,  actuated  by 
the  mingled  feelings  of  passion,  prejudice  and  revenge,)  if  tliey  did  not,  on  the 
present  occasion,  not  only  feel  elated,  but  even  ])rocccd  to  lengths  which,  under 
other  circumstances,  would  be  unjustifiable.  In  tlie  scenes  wliich  follow,  however, 
they  exercised  their  newly-acquired  power  with  moderation,  compared  with  the 
former  proceedings  of  their  opponents.  Soon  after  their  admission,  they  informed 
the  lord  lieutenant  tliat  tlie  revenues  of  the  town  were  embezzled  and  misapplied, 
and  offered  to  prove  the  fact,  if  an  investigation  were  ordered.  This  was  pro- 
mised; and  the  mayor,  wlio  was  principally  concerned  in  the  charge,  was  directed 
not  to  ofler  himself  as  a  candidate  for  that  ofKce  the  ensuing  year,  and  he  w^as 
soon  after  ordered  to  march  with  his  regiment  to  Athlone. "  On  the  1st  of 
August,  IGSG,  John  Kirwan  Fitz-Stephen,  (afterwards  Sir  John  Kirwan,  of  Castle- 
hacket,)  a  Catholic,  was  elected  mayor  for  the  ensuing  year;  and  the  earl  of 
Chuu'icarde,  another,  was  appointed  governor  of  the  town. 

From  the  accession  of  James  II.  Galway  and  its  ancient  inhabitants  were  parti- 
cularly marked  out  as  objects  of  the  royal  fiivor  and  protection.  The  latter  all 
professed  the  same  religious  princij)les  as  the  king,  (for  adhering  to  which,  it  was 
nniversally  known,  they  had  suflered  every  species  of  degradation  and  persecution 
during  the  last  thirty  years,)  a  circumstance  which,  in  itselfj  was  sufficient  to 
recommend  them  to  his  attention.  Independently  of  this,  his  ministers  judged 
that,  in  case  of  any  serious  opposition  and  resistance  to  the  arbitrary  measures  and 
rchgious  projects  of  the  monarch,  it  would  be  prudent  to  have  a  place,  so  con- 
siderable for  strength  and  situation  as  Galway,  (tliat  so  recently  before  had 
sustained  so  memorable  a  siege,)  jiroperly  munited,  and  entirely  devoted  to  their 


'  Cvrporntion  Bool,  C.  Id.  "  Jd^ 


152  HISTORY    OF    GALWAV. 

interest ;  and,  with  this  point  in  view,  the  strengthening  of  tlie  town  became  an 
obiect  of  ..particular  consideration.  A  draught  of  the  fbrtitications  having,  hy 
.  his  majesty's  order,  been  laid  before  him,  he  caused  several  additional  works  to  bi.' 
planned  out,  wliich,  if  carried  into  eiFect,  would  have  rendered  the  town  impreg- 
nable ;  but  matters  of  a  more  momentous  nature  prevented  their  being  put  into 
execution.  Lord  Clanricarde,  having  arrived  to  take  possession  of  his  government, 
was  receivcil  with  the  most  lively  demonstrations  of  joy  :  every  old  recollection, 
W'hich  endeared  the  memory  of  his  great  and  distinguished  predecessor,  became 
revived  in  the  minds  of  the  people  ;  and  the  days  of  their  greatness,  though  for 
ever  past,  seemed  in  fancy  to  be  once  more  returned.  Soon  after  his  arrival,  the 
mayor  and  corporation  petitioned  him  to  open  an  old  ])assage  through  the  upper 
citadel  into  the  town,  oir'ering,  for  the  accommodation,  to  raise  the  surroundinj; 
vralls,  make  up  the  gates,  and  repair  the  draw-bridges,  at  their  own  expense, 
ilis  lordship  declined  doing  this  on  his  own  authority,  but  submitted  the  matter 
to  the  lord  lieutenant,  accompanied  by  his  opinion,  and  that  of  several  officers 
then  in  the  town,  that  it  would  add  considerably  to  the  strength  of  the  place. 
He  further  informed  him,  that  the  gate  recpiired  to  be  o])ened  was  the  ancient  and 
usual  way  from  the  country,  but  that,  after  the  town  had  been  taken  by  Cromwell's 
forces,  it  was  walled  up,  and  a  bye  })assage  made  outside  the  citadel,  to  render  it 
more  secure  against  the  natives.  The  lord  lieutenant,  equally  unwilling  to  give 
his  sanction  without  having  that  of  higher  authorit}^  accordingly  transmitted  the 
entire  to  England ""  for  directions,  "before  he  signified  his  assent.  This  extraor- 
dinary caution,  in  an  affair  of  so  trifling  a  nature,  shews  what  importance  was 
then  attached  to  every  circumstance  connected  with  the  security  of  the  town. 

During  tlie  year  l(iS7,  multitudes  of  the  former  natives  and  their  fiunilies  flocked 
to  the  town,  and  were  restored  to  their  properties  and  freedom.  The  Catholic 
clergy  also  returned,  and  reclaimed  their  respective  places  of  worship,  to  the  inex- 
pressible mortification  and  grief  of  the  Protestant  inhabitants,  who  were  quietly 
obliged  to  submit  to  this  extraordinary  change  of  affairs,  without  even  daring  to 
remonstrate  against  the  encroachments  which  were  daily  making  upon  their  rights. 
In  the  beginning  of  the  year,  Nagle,  the  king's  attorney-general,  issued  a  Quo- 
Xi^cuTanto  against  the  corporation,  upon  which  they  entered  into  a  resolution  cither 
to  plead  or  siu'render  the  charter,  as  the  recorder,  Sir  Henry  Lynch,  should  consider 
most  prudent ;  but  judgment  having  afterwards  passed  against  them,  it  was  seized 
into  the  king's  hands,  v;ith  a  promise,  however,  of  an  immediate  renewal  containing; 
more  ample  privileges.  To  defray  the  expense  of  the  new  charter,  one  lumdred 
and  fifty  ])ounds  were  levied  on  the  town,  and  on  the  12th  of  March  following 
it  was  obtained.     As  the  nature  of  this  short-lived  though  vohuninous  instrument 


Letter  to  Lord  Dartmouth,  Mh  Sept,  IGSC. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


153 


\i  at  present  but  little  known,  a  translated  abstract  of  its  contents  may,  to  many, 
prove  particularly  interesting ;'  though,  like  all  the  other  acts  of  king  Jaines  in 
Ireland,  it  was  afterwards  declared  void. 

The  restored  natives  having  now  succeeded  in  every  point,  to  the  utmost  extent 
of  their  wishes,  were  principally  occupied,  during  the  greater  part  of  the  ensuin"- 
year,  in  the  regulation  of  the  town,  and  the  establishment  of  tlie  clergy.     Their 


'  Abstract  of  the  cliartcr  of  James  II.  to  Galway. 
The  kina,  after  stating  tliat  tlie  town  was  ancient  and 
populous,  ordained  that  it  should  for  ever  be  and  remain 
a  free  borough  and  a  separate  comity. — Tiie  corporation 
to  consist  of  o:ic  mayor,  o)ic  recorder,  twenlt/sLr  aldermen, 
luv  shcrifls,  sixti/  free  burgesses  and  one  chamberlain. — 
John  Kirwan,  est;,   to  be  the  modern  mayor. — Garret 
.Moore,  c«q.    Sir  Walter  Blake,  bart.    Roebuck  Lynch, 
Kobcrt  Bkikc,  Doniiuick  Browne,  James  D'Arcy,  Oliver 
?dartvn,  Francis  Blake,   Nicholas  French  senior,  Henry 
B!.i!:c,  Robert  French,    Andrew  Blake,   Martin  Kirwan 
Fil7-l'atrick,  AValtcr  Blake  esquires ;    George  Staunton, 
Ai'ibrose  Lvnch,  Stephen  Dcane,  Thomas  Deanc,  Robert 
Kirwan,  Peter  Kirwan  Fitz-Francis,  merchants;    James 
Bro'.vno  Fitz-Edward,    William   Hill,    Jon.athan    Perry, 
Thomas   licvett,    Thomas  Simcockes  and  John  Gerry, 
to  be  th.e    modern    tiroiti/sij:   alderman    diu'ing   their 
rc'pective  lixcs. — James   Browne  and   Marcus   Kirwan, 
r.oclcrn  sherilfs. — Denis  Daly,  esq.  one  of  the  justices  of 
the  common-pleas ;  Sir  Henry  Lynch,  bart.  one  of  the 
!  .irons  of  the  exchequer;  Peter  .Martin,  esq.  one  of  the 
iu?ticcs  of  the  common  pleas;  Ce."ald  Dillon,  esq.  prime 
firjcant.   Francis  Plowden,  John  Browne,  Charles  Daly, 
George  French,  George  Browne,  Anthony  Dodkin,  Xieliu- 
la-i  Lynch   Fitz-IMarcus,    Arthur   French,    Peter   Blake 
Fitz-Richard,   Nicholas  French  junior,    Richard  Blake, 
Oiivcr   Browne,    Francis   Foster,    Patrick   Lynch   Fitz- 
l;obcrt,     Joseph    Lynch,     Marcus    Blake    Fitz-Walter, 
.\a<lrcw  French,  Artlmr  Lynch  Fitz-Roebuck,  Nicholas 
Lvnch  Fitz-Rocbuek,  John  Blake  Fitz- Valentine,  Roebuck 
French,  Patrick  French  Fitz-Roebueic,  esquires;  James 
K\anM.  D.  Thomas  Martin  M.D.Mark  Browne  Fitz- 
Waltcr,   John   Martin  Fitz-Richard,    Dominick   Lynch 
Fi;z-John,  Laurence  Deane,  Thomas  Blake  Fitz-Jolin, 
Ki'-h:u'd  Lynch  senior,  Dominick  Ffrench  Fitz-Patrick, 
Thonws    Lynch    Fitz-Petcr,    Gregory    Nolan,    Francis 
Blake  Fitz-Andrcw,    Edniond   Skerrett   Fitz-Dominick, 
Vatrick  Blake  Fitz-Andrew,  Peter  Blake  Fitz-Nicholas, 
S;o|ihen   Lynch    Fitz-Nicholas    More,    Richard  Lynch 
i  aii.;r,    Jasper   French    Fitz-Robert,    Patrick    D'Arcy, 
b'ucr  D'Arev,    ilartin   D'Arcy  Fitz-Ricluu-d,    IMartin 
li'.Vrcy   Fitz-Petcr,   Patrick   French  Fitz-Gcorge,    John 
lioJkin   Fitz-Ambrose,    Edmond    Bodkin    Fitz-Patrick, 
Sanuiel  Cambie,   Edniond   Ffrencli  Fitz-Patrick,  James 
FlVcach  Fitz-Andrew,  Thomas  Staunton,  JNIartin  King, 
Marcus  L\nch,    Thomas   Ycaden,    William   Cleer   and 
Denis  Kelly,  to  be  the  modern  sit/y  burgesses  during 
their  respective  lives. — Power  was  then  given  to  elect  a 
mayor  and  two  slierill's  yearly ;  also,  from  time  to  time, 
ill  case  of  .'icath,  removal  or  vacancy,  to  elect  aldermen, 
•  and  to  fine  cfliccrs  elected  who  should  refuse  to  ber\c, 
l)ut  the  fines  not  to  exceed  one  hucJied  marks,    One 


chamberlain  to  be  elected  by  the  conunon  council,  and  to 
be  continued  during  its  pleasure.  William  Hill  appointed 
modern  chamberlain.  The  corporation  to  have  one 
recorder,^  to  be  called  "  the  recorder  of  the  town  of 
Calway,"  ijuam  diu  sc  bene  gessciit :  Thomas  Lynch,  esq. 
appointed  the  modern  recorder,  and  power  given  to  the 
mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  commonalty  to  elect 
his  successors.  The  aldermen,  chamberlain  and  recorder 
before  named,  and  their  successors,  and  James  Foster,  esq. 
Thomas  Bourke,  esq.  Francis  Lynch  Fitz-George,  Francis 
Lynch  Fitz-Janics,  Patrick  Nolan,  Ignatius  Browne, 
Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick,  Thomas  Nolan,  Nicholas 
Lynch  Fitz-John,  Peter  L>ncli  Fitz- John,  John  Joyes, 
Valentine  Biowne,  John  Lynch  Fitz-Michael,  Martin 
French  Fitz-Robert,  Bartliulumevv  Lynch,  Andrew  Athy, 
Baitholomcw  Riiller,  Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-Wiliiaiii, 
Thomas  Browne  Fitz-Edw  ard,  merchants ;  John  Vaughan^ 
senior,  Francis  Knapp,  Thomas  Rutledge,  Thoma? 
Andrews,  Richard  Wall,  RichardBrowne,  Thomas  Wilson, 
Andrew  Begg,ThomasLnglish,  Peter  French  Fitz-Edmond, 
Peter  Browne  Fitz-Christopher,  Francis  Browne  Fitz- 
Christopher,  and  Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-Anibrose,  were 
constituted  freemen. 

The  in.\\or  was  empowered  to  appoint  a  deputy  in  case 
of  sickness  or  absence,  and  the  leeorder  to  ajipoint  ii 
deputy  during  pleasure.  Deputies  to  take  the  usual 
oaths.  Power  given  to  the  mayor  and  corporation  to  ap- 
point inferior  officers  during  pleasure.  A  court  of  record 
to  be  held  belbre  the  mayor  and  recorder  on  every  Tuesday 
and  Friday  for  ever,  to  hear  and  determine  all  actions,  as 
well  real  as  [icTbOiial,  within  the  town,  its  franchises  and 
liberties,  with  power  to  have  a  gaol  within  the  town.  A 
yearly  fair  on  St.  Bartholomew's  day,  and  the  three  fol- 
lowing days;  a  market  within  the  town  every  AVcdnesday 
and  Saturday,  and  a  court  of  pye-powder,  with  all  tolls 
incident  thereto  granted.  Power  to  the  mayor,  sheriHs, 
fieo  burgesses  and  commonalty  to  appoint  succeeding 
mayors,  but  they  were  not  to  exercise  their  office  until 
approved  of  by  the  chief  governor  or  go\ernors.  The 
mayor,  for  the  time  being,  to  be  cscbcator  and  coroner  of 
the  town  and  county  of  the  town,  also  to  be  clerk  of  the 
market  and  master  of  the  assayc  for  ever  ;  and  to  luive  the 
assize  of  bread  and  beer,  and  weights  and  measures  witbin 
the  town  and  the  franchises  thereof.  The  shcritli  empow- 
ered to  hold  county  courts  within  the  town  and  county 
of  the  town.  The  mayor  and  recorder,  for  the  time  being, 
to  be  justices  of  the  peace,  as  well  within  the  tosvn  .and 
county  of  the  town,  as  for  the  county  of  Galway  at  large ; 
and  power  to  have  tour  other  justices  of  the  peace,  of  the 
aldermen  of  the  town,  within  the  town  and  county  of  t!ie 
town,  (to  be  elected  and  appointed,  from  time  In  time,  by 
the  mayor  and  the  rest  of  the  cojiimon  council,)  to  con- 


/;  ; 


13-1: 


HISTORY    OF    GAL V; AY, 


affairs,  for  a  short  time,  bore  every  appearance  of  lasting  peace  and  security,  but 
all  these  flattering  prospects  were  destined  soon  to  vanish.  Rumours  of  resistance 
to  the  government,  and  of  secret  associations  for  the  purpose  of  opposing  its 
measures,  now,  foi-  the  first  time,  awakened  the  town  to  a  sense  of  approaching 
troubles ;  and  aware  that,  as  Catholics,  their  fate  depended  on  the  continuance  of 
the  present  order  of  affairs,  they  renewed  their  protestations  of  attachment  to  the 
state,  and  their  determination  to  support  it  at  the  expense  of  their  properties  ami 
their  lives.  The  most  unlimited  confidence  was  placed  in  their  fidelity.  The 
troops  stationed  in  the  town  ha\ing  been  ordered  on  other  duty  by  lord  Tyr- 
connel,  he  confided  the  care  of  the  garrison  to  the  townsmen  ;  and  on  the  15th  of 
October  it  was  ordered,  in  common  council,  that  '-all  the  inhabitants,  under  a 
certain  penalty,   should   watch,  each  in  turn,   during  the  absence  of  the  standing 


tiinio  ill  office  respectively  tUiriiig  good  belia\ioiu".  John 
Kii'w;in,  tlic  prc-ciit  modem  iiuuor,  Sir  Wiilter  Blake, 
baronet,  Robert  Blake  and  Doniiniek  Browne,  appointed 
tlie  modern  justices  of  tlie  peace  within  the  town  and 
county  of  the  town,  during  good  beliaviour.  Tlie  justices 
of  tlic  peace,  or  any  tlirce  of  them,  of  whom  tlie  mayor 
for  the  time  being,  or  liis  deputy,  or  the  recorder  for  the 
time  being,  or  his  deputy,  to  be  one,  should,  for  ever,  have 
power  and  authority  to  hear  and  determine  all  transgres- 
sions and  matters  whatsoever  within  the  town  and  county 
of  the  town.  Power  granted  to  iiave,  for  ever,  one  guild 
of  merchants  of  the  staple,  consisting  of  one  mayor,  two 
constables,  and  such  number  of  the  merchants  of  the  town 
as  to  the  said  mayor  and  constables  should  seem  expedient. 
The  mayor  of  the  town  to  be  nuuor  of  the  staple,  and 
the  shcrifta  to  be  constables  of  the  staple,  for  the  years  suc- 
ceeding their  offices.  George  Staunton  appointed  rtiodern 
mayor  of  the  staple,  and  Richard  Lynch  and  Jonathan 
Pcrrj-  constables,  with  all  such  privileges  and  powers  as 
were  enjoyed  by  any  other  mayor  and  constables  of  the 
staple  in  any  other  city  or  town  in  Ireland.  Power  given 
to  the  corporation  to  have  a  sword-bearer,  and  John  .Scott 
was  appointed  to  that  office  :  also  to  have  four  Serjeants 
at  mace  at  the  least.  Power  also  given  to  have  two  bur- 
gesses in  parliament,  to  be  elected  by  the  mayor  and  the 
rest  of  the  common  council  of  the  town  and  county  of 
the  town.  All  goods  and  chattels  of  felons,  felos-de-se, 
and  fugitives,  an<l  waifs  and  wrecks  of  the  sea,  arising 
within  the  town  and  county  of  the  town,  the  franchises 
and  liberties  of  the  same,  were  granted  to  the  mayor  and 
corporation;  also  all  such  c.istles,  niesMiages,  burgages, 
lauds,  tenements,  iSic.  and  all  goods  and  chattels,  and 
magisterial  insignia,  francliises  and  liberties,  &0.  as  the 
mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty  of  the  town 
theretofore  ever  liad,  used,  or  enjoyed  under  any  char- 
ters, grants,  or. letters  patent,  or  under  jiiiy  other  legal 
right,  custom,  use,  prcscriution  or  title  whatsoever,  to 
hold  of  the  king,  as  of  his  castle  of  Dublin,  for  the  rents 
and  services  thereout  due  and  accustomed. 

The  several  charters  of  Richai-il  II.  Henry  VIII.  Queen 
Elizabeth,  and  James  I.  were  inspected,  and  all  and 
singular  the  liberties,  franchises,  usages  and  customs,  in 
'Jvery  of  them  specified  and  contained,  and  in  all  other 


letters  patent  of  any  other  kings  of  England  to  them 
granted, were  fully  confirmed  to  tlie  corporation.  The  port 
of  Galway,  and  the  bay  or  arm  of  the  sea  wliich  entcre 
between  the  islands  of  An-nii,  and  from  thence  flows  to 
the  town,  were  granted,  and  also  that  all  vessels  and  boats 
which  should  enter  the  port  should  be  loaded  and  dif- 
cliarged  at  the  town.  Several  tolls  and  duties  were  granted 
for  the  maintenance  and  support  of  the  town  and  coiintv 
of  the  town,  and  for  the  repair  of  tlie  walls,  gates  and 
liridges,  and  for  pavage  and  other  public  works,  at  the 
yearly  rent  of  31/.  \'Js.  Sd.  to  he  paid  to  the  king  anJIiis 
successors,  saving  all  and  every  jurisdiction  and  privilcgci 
belonging  to  the  high  admiral  of  the  king,  his  heirs  ami 
successors.  Power  granted  to  the  mayor,  sherifii.,  free 
burgesses  and  commonalty,  and  their  successors,  or  tl;e 
greater  part  of  them,  to  adnnt  and  make  freemen  of  the 
town  and  county  of  the  town,  taking  the  usual  outlis  of 
a  freeman  and  allegiance  before  the  mayor.  Power  also 
given  to  the  chief  governor  of  the  king,  his  heirs  and 
successors,  at  his  pleasure,  by  ordci'  of  the  privy  council, 
from  time  to  time,  to  remove  from  the  offices  of  mayor, 
recorder,  aldermen,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses,  or  other  offi- 
cers of  the  town  and  county  of  ihe  town.  Power  granted 
that  the  mayor,  sherills,  burgesses  and  commonalty,  and 
their  successors,  might  have,  hold,  use  and  enjoy  to  their 
own  use,  without  molestation,  all  liberties,  franchises, 
jurisdictions,  taxations,  usages,  tnsloms,  duties,  ininiu- 
iiities,  lands,  tenements,  goods  and  chattels,  according  to 
the  tenor  of  the  present  letters  patent :  also  grunted  that 
in  any  commission  of  gaol  delivery  within  the  comity  of 
the  town,  the  ma)  or  for  the  time  being  should  be  the  lira 
named  in  every  such  commission.  Twenty  or  more  of  the 
conmion  council  were  to  form  a  council,  and  their  acts  to 
be  valid.  The  charter  of  Edward  VI.  to  the  collrec 
recited.  Power  grantetl  to  the  mayor,  sherifi's,  free  bur- 
gesses and  commonalty,  anil  their  successors  li>r  cicr, 
yearly,  on  the  feast  of  .St.  Peter,  to  elect  and  remove  the 
warden  and  vicars,  with  all  such  rights  as  were  enjoMd 
relative  to  them  on  the  23d  of  October,  1G41,  anJ  ai 
were  granted  by  Edw.  VI.  And  the  charter  concludo 
with  a  saving  for  John  Kirwan,  the  major,  of  his  right  \a  , 
the  lands  purchased  from  IMrs.  Hamilton. — Rut.  I'at.  i 
Jac.  II.  2  2'- 


HISTORY    OF    GAL\VAY.  155" 

.-.-"iv."  In  answer  to  a  communication  from  IVlr.  justice  Daly  to  the  mayor,  he  was 
;  lijnncd,  on  tlie  'ilst  of  November,  that  the  town  would  be  able  to  furnish  three 
companies  of  foot,  consisting  of  two  hundred  men,  and  a  troop  of  horse ;  and,  on 
the  Gth  of  December  following,  it  was  ordered,  at  a  public  assembly,  that  six 
companies  should  be  raised.  The  walls  were  soon  after  cleared,  the  guns  mounted, 
and  the  gates  and  fortifications  thoroughly  repaired,  by  the  directions  of  the  lord 
deputy,  but  at  the  expense  of  the  town.  The  earl  of  Clanricarde  was  soon  after 
cMipowered,  by  order  of  the  common  council,  to  prostrate  all  the  cabins  adjoining 
tliu  walls,  and  to  demolish  the  several  forts  in  the  east  liberties.  The  ditches  were 
5Courcd  by  the  assistance  of  the  soldiery ;  the  pillars  at  the  exchange  on  the  quay, 
:uk1  the  wall  at  the  point  of  Rintinane,  were  pulled  down,  and  the  draw-bridgc 
nt  the  west  was  made  up.  Tlie  public  markets  were  then  ordered  to  he  held  in 
the  high  street  before  the  mayor's  Irouse;  the  town's-people  got  public  notice  to 
be  timely  provided  with  all  necessary  provisions,  in  case  of  a  siege;  and,  before  the 
ciul  of  the  year,  the  town  was  put  into  a  tolerable  state  of  defence  by  the  inha- 
bitants, who  were  fully  resolved  to  hold  out  against  any  attempt  which  might  be 
made  by  the  enemies  of  government.  ^ 

The  king,  as  soon  as  he  heard  of  these  spirited  preparations  of  the  town  of 
Gidway,  expressed  himself  in  the  highest  terms  of  satisfaction.  In  July,  iGSf), 
three  aditional  companies  were  raised,  and  the  ofticers  chosen  were  presented  to  his 
majesty  for  approbation. "  Tlie  Protestant  inliabitants  were  afterwards  removed, 
by  the  governor,  to  the  west  suburbs,  ibr  the  better  security  of  the  town. "  In 
April  following  the  mayor  received  directions,  by  order  of  the  king  in  council, 
"  to  put  out  of  the  court  of  aldermen  and  common  council,  such  Protestants  and 
ilisailected  men  as  sliould  appear  to  him  to  be  such,  and  to  send  their  names 
presently  to  Dublin."  Commissioners  soon  after  arrived  to  view  the  state  of  the 
town,  who  directed  several  repairs  to  be  made  on  the  walls,  and  a  fortification  to 
be  built  round  Barachalla.     For  these  works  800/.  were,  on  the  3d  and  11th  of 


*  C:>:-p.  Bnn/;,  C.  (then  Sii-Tliom!is)  Southwell,  were  taken  prisoners  in  168f>^ 

■  Tlio  ofllccrs   were,    Stephen   Lynch   ritz-Nicholns,  l)y  James  Power,  high  slicriH'  of  the  county  of  G;ih\av, 

f  ,|it.;in  of  the  i,'reiit  gate  qimrtcr,  who  nominated  Chris-  and  conveyed  to  the  town  for  seciu'ity.     This  narrative, 

:'V!i'.r  LynL'hFil;',-Pi;ti-r  lieutenant,  and  WiUiam  Vau;;han  Lud^c,  the  author  of  The  Peerage  of  Ireland,  without 

r  >i"\. — .M,i;-tiii   I'rc'.nh   Titz-Pcter,  captain  of  tlie  httle  sufficient  investigation,  introduced  into  his  account  of  the 

I  .ti;  c|;ijrtcr,  who  nominated  .Jau)es  Lynch  I'itz-Dominick  Southwell   peerage — To/.    )T.  ]>.   20 — though   lie   might 

.(  iitoiruit,     and    Francis    Kirwan    ensign. Alexander  easily  have   perceived  that  it  was  a  stateuient  worked  up 

;i.\'iH'''.,  captain  of  the  new  tower  quarter,  who  nominated  iiicrely  to  excite  the  attention  of  government  towards 

\Vil!lniii  Lynch  Fiiz-AnJrcw  licutcna.nt,and  I'homas  Ryan  some  of  tlios'j  individuals,  at  a  time  wiien  few  would  ven- 

'ii-ii'ii;  and  Dominick  Kirwan  captain  of  the  quay  quarter,  ture  to  contradict  them.     The  truth  however  is,  that  this 

»liii  nominated  Francis  L\nch  Fitz-V/iUiam  licutcuaut,  party  was  intercepted  while  passing  through  the  country, 

r_i  1  IV'ter  Heync  ensign,  ;dl  of  whom  were  approved  of  in  a  state  of  open  hostility,  and  that  while  they  remained 

by  the  king. — Jil.  prisoners  in  Galway  they  experienced  the  mildest  trcat- 

'  After  the  cessation  of  hostilities  in  Ireland,  a  narrative  inent :  they  were  all  comfortahly  lodged  and  carefully  pro- 

n-a*  [iiiblishcd  purporting  to  give  a  true  account  of  many  vided  for  in  the  town,  and  many  of  them  were  even  at 

rnicities  pretended  to  have  been  inllicted  on  a  number  of  large  on  their  parole  of  honor,  until  they  were  c.\chan|^cd 

Proicstant  gentlemen  anil  others,  who,  with  the  first  lord  alter  the  battle  of  the  Boyne. 


l,-;(j  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

July,  ordered  to  be  levied  on  the  inliabitants.  The  community  of  St.  Francis 
supplied  stone  and  other  materials  ;  and  the  remainder  of  that  year  and  part  of 
the  next  were  consumed  in  their  completion. 

The  eventful  day  that  was  to  decide  the  fite  of  the  town  was  now  drawing  nigh. 
On  the  I'Jth  of  July,  1G!)1,  the  hostile  armies  of  the  two  contending  monarclis 
met  on  tlie  memorable  plains  of  Aughrim,  whence  the  noise  of  their  cannon  might 
be  easily  heard  at  its  gates.  It  is  not  our  intention  to  enter  into  a  description  of 
the  sanguinary  and  decisive  engagement  which  here  took  place  :  the  awful  news 
of  its  result  was  known  that  niglit  in  the  town,  whither  several  of  the  fugitives 
fled  for  shelter.  The  alarm  of  the  inhabitants  may  be  easily  conceived  to  have 
been  extreme,  and  every  preparation  was  made  for  defence.  I\lany,  however,  were 
so  panic-struck,  tliat  they  would  have  compromised  for  their  safety  by  immediately 
surrendering,  almost  on  any  terms.  Lord  Dillon,  the  governor,  the  Trench  licu- 
tcn.ant  general  D'Ussone,  and  the  other  officers  of  rank  in  tlie  town,  immediately 
held  a  council  of  war.  It  appeared  that  the  town,  thougli  strong  and  well  stored 
with  provisions,  was  deficient  in  men  and  arms,  which  were  drawn  away  by 
degrees  to  supply  other  exigencies.  The  garrison  consisted  but  of  seven  regi- 
ments of  foot  with  a  few  troops  of  horse,  and  these  neither  full  nor  well  armed; 
but  their  great  dependance  was  on  the  promises  of  Balldearg  O'Donncll,  whom 
they  hourly  expected  from  lar-Connauglit  with  the  troops  under  his  conunand.' 
Tliough  thus  circumstanced,  it  was  unanimously  resolved  to  defend  the  town. 
General  Ginckle,  the  English  commander,  having  judged  it  necessary  to  reduce 
Galway  before  he  should  proceed  to  Limerick,  after  a  few  days  delay  to  refresh 
his  troops,  marched  on  tlie   17th  oi'  July  towards  Atlicnry,  and  encamped  on 


■^  A  persecuted  people  will  gra<:p  nt  every  shadow  in  ex- 
j)Cclation  of  deliverance.     Of  this  truth  the  career  of  this 
Iri-h  adventurer  is  strongly  i'lustrati\c.    He  was  dcsceiulcd 
from  one  of  the  branches  of  the  Tyrconnell  family,  and 
was  born  and  educated  in  Spain,  whither  his  ancestors  fled 
from  persecution  in   1607.     The  Irish,  who  at  all  times 
were  fond  of  listening  and  paying  attention   to  old  pro- 
phecies, (pai-ticularly  such  as  predicted  relief  Irom  the 
oppressions  of  England,)  had  an  idle  prediction  for  a  long 
time  current  amongst  them,  that  a  descendant  of  that 
old  family,  who  was   to  bo  distinguished  by  a  red  mark, 
f  If.  Balldcai-g,)  would  restore  their  broken  alfairs,  and, by 
h'.s  conduct  and  gallant  actions,  free  his  country  from  the 
yoke  of  the  English.     The  coincidence  of  his  name  and 
frimily  induced  many  to  apply  tliis  prediction  to  Bnlldcurg 
V'Dciincl/,  and  he  was  accordingly  sent  for  to  Spain.  Kc 
crrived  in  Limerick  in   September,    1  COO,    and  several 
thousands  flocked  to  his  standard.    Their  e.xjiectations 
however  failed;  he  achieved  noth.ing  worth  noticing,  nor 
does  it  appear  that  he  was  possessed  of  any  one  quali- 
iicatiou  for  command.      During  the  battle  of  Aughrim 
he  remained  inactive  at  the  house  of  a  Mr.  MilUr  at 
Ballycuslican,    sLk  miles  from   Tuam;   liaving  a   party 


of  about  one  thousand  men  at  Hcadford,  Ballinrobc,  and 
other  parts  of  tlic  country,  who,  when  they  heard  i!:t 
rc-nlt  of  the  battle,  were  for  retreating  to  the  nioiii;. 
tains;  but  the  English  army  not  coming  up  as  soon  ui 
they  apprehended,"  Balldc::rg,  at  the  instance  of  dodo: 
Lyiich,  titular  dean  of  'J'uam,  (instead  of  niarchin; 
to  the  relief  of  Galway,  being  the  only  point  in  which 
he  coiiUl  be  then  serviceable  to  liii  party,)  sent  a  boJjf 
of  troops  to  Tuaiii,  who,  under  pretence  that  llit 
peoj'de  were  making  preparations  to  receive  the  EngliJi 
armv,  pillaged  and  burned  the  town.  He  then  marchid 
to  Coug  in'the  county  of  Mayo ;  but  by  tliat  ihr.e,  if  he 
had  ever  intended  it,  he  was  rimlercil  ur.able  to  rclicvt 
Cialway,  for  his  followers  dwindled  away  to  about  sii 
hundred  men.  He  remained  among  the  mountains  iinlil 
at'terthe  surrenderof  the  town,  when  he  joined  tl;e  Er.L'liih 
army,  and,  having  had  the  meanness  to  accept  of  a  com- 
misMon  from  Ginckle,  assisted  at  tlie  taking  of  ^li;;!). 
Thus  ended  the  career  of  this  pretended  deliverer:  from 
which  it  may  be  concluded  that  the  pre  phecy  was  cidm 
false,  or  misapplied  in  his  person.  \\'hM  became  of  liin 
afterwards  has  not  bee;i  thought  worth  the  trouble  of  in- 
quiry. 


HISTORY    OP    GALWAY.  15*7 

Oie  surrounding  plains.  On  the  same  day  he  advanced,  with  a  party,  three  miles 
nearer  Galway,  to  a  rising  ground,  from  whence  he  could  see  the  shipping  in  the 
bay.  On  his  return  to  tlie  camp  he  found  a  Mr.  Shaw,  a  merchant  of  tlie  town, 
(who,  with  a  few  other  Protestants,  had  that  morning  escaped,)  from  whom  he 
received  a  full  account  how  matters  stood  within.  This  information  was  the  more 
satisfactory,  as  it  differed  entirely  from  what  he  had  ])reviously  received  from 
others,  that  the  garrison  consisted  of  five  thousand  men,  and  those  well  armed ; 
that  the  stores  were  considerable,  and  the  town  almost  impregnable  ;  that  Sarsfield, 
with  the  whole  of  the  Irish  horse,  was  upon  his  march  with  a  resolution  to  raise 
the  siege  ;  and  that  Balldearg's  party  was  above  six  thousand  strong  :  all  which 
led  him  to  apprehend  that  he  would  have  more  trouble  with  Galway  than  he 
expected,  and  that  the  siege  would  be  protracted  to  the  ensuing  winter ;  a 
circumstance  whicli,  above  all  others,  he  was  most  anxious  to  avoid. 

At  this  junctin-e,  Denis  Daly,  of  Carrownekelly,  in  the  county  of  Galway,  esq.' 
second  justice  of  the  court  of  common  pleas,  and  one  of  the  privy  counsellors  of 
James  II. "  dispatched  a  messenger  to  general  Ginckle,  desiring  that  a  party  might 
be  sent  for  him,  who  should  seemingly  force  him  from  his  habitation;  a  circum- 
stance which  he  conceived  would  lead  to  a  more  speedy  surrender  of  the  town. 
It  seems  that  this  gentleman,  whose  distinguished  worth  and  integrity  had  gained 
him  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  parties,  had,  with  the  other  principal 
gentlemen  of  the  county,  for  several  months  previous  to  the  battle  of  Aughrim, 
held  a  correspondence  with  the  English  government,  for  the  submission  and 
general  pacification  of  this  part  of  tlie  kingdom ;  to  cfiect  which,  he  proposed, 
amongst  other  things,  the  surrender  of  Galway.  He  had  measures  preconcerted 
with  a  few  of  the  principal  inhabitants  of  the  town  for  the  purpose,  vi-ho,  clearly 
foreseeing  that  resistance  would  be  useless,  had  privately  authorized  the  proposal, 
promising  all  their  assistance  to  have  the  town  delivered  up,  and  that  on  stipulated 
terms,  much  more  advantageous  than  those  subsequently  obtained  by  capitulation. 
Matters  being  so  arranged,  a  party  of  the  English  army  had,  in  the  preceding 
winter,  marched  as  far  as  the  Shannon,  on  their  way  towards  Galway ;  but  the 
French  party  having,  in  the  mean  time,  gained  the  entire  ascendency  in  the  town, 
the  project  failed.  On  the  present  occasion,  iiowever,  judge  Daly  conceived  that 
the  apparent  forcible  seizure  of  his  person  would  induce  those  with  M'liom  he  had 
formerly  ncgociatcd,  (and  by  whose  assent  he  had  made  the  undertaking  to 
government,)  to  excite  a  party  in  the  town  who  would  insist  on  a  surrender,  to 


■>  Thi-'.  eminent  individual,  "  whose  impai'tiality  and  in-  preserved  by  his  son,  the  ri^ht  honorable  Denis  Daly,  rt 

tcgrity  (in  those  arduous  times)  added  lustre  to  his  judicial  distinguished  senator  in  the  Irish  house  of  connnons,  and 

character,"  \vas  prandt'ather  of  the  late  James  Daly,  of  by  him   transmitted    to   his  only   son,  James  Daly,  aq. 

Dnnsandle,  in  the  county  of  Gahvay,  esq.  who,  aliout  now  representative  for  the  county  of  Cahvay  in  the  iui- 

the  beginning  of  the  present  reign,  acquired  a  prcponder-  pciial  parliaiiicut, —  J'klc  Ludae,   Vol,  III.  p.  39C. 
ating  influence  in  the  corporation  of  GaKvay.  wliich  was 


158  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

prevent  the  useless  effusion  oflunnan  blood  :  bnt  in  this  he  was  also  disappointed, 
for  tlie  French  faction  still  prevailed ;  and  thougli  some  of  the  magistrates  and, 
many  of  the  tovv'nsmen  were  for  surrendering,  several  of  them  were  imprisoned 
for  declaring  their  intentions.  The  defence  of  tiie  town  was  tiierefore,  as  ah-eadv 
mentioned,  determined  upon  ;  and  Ginckie,  encouraged  by  the  information  of 
Sliaw,  at  length  resolved  to  besiege  it. 

This  resolution  was,  however,  considered  by  some  as  too  ])rcmature :  the  sum- 
mer was  now  advanced,  and  Limerick,  the  principal  strength  and  depcndance  of 
the  nation,  was  yet  to  be  reduced.  The  capture  of  Galway,  it  was  consitlered, 
would  immediately  follow  that  of  Limerick,  or,  should  it  even  hold  out,  that  it 
v,'ould  be  more  easily  taken  by  a  winter  siege  than  that  important  place,  whicli, 
the  year  before,  had  defeated  tlie  English  army,  commanded  by  tlie  kin"-  in 
person.  It  was  therefore  concluded,  that  it  would  l)e  more  advisable  to  statiou 
sufficient  forces  in  Athenry,  Loughrea,  and  the  other  neighbouring  towns  and 
positions,  to  keep  the  garrison  of  Galway  in  awe,  and,  with  the  main  body  of  the 
army,  wlule  it  was  fresh  and  flushed  with  victory,  immediately  to  Jay  sieo'e  to 
Limerick.  Tlie  general,  however,  more  prudent!}'  reflected  on  the  danger  of 
leaving  so  considerable  a  place  as  Galway  behind  him,  which,  althougli  the  o-ar- 
rison  was  then  weak,  miglit  be  reinforced  by  Balldearg  O'Donnell,  or  by  French 
troops  which  were  daily  expected  in  the  bay,  and  thereljy  become  too  powerful 
for  his  army,  which  had  already  been  considerably  reduced.  For  these  reasons, 
he  resolved  to  lose  no  time  in  commencing  the  siege,  and  made  every  necessary 
preparation  for  the  purpose.  He  immediately  informed  the  lords  justices  of  his 
determination ;  and  they  dispatched  an  express  to  ca])tain  Cole,  commander  of 
a  squadron  then  cruising  about  the  mouth  of  the  Shannon,  to  sail  with  all  expe- 
dition to  Galway,  and  empowered  him  to  offer  conditions,  in  case  the  town  should 
make  proposals;  but  he  did  not  arrive  until  after  its  surrender,  and  was  then 
ordered  to  return  to  his  former  station. 

"While  these  preparations  were  making  for  the  siege,  the  town  was  equally  active 
in  preparing  for  defence.  Tlie  French  began  to  repair  the  fortified  works  on  the 
hill ;  the  town's-people  were  employed  on  the  fort,  near  the  south-cast  corner  of 
the  wall ;  several  strong  works  were  thrown  up  to  defend  the  cast  gate,  and  all  tlic 
cabins  and  hedges  round  the  suburbs  were  levelled.  Within  the  walls  eight  funs 
were  planted  on  the  upper  citadel ;  near  it  was  a  platform  of  six,  and  eight  or  ten 
more  were  raised  at  the  south-east  corner.  Upon  the  turret,  which  stood  towards 
the  middle  of  the  long  curtain  that  extended  next  the  bay,  there  were  two,  and 
on  the  side  next  tlie  river  five  more,  which,  with  those  planted  towards  the  west 
and  north,  made  about  fifty  pieces  of  cannon.  Many  of  these,  however,  were  old 
and  ill-mounted  ;  some  of  the  best  guns  belonging  to  the  town  iiaving  been  shortly 
])cfore  taken  away  for  other  urgent  services,  and  several  fine  brass  pieces  lay 
dismounted  and  useless  in  the  streets.     Although  there  was  a  considerable  stoia 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  159 

of  provisions,  a  grout  quantity  of  meal,  salt,  and  other  additional  supplies,  was 
brouglit  from  the  sliipping  in  the  bay.  Before  the  movement  of  the  army  towards 
the  town  commenced,  a  party  of  horse,  commanded  by  the  famous  colonel  Lutterel, 
attempting  to  a})]n-oach  and  assist  the  town,  wlis  met  by  a  body  of  cavalry  posted 
at  Kilcolgan,  and  forced  to  retire.  Th.e  Irish  commanders  also  attempted  to  throw 
in  reinibrccments  across  the  bay  from  the  county  of  Clare  ;  but  upon  the  appear* 
aiicc  of  captain  Morgan,  with  a  })arty  vmder  his  command,  they  were  prevented, 
alter  a  skirmish  in  which  three  or  four  of  their  men  were  killed  and  cigiit  taken 
inisoncrs.  These  disappointments,  however,  did  not  dishearten  the  town  but 
rather  stimulated  all  its  exertions,  and  every  preparation  was  made  to  defend  it 
to  the  last  extremity. ' 

On  the  morning  of  the  lOtli  of  July,  the  English  forces,  consisting  of  upwards  of 
iburteen  thousand  men,  chiefly  infantry,  marched  from  Athenry  foi-  Galway.  The 
remainder  of  the  army,  consisting  of  three  thousand  horse  and  dragoons,  was  left 
there  under  the  command  of  lieutenant-general  Scra\'emnore  and  major-general 
Iluvigny,  as  well  for  the  convenience  of  ibrage,  and  securing  the  passes  for  the 
cannon  intended  to  be  sent  for  to  Athlonc,  (siiould  the  siege  prove  tedious,)  as 
for  observing  the  motion  of  the  Irish  forces.  The  troops  advanced  in  two 
'cohuTins,  with  .a  rear-guard  of  one  Iiundred  men  to  each  wing,  commanded  by  a 
lieutenant-colonel,  and  pnc.h  regiment  preceded  by  a  captain,  ensign,  and  fifty 
firelocks.  They  met  with  no  opposition  in  their  approach,  imtil  they  arrived  within 
view  of  the  town,  when  some  skirmishes  took  place  between  the  advanced  posts 
and  parties  of  the  French  and  Irish  forces.  The  latter  set  fire  to  the  castle  of 
Tircllan,  to  prevent  the  enemy  making  any  use  of  it  against  the  town,  and  retained 
the  possession  of  the  outworks  of  the  castle,  until  they  were  driven  from  them 
by  the  repeated  attacks  of  a  superior  force  ;  after  which  they  approached  the 
town  by  the  river,  and  burned  all  the  suburbs  beyond  the  north-west  gate.  In 
these  rencontres  several  of  the  English  were  killed.  The  Irish  troops  then 
entered  the  town  amid  loud  acclamations,  and  the  besieged  manifested  everv  in- 


'  Tlic  following  ilcscri|)tion  of  the  town  at  this  period  of  land,  Iiaving  G'ahvay  bay  on  the  south  and  south-east, 

was  given  by   Stoi-y,  author  of  the   "  Wars  of  Ireland"  a  large  river  coining  from  lough-Corl)e  on   tlie  west,  and 

who  was  liiniself  attached  to  the  English  army  at  the  time  towards  the  north  there  lies  a  low  bog,  through  the  midst 

and  present  at  the  siege : — "  The  town  of  Galv.ay  is,  no  of  which  runs  a  narrow  but  deep  river,  proceedini;  fropi 

(ioiibt,  one  of  the  mo->t  ancient  in  Irchuul;  and  yet  I  do  not  the  great  one  that  slides  by  the  town  :  this  river  and  bo" 

fmd  many  rep.iLirkable  things  of  it  formerly,  it  being  always  extend  about   a  mile  and  a  half  towards  the  north-cast, 

rather  a  place  of  trade  than  action  of  anotlior  nature.     It  and  then  end  together,  the  river  sinking  under  ground 

was  first  governed  by   a   pi'ovost,    then   sovereign   and  at  the  foot  of  a  large  hill,  but  appears  again  at  an  olj 

haylift's,  then  a  mayor  and  baylifts,  now  by  a  mayor  and  castle  nigh    Oranniofe,   where   it   runs  into    the    utmost 

sherirts.     It   was  most  of  it  burnt  in  the  year   1500,  but  creek  of  the  bay.    'The  ridi;e  of  land  between  the  bog  and 

soon  rebuilt  by  reason  of  the  richness  of  the  inhabitants :  the  ba}'  towards  the  ea^l  is  Init  very  narrow,  and  may  with 

the  houses  within  the  walls  are  generally  very  strong,  and  no  great  dillicidty  be  fortified,  without  which  the  town  is 

streets  narrow.     There  lived  a  great  many  rich  merchants  not  to  be  defended,  since  an  army  may  approach,  under 

in  it  of  late,  by  reason  of  the  conveniency  of  its  situation  covert  of  the  ridge,  within  less  than  an  hundred  yards  of 

for  trade  with  Spain  or  France,  but  most  of  them  are  the  wall,  where  there  is  a  raising  ground  that  overlooks  a 

Irish,    The  town  is  seated  at  the  foot  ol' a  narrow  ridge  great  part  of  the  town." — London,  ic;il-j. 


160 


HISTOnV    OV    GALV.'AY. 


Mention  of  making  the  most  vigorous  resistance.     Ginckle  not  expecting  sucli 
immediate  and  determined  opposition,  as  soon  as  a  part  of  the  army  was  drawn 
up  as  near  the  town  as  he  could  approach  witli  safety,  judged  it  prudent  to  summon 
the  garrison  to  surrender.      He  offered  them  tlie  benefit  of  the  lords  justices'  late 
declaration,  if  they  yielded  without  giving  him  any  further  trouble  or  delay,  but 
the  governor  made  answer,  "  that  jMonsieur  D'Ussone,  as  well  as  himself,  and 
the  i-est  of  the  ofiicers,  were  resolved  to  defend  the  place  to  the  last."    "While  the 
messenger  remained  in  town,  tlie  soldiery,  impatient  for  action,  discharged  several 
sliots  from  the  cannon  on   the   walls,   which  was  afterwards  complained  of  as 
unusual,  and  contrary  to  the  rules  of  vrar,  but  it  appeared  the  men  were  not  aware 
oi'  the  communication.     The  remainder  of  the  day  was  occupied  in  fixing  the  posi- 
tions of  the  army  round  the  town,  during  which  the  cannonading  continued  from 
the  walls,  though  it  was  attended  but  with  very  little  effect,  in  consequence  of  the 
i'avorable  situation  of  the  ground  chosen  by  the  besiegers.    As  soon  as  it  was  dark, 
the  four  regiments  of  colonels  Tiffins,    St.  John,   Monsieur  Cambons  and  lord 
George  Hamilton,  with  one  Dutch  and  another  Danish  regiment  of  foot,  and  four 
stpradrons  of  horse  and  dragoons,  all  commanded  by  lieutenant-general  Mackay, 
crossed  the  river  nearly  opposite  the  castle  of  Menlo,  about  two  miles  north  of  the 
tov/n.     They  were  all  safely  o\-er  by  break  of  day,  and  met  with  no  opposition 
except  from  a  party  of"  dragoons  sent  to  oppose  their  landing,  which,  being  overpow- 
ered by  superior  numbers,  was  obliged,  after  a  severe  skirmish,  to  retreat.    This 
formidable  detachment  (which  was  wafted  over  on  floats  previously  constructed, 
but  without  success,  to  seize  the  only  three  ships  that  remained  in  the  bay,  and 
which  sailed  that  night)  occupied  all  the  passes  from  lar-Connauglit,   and  put  an 
end  to  any  further  hopes  of  succour  from  Balldearg  O'Donnell.     This  disappoint- 
ment was  followed  by  another,  resulting  from  the  treachery  of  one  Bourke,  a 
captain  in  the  Irish  army,  who  deserted,  before  the   English  were  many  hours 
before  the  town,  and  informed  general  Ginckle  that  the  fort  towards  the  south-east 
was  nearly  finished  ;  and,  therefore,  the  sooner  it  was  attacked,  the  easier  it  would 
be  gained :  he  also  added,  that  from  its  importance,  as  it  commanded  a  great 
part  of  the  wall  on  that  side  of  the  town,   its  loss  would  considerably  dispirit 
tlie  besieged. 

Tiie  next  morning,  July  20th,  count  Nassau  and  general  Talmash,  with  a  party 
of  grenadiers  and  two  regiments  of  foot,  were  conducted,  by  Bourke,  the  safest 
and  nearest  direction  to  attack  the  fort,  and  the  troops  arrived  almost  at  the  foot 
of  the  works  before  they  were  discovered.  This  unexpected  attack  having  caused 
considerable  confusion  within,  the  English  pushed  forward  through  some  faint 
firings,  and  threw  in  their  grenadoes,  which  obliged  the  soldiers  to  abandon  the 
fort,  and  retire  by  a  line  of  communication  drawn  between  it  and  the  town.  In  this 
action  the  English  had  only  a  lieutenant  and  five  men  killed,  and  but  tM-o  lieu- 
tenants and  eight  men  wounded.    As  soon  as  they  entered  the  fort,  a  tremendous 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  IgJ 

fi'i'  was  o])ciied  on  lliein  from  the  walls,  by  which  several  Arere  killed  and  wounded, 
jKirticiihirlj  their  principal  engineer,  who  fell  as  he  was  giving  orders  to  his  men. 
In  the  mean  time  the  west  suburbs  were  set  on  lire,  to  prevent  their  being 
pbsessed  by  the  troops  that  crossed  the  river,  and  the  besieged  still  shewed  in 
every  quarter  the  most  determined  resolution  of  resistance.  But  at  that  moment 
the  principal  inhabitants,  who  before  were  inclined  to  surrender,  waited  on  the 
governor,  and,  representing  the  impossibility  of  maintaining  the  town  a<i-ainst 
such  an  army,  made  use  of  every  argument  to  persuade  him  to  enter  into  a  treaty. 
Tlieir  councils  at  length  prevailed,  and  at  the  hour  often  o'clock  he  ordered  a  parley 
to  be  Iieat,  and  dispatched  a  letter  to  the  English  commander,  requiring  safe  con- 
iluct  for  some  persons  to  manage  a  capitulation.  This  welcome  message  was  gladly 
received  by  the  general ;  a  satisfactory  answer  was  immediately  returned,  and  a 
cessation  accordingly  ])roclaimcd  on  both  sides.  The  town's-people  and  soldiers 
crowded  in  great  numbers  to  the  walls,  and  the  Englisli  troops  having  approached 
near  enough  to  hold  conversation,  several  inquiries  passed  for  their  friends  and 
acquaintance  in  cacii  otiier's  army.  In  the  afternoon  hostages  were  exchanged  : 
those  on  the  side  of  tlie  English  were  lieutenant-colonels  Pnrcell,  Coote,  and  the 
marquis  de  Rheda ;  and  those  of  the  town,  lieutenant-colonels  Lynch,  Uurke  and 
Reilly.  The  articles  not  being  agreed  to  on  that  day,  the  cessation  was  continued 
until  ten  o'clock  the  following  morning.  In  the  mean  time,  several  debates  took 
j)lace  in  the  town  on  the  terms  to  be  obtained  and  given ;  but  the  hour  limited 
liaving  arrived  before  they  were  able  to  agree,  Ginckle  became  impatient,  and 
having  ordered  eight  guns  and  four  mortars  to  be  drawn  to  the  fort,  which  was 
taken  the  day  before,  he  sent  a  drununer  to  the  town  to  order  away  his  hosta"-es  j 
and,  althougii  the  besieged  demanded  and  obtained  more  time  to  agree  anion"- 
themselves,  his  impatience  Mas  so  great,  that  he  sent  once  or  twice  to  press 
them  to  a  speedy  conclusion.  At  length  lieutenant-colonel  Burke,  one  of  the 
hostages,  was  permitted  to  go  into  town  ;  and  Talmash,  who  evinced  every  incli- 
nation to  lay  the  treaty  aside,  and  even  made  some  cold-blooded  declarations 
that  it  wonld  be  preferable  to  attenq)t  the  town  by  storm,  desired  that  "  when 
they  were  ready  to  begin  again,  they  would  give  a  signal  by  firing  a  gun  in  the 
air;"  but  the  other  replied,  "  they  would  not  fire  a  gun  from  within,  until  they 
were  provoked  from  without."  In  a  sliort  time  after,  on  the  21st  of  July,  the 
articles  were  agreed  to,  signed  and  exchanged  by  general  Ginckle,  on  the  part 
of  the  English,  and  by  the  lords  Clanricarde,  Dillon  and  Enniskillen,  on  the  part 
of  the  besieged.  Of  these  articles,  being  sixteen  in  number,  the  principal  were, 
that  the  town  was  to  be  surrendered  on  the  following  Sunday,  the  2Gth  of  July, 
'riie  French  ofKcers  and  soldiers,  and  such  of  the  garrison  as  wished  it,  to  be 
conducted  to  Limerick.     A  free  pardon  to  be  granted  to  all  within  the  town,  with 

X 


1612 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


liberty  to  possess  their  estates,  real  and  personal,  and  all  other  liberties  and  immu- 
nities which  they  held,  or  ought  to  have  held,  under  the  acts  of  settlement  and 
explanation.  The  clergy  and  laity  were  to  be  unmolested  in  the  private  exercise 
of  their  religion,  and  the  clergy  protected  in  their  persons  and  goods.  The 
gentlemen  of  estates  belonging  to  tlie  town  and  garrisson  to  carry  certain  arms, 
and  the  Roman  Catholic  lawyers  of  the  town  were  to  have  free  liberty  of  practice, 
as  in  the  reign  of  Charles  II. ' 

Immediately  after  the  articles  were  signed,  the  governor  gave  the  earl  of  Clan- 
ricardc,  lord  Enniskillen,  colonel  Dominick  Browne,  lieutenant-colonel  Bodkin 
and  major  Dillon,  as  liostages  for  tlie  due  performance  of  tlie  terms  to  be  ob- 
served, until  tlie  town  should  be  delivered  up.  William  Robinson,  deputy  pay- 
master of  the  army,  was  thereupon  sent  in  to  take  an  account  of  the  stores,  which 
were  found  to  consist  of  eight  hundred  and  fifty  hogsheads  of  French  meal, 
sixty  barrels  of  salt,  a  considerable  quantity  of  ammunition,  and  other  articles  of 
value.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  sanie  day  the  English  troops  took  possession  of 
the  outworks,  and  the  governor  dismounted  the  cannon  on  the  walls.  A  friendly 
intercourse  subsisted  between  both  armies  and  their  commanders  until  tlie  time 
for  surrendering  arrived ;  and  about  seven  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  26th, 
general  D'Ussone  went  out  to  the  English  camp,  where  he  staid  about  half  an 
hour,  and  then  proceeded  with  a  guard  to  Limerick.  Sir  Henry  Bcllasyse  bein" 
appointed  governor  of  the  town,  marched  in  with  his  own,  colonel  Brewer's 
and  colonel  Herbert's  regiments,  and  about  nine  o'clock  took  possession  of  the 
guards,  and  planted  his  sentinels  on  all  the  posts  in  and  about  the  town.  AVhile 
the  town  forces  were  j)rcparing  to  march  out,  a  quantity  of  gunpowder,  wliicli  a 
party  of  them  was  dividing  in  the  street,  suddenly  exploded,  by  wliich  several  of  the 
men  had  their  eyes  blown  out,  and  upwards  of  twenty  were  dreadfull>-  wounded 
and  disfigured.  This  accident  at  tirst  caused  some  confusion,  the  soldiers  on  each 
side  immediately  suspecting  that  they  mutually  intended  to  fall  on  one  another; 
but,  as  soon  as  the  cause  was  ascertained,  these  a])])reIiensions  ceased.  About  ten 
o'clock  lord  Dillon  marched  out  with  the  garrison,  not  being  above  two  thousand 
five  hundred  men,  (who  are  described  as  indifferently  armed,  and  worse  clothed,) 
having,  according  to  the  articles,  six  pieces  of  cannon,  (four  of  wliicli  were  of 
iron,)  drawn  by  English  horses.  They  were  also  conducted  to  Limerick  by  a 
guard  of  horse  and  dragoons,  and  the  same  day,  at  noon,  general  Ginckle  entered 
the  town,  and  was  received  by  the  mayor,  aldermen  and  recorder ;  the  latter 
having  delivered  a  congratulatory  speech  on  the  occasion.  ^ 


'  Vide  Appendix,  Ko.  VIII.  Jie  was  second  cobnel  in  the  earl  of  Clanricarde's  rogi. 

»  Some  time  after  tlie   restoration   of  peace  in   the  nient,  then  garrisoned  in  the  town  ;  that  on  tlic  surrcnj'iT 

kingdom,  Sir  Walter  Blake,  of  Menlo,  bart.  petitioned  he  submitted  himself  to  his  majesty's  sovcrmncnt,  anj 

king  William,  staling,  that  dining  the  sicj^c  of  Galway,  received  a  coinmission  for  raising  a"  regiment  of  foot  in 


IIISTOr.Y    OF    GALWAY.  163 

When  the  news  of  the  capitulation  of  Galway  arrived  in  England,  it  gave  infi- 
nite satisfaction  to  the  queen  and  ministry,  and  the  articles  were  soon  after  ratified 
by  their  majesties.  The  event  was  perpetuated  by  a  medal,  on  which  is  repre- 
sented a  bust  of  the  king  crowned  with  laurel,  and  inscribed  with  his  usual  titles. 
On  the  top  of  the  reverse  are  the  arms  of  Galway  fixed  against  two  palm  branches, 
placed  on  saltire  between  a  cap  and  a  bible,  the  emblem  of  liberty  and  religion. 
Tlie  bottom  is  ornamented  with  two  laurel  branches  twined  together,  and  the 
area  of  tlie  field  filled  with  the  following  inscription: — "  Galloxcaj/  rebeUium  et 
Galloriim  pemdl'niunn  refifgium,  post  plurimas  stragcs  GuUelmo  III.  yiingno  rcsti- 
tuiori  religionis  el  Ubcrlalis,  cum  armajnentariis  simul  ac  navibus  reddiliir." — "  Gal- 
Vav,  the  last  refuge  but  one  of  the  rebels  and  the  French,  is,  after  much 
slaughter,  surrendered,  with  all  its  magazines  and  ships,  to  the  great  William  III. 
the  restorer  of  religion  and  liberty." 

Henceforth  the  allairs  of  the  town  will  be  found  to  present  a  very  different  ap- 
pearance from  that  which  they  held  for  many  years  before.  For  some  time  before 
and  during  the  siege,  it  was  agitated  by  three  distinct  parties  ;  first,  those  who  were 
indined  for  moderate  proceedings ;  next,  tlie  more  violent,  who  adopted  the  mea- 
sures of  Sarsfield  and  Tyrconnell ;  and  lastly,  tiie  French,  wlio  generally  favored 
the  latter.  Tiiese  were  succeeded  after  the  surrender  by  two  parties,  the  Protes- 
tants and  Catliolics,  whose  opposition  to  each  other  became  so  violent,  that  the 
governor,  at  first,  found  it  extremely  difficult  to  regulate  matters  between  them. 
The  Catholics,  by  the  articles  of  capitulation,  were  entitled  to  carry  arms,  and 
their  number,  which  was  considerable,  exciting  the  suspicion  of  the  governor  and 
the  fears  of  tlie  Protestants,  he  was  persuaded  to  apply  for  an  order  to  hold  courts- 
martial  for  infiicting  summary  punislnnent  on  such  as  should  disturb  the  peace  of 
the  town.  The  inclinations  and  disposition  of  the  governor  soon  became  manifest. 
On  the  1st  of  August,  he  informed  general  Ginckle,  by  letter,  that  he  kept  "  a 
watchful  eye  on  the  Papists."  "  On  that  day  a  new  nuiyor  was  to  be  elected:  the 
Catholics,  under  the  articles,  insisted  on  the  right,  and  the  Protestants  resolved 
to  oppose  them :    each  party  separately  proceeded  to  election,  and  botli,  after 


his  service;   lliat  he  was  tlic  first  Roman  Catliolic  in  sought  for  any  rccompence,  altliough  it  was  the  expcc- 

Irchiiul    tliat    received    his   majesty's     conimissioii,    for  tation  of  his  iiiajcbty's  favor  tliat  indaccil  him  to  quit  the 

I.iiiHTick   was  uot  at  the  time  reduced,  and  most  of  the  service  he  was  euL;aged  in,  his  fortune  in  Ireland  hci[i" 

pirrisini  of   Galway  (according;  to  the  |)ro\ibion   in  the  hut  small.     The   object  of  his  petition  was,  that  the  kin^ 

articles  of  capitulation)  went  thither,  except  himself  and  would  be  pleased  to  direct  the  lords  justices   to   consider 

some  others,  who  were  afterwards  officers  in  his  regiment;  petitioner's    services   in  favor  of   his   father-i:i-l;.w,  Mr. 

that  until  the  surrender  of  Limerick  he  was  stationed  on  John  Kirwan,  concerning  some  forfeited  wool-bonds;  Sir. 

the  frontiers,  hetween  his  majesty's  quarters  and  the  Irish,  Kirwan  "  being  a  man  who  deserved  well,  and  |)crformed 
where  he  anil  his  men  behaved  themselves  with  great  care  .   many  services   to  his  majesty's  subjects  in  their  calami-- 

and  fidelity;  that  he  continued  in  his  majesty's  service  tics." — Orig.  MS. 

until  disbanded;  and  that  he  had  been  at  great  expense  >»  Clarke's  Currcsjwnclcucc,  MS.  Trio.  Col.  Dub. 
and  trouble  in  raising  the  regiment,  but  never  received  or 


164 


HISTOUY    OF    GALW'iVY. 


amich  tumuU  and  confusion,  made  choice  of  tlie  governor,  who  immediately 
appointed  alderman  Revett  (the  last  acting  Protestant  mayor  in  1GS5,)  liis  deputy; 
.and  tiien  described  "  the  Papists  in  these  parts"  as  "  the  most  dangerous  fellows 
in  the  world."'  They  were  soon  after  deprived  of  all  influence  in  the  corpora- 
tion ;  and  the'  mayor,  availing  himself  of  a  pretext  for  the  ])uri)ose,  disarmed 
every  individual  of  the  persuasion  within  the  town. "  As  an  instance  of  his  inteu- 
tions  towards  these  people,  lie  recommended  an  order  to  issue,  that  some  mcr- 
cliants,  wlio  were  robbed  near  Atheiny,  should  be  remunerated  by  the  Catholic 
inliabitants,  and  quoted  the  good  effects  of  a  similar  measure  in  tiie  town  the 
preceding  winter.  They,  however,  relying  upon  tiicir  articles,  appealed  from 
his  proceedings,  and  he  was  himself  obliged,  as  governor,  t0  transmit  their  petition 
for  redress  to  the  general.  This  had  the  desired  effect,  and  obtained  for  them  a 
temporary  respite  from  the  persecutions  which  they  were  afterwards  doomed  to 
experience. 

To  secure  the  conquest  of  Galway  after  the  de])arture  of  the  army  for  Limerick, 
all  the  batteries  and  other  works  about  the  town,  raised  both  by  the  Enn-Iish 
and  Irish  forces,  were  levelled ;  but  the  fort  formerly  connnenced  on  the  hill 
beyond  the  south-east  corner  of  the  wall  was  repaired,  and  some  fortified  works 
were  thrown  up  at  the  east  gate,  (thenceforth,  in  honor  of  his  majesty,  called 
U'UUam's  gate,)  and  at  the  west  end  of  the  bridge.  The  go\'ernor  also  recom- 
mended that  a  fort  should  be  built,  and  the  castle  repaired  on  INIutton-island, 
without  which,  he  stated,  that  the  shipping  could  not  be  secure  in  the  bay.  This 
was  accordingly  ordered,  and  one  thousand  pounds  were  granted  for  the  purjiosc. 
The  castle  was  fortified,  and  the  fort  provided  with  ten  pieces  of  cannon :  a  com- 
pany of  soldiers  was  then  stationed  on  the  island,  another  was  sent  to  Arran,  and 
the  fort  there  was  likewise  repaired.     The  island  and  castle  of  Bophin  (the  latter 


*  C/arlcs  Correspond. — Colonel  Toby  Purccll,  who  was 
all  this  time  in  the  town,  openly  arraipied  the  conduct 
of  the  povernor,  and,  on  the  2J  of  Aiijjust,  informed 
the  lords  justices,  "  tliat  as  lonj;  as  Sir  Henry  Bellasyse 
remains  in  Galway,  his  nnpopnlarity  and  covetousuess  will 
produce  mischief."  He  then  recommended  a  proclama- 
tion of  security  to  be  issued,  to  encourage  the  people  to 
brini;  in  provisions,  which  they  were  then  deterred  through 
fear  from  doing. — Id. — Col.  Pureell,  who,  on  all  occasions, 
appears  to  liavc  stood  forth  an  advocate  for  moderate 
measures,  by  letter  of  the  6th  of  September  following, 
complained  to  general  Ginekle  of  the  conduct  of  Edward 
Eyre,  one  of  the  governors  of  the  county  of  Galway, 
describing  him  as  "  the  unfittest  man  in  the  country  to 
be  in  that  st.ntion,  and  am  much  afraid  his  violent  pro- 
ceedings will  ruin  that  side  of  the  coimtry.  He  violated 
protections,  and  asserted  that  the  articles  of  Galway 
signified  but  little,  being  against  an  act  of  parluinient, 


and  that  their  exeellencies  did  not  understand  the  law." 
SaiiiL-  cul/ccliuii. — These  remonstrnnccs,  however,  witc 
unavailable,  and  the  outrages  complained  of  were  suHlroJ 
to  go  on  with  impujiity. 

'  He  charged  them  with  "  growing  insolent,  expcctinj 

Sarsfield  and   O'Donncll's  men    to  join." LI. — About 

the  25th  of  August,  some  countrymen  were  tried  in  the 
town,  by  court  martial,  for  stealing  dragoon  horses,  for 
which  three  were  found  guilty,  and  accordingly  executed. 
On  this  occasion  the  governor  informed  general  Ginckic, 
that  "  tlicre  was  a  priest  at  their  meeting,  but  they  dij 
not  condemn  him,  because  the  executing  a  priest  Mould 
have  made  a  mighty  noise  at  the  time.  I  took  tliit 
occasion  to  disarm  the  Papists  of  this  town,  and  shall  do 
the  same  to  the  country  as  soon  as  the  connnissiou  of 
array  arrives,  and  that  the  justices  of  the  peace  come 
into  the  counti'y." — Same  collection. 


mSTOUY    OF    GALWAY.  165 

built  by  Oliver  Cromwell,  and  tlien  cominanded  by  colonel  Tiniotliy  O'Riordan,) 
having  surrendered  by  capitulation,  were  also  preserved  in  a  state  of  dcfen-ce, 
this  island  being  considered  a  place  of  great  importance,  and  particularly  so 
during  a  war  with  France,  whose  privateers  could  easily  shelter  in  the  harbour 
had  the  fort  been  demolished. — Thus,  in  the  district  of  Galway,  as  in  all  otlicr 
parts  of  the  kingdom,  every  necessary  precaution  was  taken  to  secure  the  fruits 
of  the  sanguinary  and  disastrous  war  which  had  just  terminated,  and  which 
established  a  free  constitution  and  a  system  of  laws  calculated  to  secure  the 
peace  ami  advance  the  prosperity  of  the  country,  if  their  beneiicial  elfects  had 
not  been  destroyed  by  the  bigoted  persecutions  whicli  soon  afterwards  took  place, 
and  which  will  for  ever  remain  an  indelible  disgrace  to  the  times  immediately 
succeeding  this  period. 


166  HISTORY    OF    GAL  WAY. 

CHAP.  VII. 

FROM  THE  YEAR  1691  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 

After  the  surrender )  the  greater  part  of  the  old  natives  and  Catholic  inhabitants  are 
obliged  to  quit  the  town — JMeasures  taken  to  jn'event  their  departure — Articles  of 
Gahcai/  respected  during  the  reign  of'  TJ'illiam  III. — Accession  of  Queen  Anne — 
Conijnission  of  array  issues — Toicn  militia  raised,  and  tlie  fort f  cations  repaired — 
Act  to  prevent  thefurtlier  groxcth  of  Fopery — Roman  Catholics  prevented J'rom  pur- 
chasing houses  or  tenements  in  the  town  or  suburbs — Tliose  already  residing  give 
seciiritij  pursuant  to  the  act — 0)i  the  rumour  of  an  invasion  by  the  Pretender,  tliey 
arc  turned  out  of  the  town — Afterwards  admitted — Again  turned  out  during  the 
rebellion  in  Scotland — Disputes  between  the  members  of  the  corporation — Galwuy 
act  passes — Commerce  of  the  town — Clandestine  trade — Penal  visitation  in  1731 — 
Toicn  militia  neidy  arrayed,  and  officers  appoi)ited — Arms  delivered  out,  and  state 
if  the  ordnance  returned  to  government — Strict  discipline  observed  in  the  toxcn 
during  tlie  Scottish. rebellion  oj'  171-5 — Particular  account  of  the  fortifications,  and 
their  decayed  stale  reported  to  government — T/wy  are  suffered  gradually  to  decay — 
Disputes  beticeen  the  governor,  the  corporation,  and  the  merchants,  about  sliuttingthe 
gates — Description  of  the  toxcn  at  the  time — Trade  declines — The  mercliants  petition 
parliament  against  the  corporation — Resolutions  of  lite  Jiouse — Neiv  schedule  of 
duties  and  customs  agreed  upon — Corporation  disputes — Volunteers — Non-importa- 
tion resolutions — East  India  feet  arrives  in  the  bay — T'own  yeomanry — Zhnon — 
Population  of  the  tuWfi  and  liberties — Disputes  and  proceedings  co?icerning  non- 
resident freemen,  the  independence  and  parliamentary  representation  of  the  toxen. 

Having  now  passed  over  the  turbulent  transactions  \vliicl\  disthiguisli  the 
seventeenth  century  above  all  others  in  our  national  history,  the  tumults  of  war 
liencetbrth  entirely  cease  ;  but  the  reader,  though  no  longer  doomed  to  dwell  on 
a  continued  narrative  of  sieges  and  battles,  or  to  hear  of  the  constant  streaming  of 
human  blood  in  the  field,  is  destined  to  encounter  the  no  less  destructive  evils 
of  civil  bigotry  and  persecution,  which,  for  more  than  half  a  century  after  this 
period,  w  ged  legislative  war  against  the  population  of  Ireland,  and  particuhuly 
ogainst  that  part  of  it  whose  actions  are  detailed  in  the  following  pages.  Those 
imj)ol;tic  laws,  however,  which  exiled  so  many  thousand  of  Ireland's  bravest  sons 
to  fight  in  every  clime,  and  to  conquer  for  every  king  except  their  own  ;  which 
compelled  its  clergy  to  seek  foreign  education,  and,  consequently,  to  return  with 
foreign  prejudices  j  and  which  left  uncultivated  the  fields,  and  uneducated  the 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


167 


children,  of  one  of  the  finest  countries  on  earth,  are  now  no  more ;  tiic  wiser 
councils  of  our  present  venerable  sovereign  at  length  prevailed,  and  those  dismal 
times  have  long  since  passed  by,  never  again  to  return.  However  desirable, 
therefore,  it  might  be  that  the  veil  of  oblivion  were  for  ever  drawn  over  these 
melancholy  scenes,  a  faithful  narrative  of  local  transactions,  free  from  any  feelings 
of  political  or  religious  prejudice,  (which  are  here  totally  disclaiu^ed,)  can  have  no 
other  effect  at  the  present  day,  than  that  of  exciting  the  surprise  and  commisera- 
tion of  every  liberal  and  enlightened  mind,  at  the  excesses  committed  by  one 
party,  and  the  miseries  endured  by  another,   in  those  distressing  times. 

The  treatment  which  the  old  natives  and  Catholic  inhabitants  of  Galway  cxpe- 
'  rienced  after  the  surrender,  caused  so  many  families  to  depart  the  town,  that  a 
general  assembly  of  the  corporation  was  convened  on  the  tliird  of  April,  1693, 
for  the  purpose  of  devising  means  to  prevent  an  evil  of  so  serious  a  tendency, 
and  particularly  one  which,  if  perseveixjd  in,  would  nearly  depopulate  the  town. 
They  accordingly  resoh-ed  that  the  mayor  and  recorder  should  take  the  subject 
into  their  immediate  consideration,  and  ordered  that  no  passes  should  thenceforth 
be  granted  to  any  of  the  uihabitants  ;  and,  particularly,  that  coercive  measures 
should  be  taken  to  repress  the  licentiousness  of  the  soldiery,  and  prevent  their 
outrageous  conduct  towards  the  town's-people.  Whatever  local  injuries  and 
inconveniences  they  might  thus  endure,  their  rights,  however,  under  the  articles 
of  capitulation,  were  publicly  allowed  during  the  reign  of  William  III.  and  in  some 
instances  acknowledged  even  by  ^larliament.  In  the  act,  passed  in  the  7th  year 
of  that  reign,  for  the  better  securing  the  government,  by  disarming  Papists,  it 
was  provided,  that  any  gentlemen  of  estate,  belonging  to  the  town  and  garrison 
on  the  day  of  their  surrender,  might  carry  the  arms  therein  specified;  and  in  a 
subsequent  act,  to  hinder  the  reversal  of  attainders,  all  persons  comprised  in  the 
articles  were  particularly  excepted.  In  a  little  time,  howcA'cr,  all  restraint  was 
laid  aside  ;  in  the  succeeding  reign  they  were  entirely  infringed,  and  the  rights 
of  the  inhabitants  became  totally  disregarded. 

The  accession  of  Queen  Anne  to  the  throne  was  proclaimed  in  Galway,  on  the 
21th  of  March,  I70I.  Her  majesty's  commission  of  array  soon  after  issued, 
under  which  three  companies  of  foot,  consisting  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
were  raised  in  the  town  and  liberties.  ^  Mutton-island  was  again  fortified ;  the 
town  gates  were  repaired,  and  the  building  of  a  new  exchange  was  proceeded  on. 


^  Tlie  following  iniliviiluals  were  rc.tnnicil  as  officers  on  Alderman  Thomas  Simcockcs,  captain,"^ 

llils  occaibion  by  the  coiimiiibioners  of  array,  for  the  appro-  Robert  Shaw,       _  (  lieutenants    i  second  company 

bation  of  povernnicnt,  and  were  accurJin^jly  appointed. —  James  Kibelt  Vigie,        J  '         \  t^'    J' 

Orig.  MS.  .larvis  Hindc,  ensign,         J 

Alderman  Thomas  Staunton,  captain,  \  Alderman  Jolm  Gerry,  captain, -j 

Robert  Blakencv,  )  i-     , .     I  c    ..  Samuel  Cambie, 

,,    ,  T,  ■'  >  lieutenants,  >- first  company.  ..,,  „     ,     ' 

■Hugh  1  nrner,  }  '  (  r     .>  iliomas  roole, 

h::\ci  Widrington,  ensign,  J  Jolin  Leu  is,  ensig 


lieutenants,  C  third  company. 


168 


IIISTOHY    OV    GAI.WAY. 


"While  these  and  other  improvements  were  going  forward  in  tlie  town,  the  fate  of 
the  inhabitants  was  determined  upon  in  parliament.  In  tiie  famous  act  to 
prevent  the  fiuthcr  growtli  of  popery,  after  reciting  tliat  the  peace  and  safety  of 
the  kingdom  and  the  welfare  of  her  majesty's  Protestant  subjects  would  nuicli 
depend  on  the  security  of  Limerick  and  Galway,  and  on  their  being  in  possession 
of  Protestants,  being  considerable  garrisons,  it  was  enacted,  that  no  person  or 
persons  that  then  were  or  should  be  Papists,  or  profess  the  popish  religion,  should 
or  might,  after  the  (ikh  day  of  j\Iarch,  17'^'3,  take  or  purchase  any  "house  or 
tenement,  or  come  to  dwell  or  inhabit  within  the  city  of  Limerick  or  the 
suburbs  thereof,  or  within  the  town  of  Galway  or  the  suburbs  thereof;  and  that 
every  person  of  the  popish  religion,  then  inhabiting  within  the  said  city  and 
towii  and  suburbs  of  tiie  same,  should,  by  that  day,  before  the  chief  magistrate 
of  the  said  respective  city  and  town,  become  bound  to  her  majesty,  her  heirs  and 
successors,  with  two  suliicient  sureties,  in  a  reasonable  ])cnal  sum,  to  be  ascer- 
tained by  the  chief  magistrate,  recorder  and  sheriifs  of  said  city  and  town 
respectively,  or  any  two  of  them,  with  condition  for  his  or  her  faithfully  bearing 
themselves  towards  her  majesty,  her  heirs  and  successors,  or,  in  default  of  giving 
such  security,  that  such  persons  should  depart  out  of  the  said  city,  and  town 
and  suburbs  aforesaid,  on  or  before  the  2.5th  day  of  March,  1705. "  The  Catholic 
inhabitants  of  the  town  accordingly  entered  into  security  pursuant  to  this  act  of 
parliament ;  but  even  this  had  little  effect  towards  preserving  them  from  future 
trouble  and  persecution.  Li  the  year  I70S,  on  the  rumour  of  an  intended 
invasion  of  Scotland  by  the  Pretender,  several  gentlemen  and  merchants  of  the 
town  were  imprisoned  by  order  of  government,  and  the  remainder  of  the  Catholics 
turned  out  of  the  town.  Richard  Wall,  the  mayor,  in  his  dispatch  to  the  privy 
council,  described  his  proceedings  under  this  order  as  follows  : — '«  I  have, 
pursuant  to  order  of  last  night's  post,  turned  all  the  popish  inhabitants  out  of  die 
town  and  garrison,  and  have  also  committed  the  several  popish  priests  to  the  gaol. 
I  have  also  taken  care  to  remove  the  market  outside  the  walls,  and  have  given 
orders  to  prevent  mass  being  said  in  town." '  He  also  informed  them,  that  the 
town  militia  consisted  of  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  men  fit  for  service,  whom 
he  represented  as  very  inconsiderable,  compared  to  the  great  number  of  popish 


'  S/nl.  C  Annr,  1 705,  r/mp,  VI.  sect.  Jj. — It  was  how- 
ever provided,  that  nothing  in  the  act  contained  bhoiild  he 
conbtriicd  to  hinder  seamen  or  day-labourers  iVoni  holding 
or  dwelling  in  houses  worth  iOs.  a  }car,  or  under,  witln'n 
the  suburbs  of  Limerick  or  GaKvai, — Sect.  28. — The  bill 
set  forth,  "  that  if  any  person  or  persons  of  the  popish 
religion,  other  than  such  trading  merchants,  (viz.  seamen, 
fishermen,  and  day-labourers,  who  did  not  pay  upwards 
of  40j.  a  year  rent,)  not  exceeding  twenty  in  each  of  the 
towns  of  I-imerick  and  Galway,  as  shall  be  licenced  by 
the  chief  governor  and  govcrjiors  of  this  kingdom  for 
th»c  time  bcinj;,  shall  presume  to  live,  dwell  or  inliabit,  or 


take  any  house  or  tenement  in  cither  of  the  said  towni 
or  suburbs,  he  or  they  shall  forfeit  all  his  or  their  goods 
and  chattels,  and  suffer  imprisonment  for  one  whole  year. 
—Cmn.  Jour.  Vol.  III.  f.  1 7,3. 

'  Orig.MS.  dated  i'j't/i  March,  I70|. — In  April  170S, 
an  East  India  fleet,  consisting  of  si."c  ships,  arrived  in  the 
bay.  The  governor  immediately  informed  the  lords 
justices,  that  "  a  popish  bishop  and  other  Romish  clergy" 
were  on  board  of  one  of  the  ves;,els ;  upon  which  he  wai 
directed,  "  not  by  any  means  to  snifer  them  to  come  on 
shore,  but  that  they  be  carried  to  Great  Dritain,  to  be 
disposed  of  tliere  as  her  majesty  shall  thiiik  fit." — Id. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  169 

Inhabitants ;  and  entirely  unprovided  with  arms,  which  he  requested  would  be 
furnished  as  soon  as  possible.  The  town  was  then  put  into  a  state  of  defence, 
and  il  strong  detachment  was  also  sent  to  the  islands  of  Arran  ;  but  on  the  15th 
of  April  following,  colonel  John  Eyre,  the  governor,  received  directions  from 
government  "  to  admit  the  popish  inhabitants  of  Galway  to  return  to  their 
dwellings,  and  to  continue  in  the  town,  as  formerly,  and  to  suffer  tlic  markets 
to  be  kej)t  and  held  there,  as  before  the  late  directions  were  given  to  the  contrary, 
nil  apprehensions  of  any  invasion  from  the  Pretender  being  quite  over." ''  'From 
thence  they  remained  undisturbed  until  the  22d  of  March,  I7II,  when  the 
mayor,  in  a  dispatch  from  the  secretary  of  state,  concerning  some  French 
])risoners  then  in  his  custody,  was  ordered  '•  to  cause  the  popish  priests  in  Galway 
to  be  secured;"  and  in  a  subsequent  dispatch  to  set  those  prisoners  at  liberty,  he 
received  their  excellencies  thanks  for  his  good  services  in  respect  of  the  popish 
clergy,  accompanied  by  an  assurance  that  they  were  extremely  well  pleased  with 
liis  zeal  and  management  therein,  and  expressing  their  hopes  that  lie  would 
continue  his  "endeavours  to  banish  the  priests,  those  enemies  to  our  constitution, 
out  of  that  town,  and  cause  those  you  have  apprehended  to  be  prosecuted  at  law 
with  the  utmost  rigor."  That  these  denrmciations  were  not  unattended  to,  may 
be  safely  concluded :  each  succeeding  mayor,  as  his  best  recommendation  to 
the  notice  of  government,  exerted  himself  to  surpass  his  predecessoi's  in 
persecuting  these  defenceless  objects  of  political  wrath.  Obstacles,  however, 
sometimes  occurred  to  defeat  or  delay  those  relentless  proceedings.  An  instance 
of  this  nature  took  place  in  the  year  IJli^,  when  Robert  Biakeney,  who  was 
then  mayor,  informed  the  secretary  of  state,  "  that  one  James  French,  a  regular 
popish  clergyman,  had  lain  in  gaol  a  long  time,  committed  for  high  treason  for 
returning  from  beyond  seas  after  being  transported,  but  that  lie  could  not  be  tried 
for  want  of  a  Protestant  jury  of  freeholders."  Obstructions  oi'  this  nature, 
however,  were  soon  after  removed  by  the  interference  of  the  legislature,  which 
appears  to  have  constantly  kept  a  vigilant  eye  upon  this  town,  as  containing  the 
most  considerable  and  respectable  Catholic  community  of  any  other  then  in  the 
kingdom. 

Although  the  establishment  of  the  illustrious  house  of  Hanover  on  the  throne 
of  these  realms,  by  the  accession  of  King  George  I.  may  be  considered  as  the 
ilawn  of  toleration,  after  the  dark  and  tedious  night  of  religious  persecution,  which, 
until  then,  overspread  this  unhappy  land,  yet  that  event  at  first  caused  but  little 
mitigation  in  the  severity  of  tiic  penal  laws  which  afflicted  the  Catholics  of  Ire- 
land. Their  operation  was  for  some  time  afterwards  even  more  severe,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  Scottish  rebellion  of  1715,  which  was  raised  and  carried  on  in 


"^  Orig.  MS.— loth  April,    170S. 


170 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


favor  of  the  Pretender.  On  this  occasion,  a  new  commission  of  array  for  Gahvay 
was  directed  to  lord  St.  George,  governor  of  the  town, '  and  others.  A  muster 
of  all  the  Protestants  in  the  town  and  liberties,  able  to  bear  arms,  was  accordint;ly 
taken  ;  and  it  appeared  tliat  they  could  furnish  three  hundred  and  seventeen 
eflective  men,  divided  into  five  companies,  for  which  the  undernamed '  persons 
were  recommended,  and  consequently  appointed  as^othcers.  This  afi'air  took  place 
in  October,  1715 ;  and  in  January  following,  Robert  Blakeney,  the  mayor, 
"  turned  all  the  Papists  out  of  the  town  except,  about  twenty  merchants,  fiom 
whom  I  took  seciuuty,  and  quartered  the  two  companies  of  brigadier  Harrison's 
regiment  (which  were  stationed  in  the  east  and  west  suburbs,)  in  the  two  waste 
houses  where  the  nuns  formerly  resided,  belonging  to  Mr.  Porster  and  i\Ir. 
Martin."  ^  The  most  particular  attention  was,  at  the  same  time,  paid  to  the  care 
of  the  walls  gates,  and  fortifications  ;  and  the  xagilance  and  coercive  measures  of 
the  military  were  so  strictly  exerted,  that  the  town  presented  the  appearance  of 
an  extensive  prison  in  which  the  confined  were  permitted  to  walk  during  the 
day,  but  were  closely  locked  up  at  the  approach  of  night. "  Even  these  extraor- 
dinary  precautions  were  deemed  insufficient,  without  further  penal  enactments 
and  regulations,  to  ensure  the  safety  of  the  town. 

About  this  period  violent  contentions  arose  between  the  principal  members  of 
the  corporation,  many  of  whom,  commiserating  the  distressed  condition  of  tlie 
Catholic  inliabitants,  became  advocates  for  milder  measures,  and,  for  the  purpose  of 
counteracting  the  extreme  severities  of  the  existing  laws,  admitted  several  persons 


first  liciil./ 

stfond  ditto.  ( 

cnsi:;n,_ 


■  first  company. 


second  ditto. 


'  Lord  St.  George,  baron  of  Hartley,  in  England,  was 

appointed  fjovernor  of   the   town   of   Gahvay   and  vice- 

admiral  of  Connan;il)t,  for  his  services  in  Flanders  during 

the  reigns  of  King  X\'illiam  and  Queen  Anne. — Peerage. 

'  Alderaian  Thomas  Sinicockes,  capt.") 

,S.   Simcockes,  first  lieut. 

Robert  Andrews,  gent.         seconil  ditto, 
Maurice  Hughes,  ensigji, 

Alderman  J^mies  Kihett  Vigie,     eaptai 

Marli.  Lynch, 

Edward  Rhodes,  gent. 
John  Manion,  do. 
Alderman  Jarvis  llindn, 

Eilward  Barrett 

Thomas  Hudson,  gent. 

Michael  Harris,       do. 

Edward  Eyre,  esq. 

Alderman  John  Fcmuirc, 

Geofi'rv  Cook,  gent. 

Thomas  Holland,  do. 

Robert  Shaw,  junior,  esq. 

Alderman  Geor^^e  Gcrrv, 

AN'diiam  Hindc, 

Henry  Perry,  gent.  ^...,i,,.,_, 

In  17^5,  new  officers  were  appointed  in  place  of  some 

of  the  foregoing,  who  died,   and  the  militia  was  tlien 


fourth   ditto. 


ditto. 


reduced  to  two  hundred  and  thirty  men,  wlio  had  amonpst 
them  only  one  hundred  and  twenty  firelocks. — Vng. 
reliirns. 

'^    Orig.  letter  from  the  mayor. 

"  A  circumstance  which  occurred  about  this  period, 
shews  the  extreme  aud  jealous  caution  with  whidi  the 
town  was  guarded  against  any  attempt,  foreign  or 
domestic,  by  which  its  b;il'ety  could  be  endangered.— In 
August,  1713,  Mr.  Arkw  right,  then  collector  of  the  town, 
informed  the  commissioners  of  the  revenue,  that  neither 
he  nor  any  officer  belonging  to  the  custom  house  would  bt 
permitted  to  go  upon  the  town  walls  to  look  into  the  roaj 
and  bay,  and  that  none  of  the  town  gates  would  be 
opened  for  biin  on  extraordinary  occasions  in  the  ni^'ht,  \ 
which  proved  highly  prejudicial  to  the  revenue,  though 
that  liberty  had  been  formerly  allowed.  This  represen- 
tation being  laid  before  the  lords  justices,  they  immcdiatelj 
directed  the  commanding  officer  of  the  town  to  peniiit 
the  officers  of  the  revenue  to  go  nj^on  the  walls  whcnc\ei 
there  should  be  occasion  for  it,  and  allow  the  surveyor  to 
pass  through  the  quay  gate  in  the  night-time,  when  hit 
juajesty's  service  should  require  it. — Orig.  MS. — Who 
such  precautions  as  those  were  taken  against  the  civil 
officers  of  the  crown,  the  restrictions  imposed  on  ;be 
Catholic  inhabitants  may  be  easily  conjectured. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  171 

not  residing  in  the  town,  to  the  freedom  and  privileges  of  the  corporation.     These 
proceedings  of  the  moderate  party  occasioned  several  disputes  between  tliem  and 
tliose  of  tlie  opposite  feeling,  which   at  length  proceeded  so  far,  that  alderman 
i'homas  Simcockes  and  Edward  Barrett,  "  on  behalf  of  tliemsclves  and  divers  of 
the  Protestant  aldermen,  common  council  men,   freemen,  commonalty  and  Pro- 
testant inhabitants,"    on   the   13th  of   September,   1717>  petitioned   parliament, 
complaining  of  the  illegal  and  oppressi\'e  practices  and  arbitrary  proceedings  of 
John  Staunton,   esq.    one  of  the  representatives  of  the  town,    and  of   Robert 
(,'o;itos,  the  then  mayor,  stating  that,  for  several  years  past,  a  design  hat!  been 
formed  and  carried  on  by  the  magistrates  and  governing  part  of  the  corporation, 
lo  support  a  popish  and  discoiu'age  the  Protestant  interest  within  the  town  ;    in 
pursuance  of  which  design,  nunneries,  and  other  places  of  refuge  and  shelter  for 
regular  and  secular  priests,  friars,  and  other  offenders  against  the  several  laws  in 
force  in  the  kingdom,  had  been  suffered,  connived  at,  and  encouraged  within 
t(ie  town  and  county  of  the  town  of  Galway,  contrary  to  law :  that,  in  furtlier 
pursuance  of  the  said  evil  design  great  numbers  of  Papists,  by  the  notorious 
neglect  of  the  magistrates,  had  been  and  were  then  permitted  to  inhabit  in  the 
town,  contrary  to  law ;  whereby,  and  by  reason  of  several  other  discoui-agements 
to  the  Protestant  interest  there,   and  of  such  Protestants  as  then  did  or  would 
reside  therein,  a  sufficient  number  of  Protestant  freeholders  could  not  be  found 
ill  the  county  of  the  town  of  Galway,  to  try  offenders  against  the  several  acts 
then  in  force  against  Papists,  whereby  great  numbers  of  popish  priests,  friars 
2nd  dignitaries  of  the  church  of  Rome,  frequently  landed  from  foreign  parts, 
contrary  to  law,  within  the  town  and  liberties,  and,  through  the  connivance  of  the 
justices  of  the  peace,  were  sheltered  from  justice,  and  found  protection  therein, 
nnd  from  thence  found  opportunities  to  disperse  themselves  into  all  other  parts  of 
tlie  kingdom :  that,  by  the  charters  of  Galway,  the  mayor  and  recorder  for  the 
time  being,  and,  in  their  absence,  their  respective  deputies,  were  the  only  justices 
of  the  peace  within  the  county  of  the  town,  who  had  been  principal  instruments 
in  obstructing  the  execution  of  the  laws  against  popery,  and  had  confederated 
vdtli  many  persons  popishly  affected  within  the   town,   and  with  divers  other 
enemies  to  the  Protestant  interest,  Avho  were  foreigners  to  the  town,  to  form  a 
common  council  to  carry  on  their  evil  designs,   by  illegally  excluding  certain 
common  coimcil  men  (who  had  been  didy  elected,    admitted  and  sworn)  from 
acting  or  voting  therein  ;  and,  having  thereby  procured  to  themselves  a  majority, 
had,  for  several  years  past,  arbitrarily  and  illegally  admitted  into  the  same  divers 
persons  disaifected  to  his  majesty  and  the  Protestant  interest;  by  means  whereof, 
and  other  evil  practices,    the  security    of  the  town   and  garrison  was  greatly 
endangered,  the  residence  of  Protestants  therein   discouraged,  prevented,    and 
rendered  unsafe,  justice  obstructed,  many  criminals  protected  contrary  to  law,  and 
^Tcut  grievances  and  mischiefs  occasioned  to  the  Protestant  interest  thereof;  for 


172 


IIISTOIIY    OF    GALWAY. 


all  wlucii  they  prayed  relief.  The  house  liaving  ordered  that  tlie  matter  of 
tliis  petition  shoukl  be  heard  at  their  bar,  council  accordingly  appeared,  and 
witnesses  were  examined  on  tlie  part  of  the  accused ;  but  it  was  unanimously 
resolved,  "  that  the  petitioners  have  fully  proved  the  allegations  of  the  petition." 
Robert  Shaw,  es(j.  the  other  ineniber  for  the  town,  then  brought  in  a  bill  "for  the 
better  regulating  the  town  of  Galway  and  for  the  strengthening  the  Protestant 
interest  therein,"  which  passed  both  houses  on  the  5th  and  L)tli  of  December' 
ibllowing,  and  enacted,  tliat  from  and  after  the  2.5th  of  --Decemher,  1717,  it 
should  be  lawful  tor  the  sheriffs  of  the  town  to  issue  their  summons  to  any 
Protestant  freeholder,  having  forty  shillings  a  year  in  the  county  of  Galway,  to 
attend  and  serve  on  any  grand  or  petty  jury,  for  the  trial  of  issues  depending  in 
the  said  county  of  the  town,  in  any  plea  of  the  crown,  whether  capital  or  not ;  and 
that  such  freeholders  should  be  and  were  thereby  required  to  serve  upon  any  such 
jury,  and  such  verdict  as  should  be  given  should  be  as  effectual  and  valid  as'if  the 
issue  had  been  tried  by  the  freeholders  of  the  town ;  ami  that  it  should  be  lawful 
(or  said  sheriffs,  on  every  venire  facias,  distringas,  habeas  corpora,  writ  or  precept 
directed  to  them,  to  summon  a  competent  number  of  the  freeholders  of  the  said 
county  of  Galway,  being  Protestants,  to  attend  on  every  grand  inquest  and  trial, 
in  any  plea  of  the  crown,  at  the  assizes,  or  any  commission  of  Oyer  and  Terminer 
or  gaol  delivery  there  to  be  had,  or  at  any  trial  at  bar  in  his  majesty's  court  of 
king's  bench,  Dublin,  in  any  pica  of  the  crown  in  such  manner  as  tliey  might 
have  I  done  to  the  freeholders  of  the  county  of  the  town,  under  sucli  pains, 
penalties  and  forfeitures,  and  in  the  same  manner  and  form,  and  with  the  like 
benciit  of  challenges,  as  if  they  were  freeholders  within  the  county  of  the  town, 
and  that  all  fines  and  issues  imposed  on  them  should  be  estreated  into  the 
exchequer :  and  further,  after  reciting  that  it  would  be  a  great  encouragement  to 
the  then  Protestant  inhabitants  to  continue,  and  to  other  Protestants  to  come 
and  inhabit  in  the  town,  if  foreigners  or  persons  living  out  of  the  county  of  the 
town  and  liberties  were  excluded  from  being  magistrates,  sheriffs  or  common 
couucilmcn  within  the  town,  it  was  enacted,  that  from  and  after  the  25th  of 
December,  1717.  no  person  or  persons  should  be  elected  mayor,  or  sheriffs,  or 
common  councilmen,  who  should  not  be  an  inhabitant  or  inhabitants  within  the 
town  and  liberties  at  the  time  of  being  elected,  and  resident  for  one  year  before 
such  election. "     That  it  should  and  might  be  lawful  for  the  lord  chancellor,  lords 


1 


•  While  this  bill  was  in  progress  tlirongh  the  house  of     too  strong  at  the  time,  and  their  opposition  was  ineffec- 
lords,    Francis,    lord  baron    Athenry,    Doniinick  Burke,      tual. — Com.  Jour. 


Alexander  Lynch,  and  other  Protestant  nieuibers  of  the 
corporation,  presented  petitions  iigainst  it ;  lord  Athenry 
Stalin^',  "  that  it  siil>iccted  his  honor  to  the  highest 
iiii]iutatiou."     Tl'.ev  were  hcaril  hv  council,  who   urged 


'  By  Stat.  21  Geo.  TI.  chap.  10,  sect.  8.  after  reciting 
that  many  towns  and  boroughs  in  Ireland  which  sent 
members  to  parliament,  had  been  theretofore  obliged,  for 
want  of  Protestant  inhabitants  resident,  to  elect  into  the 


many  powerful  reasons  against  the  bill ;  but  prejudice  was     office  of  burgesses  and  other  offices  persons  who  did  not 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  173 

commissioners,  or  other  keeper  or  keepers  of  the  great  seal  for  the  time  being,  by 
commission  under  the  seal,  to  appoint  such  person  and  persons,  not  exceeding  four 
in  number,  being  inhabitants  of  the  town  or  liberties  thereof,  to  be  justice  or 
justices  of  the  peace  and  quorum,  during  liis  majesty's  pleasure,  in  and  throughout 
the  county  of  the  town  and  liberties  thereof,  with  the  same  power  as  any  other 
justice  of  peace,  by  charter  or  otherwise.  That  all  and  every  person  and  persons, 
professing  him  or  themselves  of  any  trade,  mystery  or  handicraft,  that  should 
come  to  inhabit,  dwell  or  reside  in  the  town,  in  order  to  follow  th.eir  respective 
trades,  should  and  were  thereby  declared  to  be  free  of  the  town  and  corporation 
of  (jalwav,  and  also  of  that  company  or  corporation  to  which  their  respective 
trades  belonged,  without  paying  any  thing  for  such  freedom,  and  should  continue 
freemen  as  long  as  he  or  they  should  inhabit  or  dwell  in  the  town,  and  no  longer, 
and  should  be  enempted  and  freed  from  all  corporation  taxes  and  tines  for  not 
serving  as  beadle,  for  the  space  of  seven  years  next  after  his  or  their  coming  to 
iuhahit  in  the  town  ;  provided  that  no  person  or  persons  were  to  have  the  benefit 
of  their  freedoms,  as  aforesaid,  unless  he  or  they  had  been  professed  Protestants 
for  seven  years,  or  upwards,  next  before  his  or  their  demanding  their  freedoms 
pursuant  to  the  act,  and  should  also  take  the  usual  oaths  of  freeman,  and  the  oath 
of  allegiance,  supremacy  and  abjuration,  and  make  and  subscribe  the  declaration, 
commonly  called  the  declaration  against  transubstantiation,  before  the  mayor  of 
the  town,  who  was  thereby  empowered  and  required  to  administer  the  same : 
and  finally  reciting,  that  since  his  majesty's  happy  accession  to  the  crown,  and 
particularly  during  the  late  rebellion  in  Great  Britain,  divers  unqualified  persons, 
and  some  of  them  of  known  or  suspected  disaffection  to  his  majesty's  government, 
had  been  elected  sheriff's  within  the  town  of  Galway,  and,  upon  pretence  of  such 
their  election,  had  all  of  them  been  admitted  into  and  sworn  of  the  common  council, 
notwithstanding  they  had  not  been  approved  of  by  the  chief  governor  and  council 
of  the  kingdom  to  be  sheriffs  ;  and  that  all  such  elections,  without  sucli  approba- 
tion, were  utterly  null  and  void  ;  and  that  divers  other  unqualified  and  disaffected 
persons  had  been  admitted  into  the  common  council  since  the  1st  of  August,  171-1-. 
It  was,  for  the  further  security  of  the  town,  finally  enacted,  that  the  election  and 
admission  of  all  and  every  person  and  persons  who  had  been  so  admitted  and 
sworn  since  that  day,  except  such  as  had  been  approved  of,  sworn  and  served  as 
sheriffs  of  the  town,  should  be,  and  were  thereby  declared  null  and  void  to  all 
intents  and  purposes. ' — Such  were  the  provisions  of  this  elaborate  local  enact- 


inliabit  or  could  not  be  rcMdcnt,    anJ  tliat  doubts  had  town  corporate  or  borough  (not  btin?  a  citj)  should  be 

arisen  upon  their  acting,  and  that  it  was  even  then  iiiiprac-  ousted  or  molested  onl  v   for  not  bein:;  an  inhubitaut  or 

ticableto  find  Protestant  inhabitants  wliereby  controversies  resident  at  the  tiuie  of  election — Vu/.  VI.  p.  351. 

were  likely  to  ensue  as  to  the  legality  of  such  elections;  '  Stat.  4  Geo,  I,  Chop.  15. 
it  was  enacted,  that  no  person  duly  elected  an  officer  in  any 


174 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


ment,  (now  known  by  the  name  of  the  "Galway  Act.")  by  which  the  town  was 
for  some  time  after  regulated,  but  which  the  increasing  hberality  of  succeeding 
times  has  rendered  of  httle  other  use,  at  the  present  day,  than  to  become  a  subject 
of  historical  narration,  and  to  remain  a  lasting  memorial  of  tlie  illiberal  feelings  by 
which  this  and  similar  laws  were  enacted  against  the  Catholics  of  Ireland. 

Amidst  tlic  numberless  restraints  wliich  were  tluis  daily  and  liourly  imposed 
vipon  the  defenceless  inhabitants  of  Galway  and  its  vicinity,  they  still  retained  a 
portion  of  the  commercial  enterprise  which  formerly  distinguished  their.anccstors; 
and  trade,  notwithstanding  the  many  impediments  under  -which  it  languishctl, 
was  not  altogether  neglected. "'  Tlie  severe  scrutiny,  however,  to  v.'hich  the 
merchants  were  exposed,  and  the  heavy  duties  imposed  on  their  goods,  induced 
many  persons,  in  order  to  avoid  the  rigor  of  the  officers  and  the  exactions  of  the 
revenue,  to  enter  into  a  contraband  trade,  which,  notwithstanding  the  vigilance 
of  the  officers  gradually  increased,  and  the  practice  of  "  smuggling",  for  many 
years  afterwards  continued  prevalent  in  the  town. "  Its  open  and  regular 
commerce  increased  or  diminished,  as  the  penal  laws  were  suspended  or  put  in 
execution  against  the  inhabitants.  In  some  years  after  this  period,  when  the 
vehemence  of  persecution  began  to  subside,  trade  seemed  on  the  increase, 
but  it  lasted  only  for  a  while  :  the  spirit  of  the  inliabitants  was  broken  down 
by  repeated  aggressions  and  angry  visitations  under  the  penal  laws :  whatever 
remnant  of  trade  and  commerce  had  remained  in  tiie  town  gradually  declined. 
Though  some  partial  efforts  were  from  time  to  time  made  to  restore  them,  °  all 


""•  A  return  of  the  revenues  received  in  the  town  about 
this   period    remains   on   record    in   the    office   of   the 
remembrancer  of  tlie  exchequer.     Tliey  amounted — 
£.    s.     d. 
In    1715,  to  5683      1    11 

— 17,  G!)97    11    10 

— 23,  6956      1    10 

III  the  latter  year  tlie  market  customs  and  satea^c  duties 
were  set  as  follows,  viz. 


d. 


Tolls 

Farthings 

East 

West 

The  quay 

Wood-quay 

Corporation  Book,  F. 


"  The  following  "  account  of  the  holes  and  pa■^sages  in 
the  town  wall  of  Galwaj',  through  which  brandy  and 
oilier  goods  are  conveyed  into  the  town  by  night-time," 
vvn'i  taken  soon  after  this  period. 

Abo\e  the  bridge  a  hole  broke  tlirough  the  town  wall, 
liy  the  tuck-mill,  which  opens  a  passage  into  a  yard 
Ipp.diiig  to  Abbey-gate-strcct;  and  a  hole  near  it  into  the 
"uiviery  yard. 


160 

0 

0 

70 

10 

0 

60 

10 

0 

'J  4 

10 

0 

11 

1.5 

0 

11 

15 

0 

Q33^ 

0 

0 

A  hirge  breach  in  the  town  wall,  by  Dominick  Bodkiii't 
house. 

Below  the  bridge,  a  door  broke  through  the  town  wall 
into  a  tan-ynid. 

A  door  iu  the  town  wall,  into  Peter's  Lynch's  house. 

A  door  near  the  niavor's  house. 

A  passage  through  Martin's-niill  into  Kirwan's-lane. 

A  door  in  the  town  wall  into  Michael  Cavanagli's,  alias. 
Brown's-housc. 

By  the  marsh,  a  hole  broke  through  at  Val.  Browne's 
house,  shut  up  and  o|)ened  as  often  as  he  has  occasion  to 
bring  ankers  of  brandy  into  town. 

A  liole  likewise  broke  through  the  wall,  where  James 
Browne  Fitz-Biu'th ;  lives  formerly  one  Xolan  much 
frequented  it. 

A  large  conduit  into  Simon  Lynch's  J'ard,  much  fre- 
quented in  the  running  trade. 

A  hole  through  the  town  wall  into  Jonathan  Bodkin's 
vard,  shut  up  now,  but  opened  as  often  as  he  has  occasion. 
'MS.  liejwrt. 

°  In  the  year  1730,  during  the  mayoralty  of  John 
Staunton,  esq.  it  was  ordered  in  common  council,  thut 
Francis  Lynch,  of  London,  in  case  he  should  procure 
Galway  to  be  established  a  port  for  the  exportation  of 
wool,  and  that  a  perpetual  act  of  parliament  to  that  clfcot 
should  be  passed  by  his  management  and  at  his  expense 
should  have  the  charter  duties  on  the  export  of  wool  for 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  175 

were  ineffectual ;  and  the  present  reduced  state  of  the  commerce  of  Galway 
affords  a  melancholy  proof  of  the  destructive  policy  of  those  laws,  which,  during 
the  greater  part  of  the  last  century,  cramped  the  energies  and  impeded  the 
j)rc>spcrity  of  the  country. 

On  the  rumour  of  an  intended  Spanish  invasion  of  Ireland  in  tiie  year  I7IS, 
lord  St.  George,  the  governor  of  the  town,  received  dispatclies  from  the 
secretary  of  state  m  Dublin,  "  that  the  king,  having  had  advice  that  the  Spaniards 
intended  to  make  an  attempt  on  some  part  of  his  dominions  in  Ireland,  and  that 
tlicy  were  then  transporting  troops  for  the  purpose,  was  pleased  to  signify  that 
major-general  AVynne  should  be  sent  to  Galway  to  command  the  forces  quartered 
tlierc  for  the  defence  of  tlic  town  in  case  of  an  invasion."  The  general  accord- 
ingly took  the  command  on  the  '27th  of  March,  1719;  and,  having  reviewed  the 
fortifications,  and  put  the  town  into  a  state  of  defence,  he  transmitted  a  full 
account  of  the  condition  and  state  of  tlie  entire  to  government,  by  whom  several 
other  repairs  and  improvements  were  directed.  No  attempt  having  been  made 
by  the  enemy,  as  was  apprehended,  the  strict  military  regulations  then  established 
in  the  garrison  were  by  degrees  laid  aside.  In  the  year  17-5,  a  new  commission 
of  array  issued,  and  tiic  deficiencies  of  officers  and  men  in  the  town  militia  were 
filled  up.  The  inhabitants  from  thence  enjoyed  an  interval  of  peace  until  the 
year  17j1)  when  they  endured  the  most  severe  penal  visitation  whicli  had  taken 
place  for  many  years  before,  but  which  was  also  the  last  of  the  kind  ever  since 
experienced.  On  the  Gth  of  November,  in  that  year,  an  order  was  made  by  the 
house  of  lords,  that  AV alter  Taylor,  esq.  then  mayor  of  the  town,  should  return 
an  account  of  all  the  mass-houses  in  the  town,  and  which  of  them  had  been  built 
since  1st  Geo.  I.  and  what  number  of  priests  officiated  in  each,  and  also  an 
account  of  all  private  mass-houses  and  popish  chapels,  and  all  commonly 
reputed  nunneries  and  friaries,  and  what  number  of  friars  and  nuns  were  in  each, 
and  what  popish  schools  were  within  the  town.  The  mayor  accordingly  issued 
liis  warrant  to  the  sheriffs,  requiring  them  to  apprehend  and  commit  all  popish 
archbishops,  bishops,  Jesuits,  friars,  and  all  other  popish  ecclesiastical  pcrsonsr 
%vhom  they  should  find  within  the  town  and  county  thereof;  and  likewise  to 
suppress  all  monasteries,  friaries,  nunneries,  and  other  popish  fraternities  and 
societies.  Upon  return  of  their  proceedings  to  the  house,  their  lordships  "  could 
not  omit  observing,  that  the  insolence  of  the  Papists  throughout  tlie  nation  is  very 
great."  ''  A  particular  detail  of  this  visitation  will  be  found  in  the  accounts  of  the 
ilifierent  religious  foundations  of  the  town,  which  arc  contained  in  another  part 


six  years. — Corporation  BooJc. — This  measure,  however,  one  hundred  and  seventy-six ;  and  the  heads  of  families 

appears  never  to  have  been  accomplished.  who  had  not  entered  into  security  were  eight  hunihed  and 

"  The  Catholic  inhabitants  then  residing  in  Galway,  sixty-one.     Total,  1037  heads  of  Catholic  families  then 

wlio  had  given  security,  as  required  by  Stat.  2  Anne,  were  residing  in  the  town. — Com.  Jour. 


176 


HISTORY    OF    GAI.WAY. 


of  this  volume. ''  From  the  proceedings  and  resohitions  of  the  house  of  lords,  it 
would  appear  as  if  all  its  fancied  apprehensions  of  danger  from  the  Catholics  had 
arisen  from  this  part  of  the  kingdom,  and  particularly  from  Galway,  to  which  its 
attention  was  principally  directed.  But  these  instances  of  persecution,  which, 
for  some  time  past,  had  been  much  more  severe  than  frequent,  liencefbrth  ceased; 
and,  since  tliis  last  and  most  violent  gasp  of  expiring  bigotry,  the  Catliolic  popula- 
tion of  Galway,  with  very  few  exceptions,  have  remained  unmolested  on  account 
of  their  religion.  In  the  year  17'IU,  a  return  was  made,  pursuant  to  the  direc- 
tions of  government,  of  the  state  of  the  town  militia.  It  then  consisted  of  "  tluee 
hundred  effective  Protestant  inhabitants,"  divided  into  five  companies,  the  particu- 
lars of  which  were  laid  before  the  lords  justices,  and  a  list  of  the  officers  was  also 
submitted  for  their  approbation.''  There  being  no  arms  in  the  town,  an  order  issued, 
in  IT-iS,  for  one  thousand  muskets  and  bayonets  for  the  town  and  county,  of  which 
two  himdred  and  fifty  were  delivered  to  the  militia  by  colonel  AVynne,  then  gover- 
nor of  the  town.  A  return  of  the  ordnance  in  the  garrison  was  soon  after  made, 
by  which  it  appeared  there  were  in  the  town  ninety-three  pieces  of  cannon,  but 
that  almost  the  entire  were  dismounted  and  unserviceable.  *     Durins;  the  Scottish 


'  That  part  of  the  rpport  which  related  to  the 
"  popish"  schools,  stated  tliat  the  mayor,  on  the  iiifor- 
iiiation  cl'  Mr.  Ganiett,  master  of  the  free  school,  gave 
hiin  his  \rarrant  against  one  Gregory  French  whom 
he  alleged  to  be  a  popish  school-master,  and  to  keep  a 
Latin  school;  and  that  having  called  upon  Mr.  Garnett  to 
know  what  he  had  done  under  the  warrant,  he  said  that 
French  had  dropped  his  school ;  and  being  further  exa- 
mined, he  declared  he  knew  of  no  other  Latin  school,  and 
that  he  could  give  no  account  of  any  other,  or  of  any 
English  or  writing  schools,  except  that  some  of  his 
scholars  went  out  of  school  daily  to  learn  to  write,  but 
could  not  tell  from  whom.  He  referred  the  major, 
Jiowevcr,  to  a  licensed  school-master,  who  rcturneil  the 
names  of  Lalli/  licrmhtgham,  Thiimm:  Adams,  K'wlinliis 
Cox,  Wi//':am  Casrberry,  Thnmns  Burke,  George  Fo',lvr, 
Denis  Creaghane  and  JSryan  Ifr/nes,  popish  school-masters 
and  teachers  of  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic. — Com. 
Jour.  Vol.  III.  2).  1 70.  " 

'  First  Company, 
Dominick  Biu-ke,  esq.      vice     E.  Eyre,  deceased,  capt. 
Kobert  Cook,  alderman,   —      J.  Feuquirc,  do.  1st  lieut. 
Robert  Mc.  Mullen,  do.     —       Gcoftry  Cook,   2d  ditto. 
Henry  Lewis,  burgess,        —      Thomas  Holland,  ensign. 

Second  Company. 
Henry  Ellis,  esq.  vice      G.  Staunton,  dec.  capt. 

James  Disney,  alderman,  —  T.  Hendron,  do.  J  st  lieut. 
Jlathew  Pennefath.er,  do.  —  E.  Barrett,  do.  2d  ditto. 
Ambrose  Poole,  —        Howel  Price,  do.  ensign. 

Third  Company. 
Rickard  Fit/patrick,  esq.  vice      S.  Simcockcs,  dec.  capt. 
Francis  Siincockes,  aldm.  —       F.  Simcockes,  Ist  lieut. 
Willir.m  Hinde,  do. —      Robert  Andrews,  2d  ditto 

,\5ton  Swanwick,  burgess,  —       M.  Hughes,  dec.  ensign. 

Fourth  Company. 
"J'bomas  Shaw,  esq.  vice       Robert  Sliaw,  dec.  capt. 


Charles  Gerry,  alderman,  vice  G.  Gerry,  dec.  1st  lieut. 
Robert  Andrews,  ditto  —  \\'il!iani  Huide,  2d  do. 
Simon  Trulock,  burgess,    —        E.  Shield  ,  dec.  ensign. 

Fif  h  Company. 
James  Ribett  Vigie,  esq.   vice      J.    Ribett    Vigie,    sen. 


deceased,  capi; 
Charles  Gcrr_\,  1st  lieut. 
E.  Rhodes,  dec.  2d  do. 
Jolin  Manion,  do.  ensign 


Thomas  Holland,  aldm.     — 

Henry  Vaughan,  gent.        — 

John  Johnson,  — 

Orig.  return,  '27lli  Afay,   1710. 

'  The   ordnance    was    then   placed    in   the  following 
positions  round  the  town. 

Inside  the  quay  gale  on  the  parade  1 5  guns 

Outside  do.  on  the  quay  2 

Quay  canton  2 

Quay  bastion  8 

Tlie  royal  battery  3 

Citadel,  barrack  yard  1 G 

Citadel  bastion  10 

South  bastion  16 

East  bastion  1 

North  ba  tion  4 
Citadel  gun-room,  and  under  it  in  the  street    2 

Lyons-tower  8 

Abbey-gate  1 

Main  guard  1 

William's-gate,  an  embrasure  shut  up  2 

William's-gate  guard-house  2 

Total  93 
All  dismounted  excejit  five,  and  of  these  four  of  the 
carriages  are  broke  and  rotten.  There  lies  in  the  citadel 
store  one  brass  mortar  1 5  inches  ilianieter,  w  eight  by 
estimation  2000lbs.  but  there  are  neither  budgc-harrcis, 
handspikes,  nor  shafts  for  ladles  or  rammers  to  serve  the 
cannon.  Richard  Hudson,  gunner. 


IIISTOKY    or    GALWAY.  177 

-  lollion  in  171-J,  the  old  prejudices  against  the  Catholics  were,  for  a  uhile, 
s,  -•■.ived;  all  persons  entering  or  leaving  the  town  underwent  inspection;  the 
;'  :itcs  (which  formerly  remained  open  until  ten  o'clock  at  night)  were  closed  every 

fy  Lav  at  four  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  strictest  military  discipline  was  established 
,•:  the  garrison.  These  precautions,  however,  were  laid  aside  soon  after  the 
I'  •".cut  which  occasioned  them  was  over;  and,  since  that  time,  no  occurrence  which 
ji  ■  v(k  place  in  the  aiKurs  of  these  countries,  rendered  a  repetition  of  similar  pro- 
p        -tcdiiigs  necessary  in  Galway. 

■  ,•  In  tlie   year    17'1'7,    Stratford  Eyre    was    appointed    governor  of   the    town 

tj'     ,    nd  port,  and   vice-admiral  of  the   province.      This  gentleman,    soon   after   his 

K       .:)])oiiitment,  made  several  returns  to  government  of  the  state  and  condition  of 

^        :'ie  town,  together  with  the  port,  harbour,  and  surrounding  fortifications.     From 

|-^        'Jicse  docmnents,   which  contain  many,  local  particulars  long  since  forgotten,  it 

:.!        appears,  that  the  fortifications  were  then  entirely  out  of  repair,  and  in  a  ruinous 

1^'        condition.     In  one  return  he  stated  that  the  gates  were  all  decayed,  and  particu- 

\j^-       lurly  that  the  gate  at  the  parade  quay  had  entirely  fallen  to  the  ground.     From 

[^       the  royal  battery  to  the  quay  bastion,  a  distance  of  twelve  hundred  and  eighty 

:'        feet,  there  were  several  breaches  in  the  parapets,  which  rendered  it  dangerous 

.       and  unsafe  to  post  sentinels  on  that  part  of  the  walls.     Between  the  west  o-ate 

and  Lyons  tower,  a  distance  of  twelve  hundred  and  forty  feet,  several  holes  were 

broke  through,  and  cross  walls  were  raised  as  high  as  the  parapets,  to  inclose  and 

shut  in  several  back  yards,  the  better  to  conceal  prohibited  goods.     From  the 

Lyons  tower  to  the  royal  nine-gun    battery,    at   William's  gate,    there  was   a 

breach  quite  to  the  ground,    in   length    one    hinidred  and  fifty-five   feet ;    and 

there  was  uo  passage  whatever  for  drawing  artilleiy  to  the  north  bastion,  or  any 

comnuniication  or  way  for  the  relief,  but  by  stepping  across  the  embrasures  over 

William's  gate.     The  walls  in  many  places  were  bulged   and  nnght  be  easily 

scaled;  the  platforms  were  broke  up  and  sunk,  and  the  embrasures  filled  up,  and 

covered  with  dirt  and  weeds.     The  walls  of  the  castle  and  citadel  barracks  were 

very  much   out  of  repair,   and  in   some  places  it  was  not  safe  for  a  sentinel  to 

itand  on  them,  and  the  citadel  bastion  (which  was  the  only  part  of  the  town 

tlie  then  small  garrison  could  hope  to  maintain  or  defend,   if  attacked  by  an 

enemy  without,  or  an  insurrection  within,)  was  quite  unserviceable.    In  this  state 

the  smallest  privateer  might  sail  into  the  harbour  and  insult  the  garrison  with 

impunity,  and  no  assistance  could  be  given  from  the  town  to  any  ship,  if  attacked  ° 

in    the    bay.       It   was   then    recommended    that   the   most    eflectual  means  to 

protect  and  secure  the  harbour  would  be  to  re-erect   the  battery  formerly  on 

Mutton-island,  for  which  there  were  suilicient  cannon  to  spare  in  the  town,  and  to 

rebuild  tlie  sniall  barrack  which  stood  there  for  half  a  company  of  soldiers.     By 

another  return,  dated  the  2od  of  October,   I7J7,  it  appears  that  no  part  of  the 

Lyons  tower  was  then  remaining  but  the  walls,  though,  if  repaired,  it  would  be  of 

z 


178  HISTOllY    OF    GALWAY. 

essential  service  in  defending  the  town :  that  the  nine-gun  battery  and  the  south 
bastion  were  in  a  defenceless  state ;  and  that  it  would  be  absolutely  necessary  for 
the  defence  of  tlie  town  that  they  sliould  be  repaired,  as  they  were  the  only 
works  pointing  to  Fort-hill  (where  the  fort  had  been  formerly  erected,  of  wliicli 
nothing  then  remained  but  tlic  ruins  of  a  guard-liousc,)  against  wliich,  if  possessed 
by  an  enemy  with  artillery,  tlic  town  would  not  be  tenable.  From  tlie  royal 
battery  to  the  quay  bastion,  along  the  curtain,  there  were  several  breaches  (wide 
enough  to  receive  hogsheads,)  made  by  smugglers  who  inhabited  the  adjacent 
houses ;  and  on  this  curtain  there  were  two  projecting  flankers  which  might  be 
repaired  at  a  small  expense  ;  and  if  three  guns  were  mounted  on  that  called  "  the 
Devil's  Battery,"  they  would  be  essentially  serviceable  in  defending  the  curtain. 
The  quay  bastion  (from  whence  alone  an  enemy  in  the  port  might  be  annoyed 
with  ordnance,  and  which  also  covered  the  bridge,  and  was  tlie  only  place  for 
defending  the  town  in  case  of  an  attack  from  the  west,)  was  rendered  useless  by 
encroachments  and  buildings  erected  on  it.  Beyond  this  there  was  another  bastion 
called  "  the  Quay  Canton,"  of  which  the  platform  was  tolerable  ;  and  from  the 
quay  bastion  to  the  end  of  the  curtain,  behind  the  comity  gaol,  the  wall  was  good. 
At  the  extremity  of  this  there  was  room  to  erect  a  small  battery,  which  might  be 
of  great  service  in  co\'ering  the  west  gate,  and  defending  the  town  if  attacked 
from  that  quarter,  this  being  the  only  entrance  from  lar-Connaught,  (the  high- 
lands  of  the  country,)  wliich  was  inhabited  by  a  people  whom  it  would  be  prudent 
to  guard  against,  and  to  have  a  watchful  eye  over,  and  which  was  the  most  likely 
place  in  this  part  of  Ireland  for  an  enemy  to  make  a  descent  on.  From  thence 
to  the  bridge  the  town  wall  broke  off,  and  that  space  was  closed  by  mills,  tan-yards 
and  dwelling-houses.  The  river  ran  by  in  a  sharp  current,  and  there  were  several 
windows  and  doors  which  opened  to  the  water,  through  which  people  had  admit- 
tance to  town  when  the  gates  were  locked ;  but  the  governor,  on  seeing  some 
passing  that  way,  had  them  stopped  up.  At  the  west  there  was  formerly  a  draw- 
in-idge,  and  over  the  gateway  a  guard-room,  which  was  repaired  and  fitted  up  for  a 
corporal  and  six  men.  At  the  lower  yard  of  the  condemned  barrack,  adjoining 
the  bridge,  a  battery  might  be  erected,  which  would  also  secure  the  bridge.  From 
thence  to  Abbey-gate,  and  along  to  Lyons  tower,  there  was  a  very  decayed  and 
weak  old  wall,  by  which  the  river  ran  in  a  shallow  channel  as  far  as  the  Abbey- 
gate.  There  were  no  flankers  or  towers  in  all  that  space,  but  there  were  several 
holes  open  for  the  conveniency  of  running  goods,  which  the  governor  had  closed 
up.  From  Sander's-lane  to  Lyons  tower  there  was  a  rampart  fourteen  feet  broad, 
in  the  memory  of  several  persons  then  living,  but  no  trace  thereof  remained ;  it 
had  been  thrown  into  gardens  at  the  back  of  Lombard-street,  and  nothing  was  left 
but  the  walls,  which  were  scarce  broad  enough  for  a  single  person  to  walk  upon. 
There  were  two  powder  magazines,  one  in  Lombard-street  and  one  in  the  Citadel, 
both  of  which  were  very  insecure,  and  unsafe  places  to  keep  powder  in,  being 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


179 


tiic  loftiest  of  all  tlic  surrounding  houses,  and  so  remarkably  conspicuous  that  they 
might  be  distinguished  from  the  other  buildings  at  the  distance  of  a  mile  from 
cither  side  of  the  town,  added  to  which  they  were  not  bomb-proof.  The  dilapi- 
dated state  of  the  walls  was  attributed  to  "  breaches  made  at  different  times  by 
unregistered  Papist  merchants,  (who,  by  express  laws,  had  been  })rohibited  from 
living  within  the  town  or  liberties,)  the  more  effectually  to  run  goods  and  to  carry 
on  the  smuggling  trade  ;"  but  it  was  added,  "  that  if  the  money  arising  from  the 
tolls  and  customs  were  applied  to  their  repair,  they  would  be  kept  in  a  respectable 
and  good  state  of  defence."  In  order  to  prevent  further  encroachments  on  the 
walls  or  injury  to  the  fortillcations,  as  well  as  to  provide  for  the  better  security  of 
the  town,  it  was  recommended  that  the  guards  should  be  doubled, '  and  several 
other  alterations  were  zealously  suggested,  which,  perhaps,  as  not  being  considered 
necessary  by  government,  do  not  appear  to  have  been  attended  to.  The  moul- 
dering fortifications  of  Galway  were,' therefore,  suflered  gradually  to  decay;  the 
enlightened  rulers  of  the  country,  even  then,  wisely  foreseeing  that  it  was  not  upon 
the  precarious  tenure  of  a  few  uncertain  garrisons,  but  upon  the  general  concilia- 
tion of  the  people,  that  the  English  interest  would  be  most  beneficially  advanced 
and  strengthened  in  Ireland. 

Governor  Eyre,  though,  to  all  the  knowledge  and  experience  of  the  soldier,  lie 
appears  to  have  united  the  accomplishments  of  the  gentleman  and  the  information 


'  Before  1 747,  sentinels  were  placed  at  the  following 
vtations — William's  oiitsiile  gate — William's  inside  gate 
liy  tlie  f^i\;i;\l-linusc — Abbey  iiate — West  gate — \Vest  gate 
cimnl-room — Gaol  quay  gate — Parade  quay  gate — Citadel 

rn;i<n\?.ii'.? 'Jastle  barrack  gate — South  bastion,  where  the 

■only  cp.;inon  are  mounted — Stairs  on  the  quay  parade— 
Qj:iyha;tioii — Main  guard — Old  condemned  barrack  gate, 
tu  p!-e>er\  e  tlie  king's  hou?o,  and  to  have  an  eye  to  the 
to«n  saol — Back  of  the  said  barrack,  the  town  being  open 
l!icre -End  of  Samlcr's-Uiiic,  to  watch  the  backof  Lombard- 
street  magazine,  adjacent  to  m  hich  are  private  gardens  and 
a  Franciscan  nunnery — Governor's  house — Commanding 
oiTicer's  barrack — Collector's  house — Total  20.  In  1747, 
t!ie  "overnor  represented  the  following  sentinels  as  iieccs- 
farv,  viz. 
Two  at  each  of  the  five  gates  into  t)ie  town  10 

On  the  walls  from  the  royal  b:v.tion  to  the  >         ^ 
west  sate  ■i07'5  feet  at  proper  distanres  )         "^ 

On  the  walls  from  the  west  gate  to   Lyons  I 
tower,  I'JIO  ditro  S 

Oil  the  walls  from  Lyons  tower  to  tlie  castle,  ?        ^ 
792  ditto  ...  >         ~ 

On  the  several  bastions,  viz.  'Williani's,  South,  1 
Ro\al,  Devil's,  Quay,  Lyons,  North   and  >        s 
the  Cita  lei,  one  on  each  ) 

At  the  four  several  guard-rooms,  viz.  main  ') 
guartl,    William's    gate,    Alibey-gate     and  >        4 
West-gale  ) 

At  the  three  several  and  distinctly  separate  \ 
Ijiirrack  gates  i 


Powder  magazines,  being  in  separate  store-  ) 
houses  5 

At  the  town  and  county  gaols  2,  collector's  i 
door  1,  commanding  officer's  door  1,  gover-  >         7 
nor's  house  2,  and  infirmary  1  ) 

Total      44 

Tie  afterwards  recommended  that  t\vcnty  sentry-boxes 
of  brick  and  stone  should  he  built  at  the  following  posts, 
and  stated  them  to  be  absolutely  necessary  for  the  security 
of  the  town,  the  protection  of  his  majesty's  revenues,  and 
the  presei'vation  of  the  w  alls  from  breaches,  through  w  hich 
smugglers  were  continually  attempting  to  introduce  run 
goods,  viz.  at  William's  gate — Abbey-gate — AVest-gate — 
AVatcr-gate — Quay-gate — Custoni-hmise — Qu.ay-parade, 
at  th.e  foot  of  the  stairs  ascending  the  to«  n  wall,  at  Nlagcn- 
nii's  house,  where  the  town  is  open  to  the  river  since  the 
bridge  barrack  was  built — At  llie  end  of  S.miler's-lane, 
where  M'Dimough,  the  informer,  was  kidnajiped  by  the 
snuigglcrs,  and  conveyed  out  of  the  town — On  the  wall, 
back  of  Lombard-street  barrack — At  the  jiowder  maga- 
zine— On  the  wall  at  Lyons  tower — On  the  wall  over 
William's  gate— On  the  bastion  that  points  to  the  lake — 
AVithin  the  gate  of  the  bridge — Lombard-street  barrack 
— At  the  powder  magazine — On  the  walls  between  the 
nine-gun  battery — and  at  the  quay  bastion — Total  20. — 
Also,  that  a  magazine  should  be  erected  for  lodging  the 
powder  of  the  garrison,  but  none  except  the  last  appeals 
to  have  been  completed. — Orig.  j\IS. 


180 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


of  the  scholar,  still,  having  been  bred  in  the  old  military  school,  he,  like  many 
others,  imbibed  all  tlic  leading  prejudices  of  the  times  against  his  fellow-subjects  of 
the  Catholic  persuasion,  from  whom  he  was  taught  to  apprehend  every  danger  both 
to  church  and  state.  He,  therefore,  viewed  all  their  actions  with  a  watchful  ami 
jealous  eye,  and,  during  his  continuance  as  governor,  never  failed  to  communicate 
his  apprehensions  to  government."  These  fcehngs,  having  also  influenced  liis 
management  in  the  town,  often  involved  him  in  unpleasant  contentions  with  the 
inliabitants.  Amongst  other  alterations  which  he  niade  after  his  appointment, 
that  of  closing  the  gates  at  the  early  hour  of  four  in  the  afternoon,  leaving  the 
wickets  only  open  luitil  evening,  was  considered  particularly  annoying.  This 
])ractice  the  town's-people  represented  as  a  general  inconvenience,  never  resorted 
to  except  in  cases  of  public  apprehension  or  danger,  and  that,  when  no  such  iuid 
existed,  so  strict  a  regulation  became  totally  unnecessary.  Accordingly  the 
mayor,  sheriflts,  deputy  recorder  and  other  members  of  the  corporation,  waited  on 
the  governor,  with  a  memorial,  signed  by  themselves  and  several  others  of  the 
Protestant  and  many  of  the  Catholic  inhabitants,  requesting  that  he  would  permit 
the  gates  to  remain  open  until  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  the  wickets  until 
ten,  according  to  ancient  custom.  Upon  his  declining  to  comply  with  this  requi- 
sition, a  memorial  was  presented  to  the  lord  lieutenant,  in  his  answer  to  which, 
the  governor  adduced  many  reasons  to  justify  his  refusal.  He  assured  his  excel- 
lency, that  this  complaint  against  him  had  its  rise,  not  from  any  real  inconve- 
nience or  detriment,  but  from  party  prejudice;  and  stated  that  he  was  possessed 
of  proofs  to  shew  that  the  mayor  and  sheritFs  had  received  presents  from  the 
Papists,  to  "  nose"  and  insult  him,  and  to  represent  him  as  distressing  the  inhabi- 
tants, and  putting  them  under  difficulties  injurious  to  the  trade  and  commerce  of 
the  town. "    As  to  closing  the  gates  at  an  early  hour,  the  greatest  possible  necessity 


,i 


i 


"  In  December,  I  "-IT,  it  was  represented  to  j;ovcrniiieiit 
that  the  town  of  GaUvav  was  a  post  of  very  i;rcat  conse- 
(|uence,  ami  no  Mrrison  in  Ireland  recpiircd  more  the  care 
and  attentionof  a  governor,  especially  hi  time  of  war;  there 
hein^'  six  friaries  and  nnnneries,  two  Po|)ihh  chapels,  eight 
Popish  schools,  above  thirty  Papists  to  a  Protestant,  and 
lit  least  two  hundred  popish  ecclesiastics  within  tlie  town 
antl  snbnrhs,  many  of  whom  were  ai;ents  and  emissaries,  and 
all  of  them  affected  to  the  interests  of  France  and  S|)ain, 
for  whose  snccess  they  publicly  ])rayed  in  their  chapels. 

That  nmnbers  of  popish  cccie»iastics  arrived  daily  in 
Galway  from  abroad,  iiy  way  of  Holland  to  Cork,  and 
appeared  publicly  in  tlie  streets:  and  to  such  a  dei;ree  of 
insolence  were  the  Papists  !;rown  in  the  town,  that  one 
of  thcni  insulted  a  clerL'yman  of  the  established  church; 
others  struck  the  town  sheriti'-,  and  many  notoriously 
interested  themselves  in  the  election  of  town  magistrates, 
and  appeared  in  plaid  vests. 

That  riots  and  mobs  were  frequent,  and  within  the  last 
twelve  months  three  sentinels  had  been  knocked  down  at 
the  west  gate,  one  of  them  by  two  Douiinician  friars 


named  Burke  and  Geoghegnn,  and  the  other  two  Iiy 
Papists. 

'i'hat  of  late  years  several  old  Protestants,  and  the 
children  of  such,  had  been  perverted  to  the  popish  reli- 
gion, bv  the  ijidef'atigable  assiduity,  diligence,  and  unli- 
uiited  and  uncontrolled  access  these  ecclesiastics  had  to 
the  town  and  suburbs  indiscriminately. 

That  being  alarmed  and  apprehensive  for  the  safety  of 
the  garrison,  at  the  great  increase,  power  and  influence 
of  i)o|)ery  therein,  and  the  formidable  number  of  Papists 
in  and  about  the  town,  (considering  the  defenceless  nnd 
ruinous  condition  of  the  walls  and  fortifications,)  tlic 
governor  thoniiht  it  his  dutv  to  represent  those  several 
particulars.— cij/g.  MS. 

"  The  governor  attributed  the  resentment  of  the  mer- 
chants on  this  occasion  to  an  order  which,  he  stated,  lie 
obtaineil  from  the  secret  committee  of  the  East  India 
Company,  rciiniring  the  captains  of  their  ships  in  the  port 
not  to  communicate  or  transact  their  afliiirs  with  Pajiists 
who  might  betray  them,  but  to  employ  Protestants,  such 
as  he  would  rcconiinend. — Id. 


iiistohy  of  galavay,  181 

existed  for  such  a  measure.  The  town  lay  at  an  extreme  point ;  there  was  no 
travelling  by  land  beyond  it,  and  it  was  not  a  thoroughfare.  The  entrance  for  all 
hiiid  traffic  was  at  the  east  gate  ;  and  beyond  the  west  gate  lay  lar-Connauo-ht,  a 
country  inaccessible  to  wheel  carriages,  and  inhabited  by  Papists,  who  supplied 
the  markets  with  such  necessaries  only  as  were  brought  in  on  back-loads :  the 
wickets,  therefore,  (which  were  large  enough  for  any  horse  or  cow  to  pass 
through,)  being  open  until  nine  at  night  in  winter  and  ten  in  summer,  trade  could 
not  be  interrupted  in  that  quarter.  The  two  gates  towards  the  west  led  to  the 
qiuay;  and  as  all  custom-house  business  ceased  in  the  evening,  when  the  revenue 
otHccrs  retired,  it  could  convenience  none  but  smugglers,  or  recruits  for  fbrei"-n 
service,  (and  many  of  eacli  frequented  the  town,)  to  keep  these  gates  any  longer 
open.  The  two  other  entrances  were  at  the  Abbey  and  William's  gate.  Through 
the  first  nothing  but  turf  and  water  entered,  and  private  brewers  and  distillers 
only  would  draw  home  cither  after  night-fall.  Fuel  was  brought  down  Loiigh- 
corrib  and  landed  at  the  "Wood-quay,  where  it  was  taken  up  in  kishes,  and  wheeled 
into  the  town.  Through  William's  gate,  being  the  grand  entrance,  all  carria"-es 
and  inland  merchants  goods  were  brought  for  exportation  or  market;  but  the 
inns  and  stables  being  in  the  east  suburbs,  and  no  accommodation  in  the  town, 
it  could  be  no  detriment  to  trade,  that  goods,  which  arrived  after  the  gates  were 
locked,  (and  which,  according  to  a  constant  prudential  practice,  Mere  alwaj-s 
examined  at  the  gate,  lest  ammunition  or  arms  were  concealed,)  should  remain 
for  one  night  where  the  carriers  and  horses  whicli  brought  them  shouhl  unavoid- 
ably set  up.  Moreover,  carriages  could  not  so  effectually  be  inspected  in  the 
dark  ;  and  as  there  were  no  other  but  popish  merchants  in  the  town,  (though 
they  were  forbidden  by  express  laws  from  inhabiting  therein,  and  had  been  for- 
merly every  man  turned  out,)  the  caution  of  examining  chests  and  casks  consigned 
to  them  appeared  evidently  reasonable  and  prudent.  As  to  conveniences  for  life 
destined  for  market,  the  same  reason  held  good.  Besides,  in  all  well-regulated 
markets,  till  the  bell  rung  at  a  certain  hour,  nothing  was  sufilered  to  be  sold  ; 
therefore  market-folk  had  no  business  in  town  till  the  morning  of  the  market 
day ;  for,  should  they  be  permitted  to  come  in  over  night,  they  would  be  sur- 
rounded by  forestallers  and  regrators,  who  would  purchase  their  commodities,  and 
retail  them  the  next  day  at  an  extravagant  price. — Having  thus  shewn  how  neither 
the  trade,  commerce,  markets  or  fair-dealing  inhabitants  could  be  injured  or  incon- 
venienced by  locking  the  town  gates,  the  advantages  which  attended  the  measure 
were  next  to  be  considered.  It  was  of  service  to  his  majesty's  revenue,  by  pre- 
venting private  brewing  and  distilling,  and  operated  as  a  check  upon  smugglers, 
who  would  otherwise  convey  unentered  goods  into  and  out  of  the  town.  It  was 
a  great  security  to  the  garrison  from  surprise,  for  no  man  could  pass  through  the 
wickets  imqucstioned  by  the  sentinel,  and,  for  that  reason,  would  be  a  restraint 
on  ill-designing  men,  and  French  recruiters,  from  coming  into  the  town.     AH 


182 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


rstrangcrs  were  examined  at  the  gates,  a  caution  wliich  could  not  be  observed  so 
ciFectually  in  the  night-time,  when  a  crowd  might  rush  in  through  a  wide  gate- 
way ;  and  these  precautions  were  at  the  time  absohitely  necessary,  as  several 
French  officers,  of  Irish  birth  and  extraction,  were  then  in  the  town  with  their 
relations. "  There  was  also  every  probability  that  the  restless,  active,  subtle  and 
industrious  agents  and  emissaries  of"  Rome,  the  ])opish  ecclesiastics  then  in  the 
town,  might  worlv  on  their  devotees,  (who  were  exceedingly  numerous,)  and  pre- 
cipitate them  to  attempt  to  seize  upon  the  garrison.  Tliey  might  represent  to 
tliem  that  the  undertaking  was  feasible,  as  the  possessors  seemed  to  tliink  them- 
selves in  perfect  security:  that  the  garrison,  arms  and  ammunition  they  would 
thereby  possess,  would  secure  them  from  being  dislodged  for  some  months,  in 
which  time  they  would  have  succour  from  France  :  tliat  tlie  country  being  devoted 
to  the  same  cause,  they  would, be  sufficiently  supplied  with  provisions :  that  their 
friends  would,  at  the  same  time,  rise  upon  the  several  troops  quartered  at  Head- 
ford,  Loughrea  and  Gort,  which  would  make  them  masters  of  the  wliole  country: 
that  their  success  would  encourage  other  disaffected  parts  of  the  kingilom  to  rise; 
at  least,  that  the  goveriuTient,  mistrustful  of  their  inclinations,  v.oiikl  not  venture 
to  draw  off  troops  from  such  parts,  and  could  not,  tlierefore,  bring  togetiier  a 
number  sufficient  to  recover  the  town  without  a  train  of  artillery,  without  wiiicli 
it  would  be  impossible  to  drive  them  out :  and  that,  supposing  tlie  worst,  thev 
might,  in  the  end,  make  a  safe  retreat  into  the  inaccessible  highlands  of  lar- 
Connaught  and  Joyce-Country,  and  there  remain  in  ])erfect  security,  until  an 
opportunity  should  offer  to  carry  them  off  to  France.  Finally,  to  lay  gi-ounds  for 
all  these  alarming  conjectures,  allusion  was  made  to  the  insolent  behaviour  of  the 
Papists  and  their  clergy,  at  Gal  way,  in  September,  17'f-5,  upon  th.e  appearance, 
on  the  coast,  of  the  homeward-bound  East  India  fleet,  consisting  of  fourteen 
sail,  whilst  they  were  supposed  to  be  the  Ferrol  squadron  ;  whicli  proved  how 
ripe  they  were  to  lay  hold  of  every  occasion  to  attempt  the  subversion  of  the 
government.  All  these  representations,  however,  forcible  as  they  were,  and  so 
^vell  calculated  to  rouse  the  attention  and  to  excite  the  alarm  of  government, 
proved  ineflectual.  The  rulers  of  the  country  were  well  aware  that  the  Catholics 
had  neither  the  power,  nor  yet  the  inclination,  to  give  any  disturbance;  and 
that,  according  to  the  declaration  of  a  distinguished  senator  in  the  house  of 
commons,  soon  after  that  period,  "  not  a  man  of  them  moved  tongue,  pen  or 
sword,"  upon  that  or  any  other  occasion,  to  give  the  slightest  uneasiness  to  the 


"  Aliont  tliis  time  it  was  ako  represented,  tliat  two  was  also  seen  in  tlie  neidibourhood,  and  at  the  house  of 

Irisli  ollicers  of  tlie  name  of  Biirkc,  belongjiii;  to  Dillon's  his   kinsman,    Knlicrt   Siartin,  of  Danyni,  who,    it  ivas 

regiment,  who  were  made  prisoners  at  Cnlloden,  appeared  stated,  "  coidd,  in  twcnty-ibnr  hours,  firing  at  least  ciulit 

publii-ly  in  town;  and  that  one  SarsSeld,  (of  Lalii's  re^d-  hundred  men  to  the  i;ates  of  the  town,    as   ah-olutdv 

mcnt,)  an  avowed  Jacobite,  who  escaped  from  tluit  battie,  dcioted  to  him  as  the  Camerons  to  Lochiel."— OW".  MS. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


1! 


government.  They  remained,  therefore,  unmolested  in  Gahvay,  wliere  they 
have  ever  since  given  continual  proof  of  their  steady  loyalty  ancl  sincere  affec- 
tion, from  principle,  for  the  government  of  the  country. 

Notwithstanding  the  many  impediments  under  which  the  Catholic  inhabitants 
laboured,  their  numbers  considerably  increased,  while  the  Protestant  part  of  the 
population  appears  to  have  as  rapidly  diminished.  "  ]\fany  animosities,  however, 
still  subsisted  between  them :  the  latter  were  supported  by  law,  enjoyed  the 
favor  and  protection  of  government,  and,  exclusively  composing  the  members 
and  officers  of  the  corporation,  possessed  all  the  municipal  power,  which,  in 
many  cases,  they  exercised  rather  severely  against  their  more  numerous,  though 
less  favored,  town's-men.  ^  Whatever  portion  of  its  former  trade  remained  in 
the  place  was  chiefly  confined  to  the  Catholic  merchants ;  but  they  were  so 
oppressed  by  excessive  charter-duties  and  other  unauthorized  exactions  of  the 
corporation,  that  they,  by  degrees,'  abandoned  the  town,  and  this  trifling  rem- 
nant of  its  former  commercial  greatness  gradually  declined :  ^  thus  aftbrding 
another  proof  of  the  fatal  tendency  of  those  proscribing  laws,  which  so  long- 
prevented,  and  whose  surviving  effects  even  still,  in  several  instances,  operate 
.ngainst  the  prosperity  of  Ireland. 

Upon  the  hap])y  accession  of  his  present  majesty  to  the  throne  of  these  realms,  (a 
circumstance  which  will  be  ever  gratefully  remembered  and  commemorated  with 
joy  by  the  Catholics  of  Ireland,  as  the  termination  of  their  heavy  political  sufferings, 
and  the  cause  of  their  now  enjoying  many  of  the  privileges  of  our  invaluable 
constitution,)  the  people  of  Galway,  encouraged  by  that  auspicious  event,  and 
also  by  the  increasing  liberality  of  the  tim_es,  ventured  to  petition  parliament 
against  the  partial  and  illegal  proceedings  (as  they  termed  them)  of  the  corpo- 
ration. '     Their  statement,  which  was  entitled,    "  The  petition  of  the  merchants 


'  111  the  year  1762,  it  was  stated  in  the  house  of  com- 
mons, oil  the  part  of  tlie  corporation,  that  Galway  was 
mostly  inhabited  by  Papists,  and  that  the  population  of 
the  town  and  liberties  amounted  to  fourteen  thousand 
souls,  of  which  scarcely  three  hnndrcd  and  fifty  were 
Protestants. — Cum.  Jour.  Vul.  VIJl. 

^  The  power  of  quartering  or  billetting  soldiers  was 
vested  ill  the  mayor;  and  several  complaints  were,  from 
time  to  time,  made  i)y  the  inhabitants,  of  the  partial  and 
opprcs'ive  exercise  of  this  authority.  IMany  of  them,  to 
avoid  the  burden,  niulerwent  annual  contribution  to  the 
mayors;  and  such  of  the  rest  as  did  not  send  yearly  presents 
«cie  surely  visited  by  a  file  of  these  troublesome  inmates. 
So:nc,  who  remonstrated,  were  eoniinittcd  to  prison,  and 
compelled  to  take  the  oaths,  or  pay  certain  fines.  In  the 
vcar  17-19,  upon  some  remonstrance  of  this  kind  by  the 
inhabitants,  they  were  summoned  before  the  major,  who 
threatened  that,  unless  they  instantly  complied  with  his 
orders,  he  would  put  the  popery  act  (which  hindered 
them  from  residing  in  the  town)  i.nto  imaiediate  execu- 
tion.— Id. 


^  In  1742,  the  trade  of  the  town  began  rapidly  to 
decline.  From  the  year  1731  to  1758,  the  merchants, 
under  all  their  disqualifications,  had  fourteen  or  fit'tetn 
ships  at  sea;  but  in  17C2,  there  were  only  three  or  four 
vessels  belonging  to  the  town ;  one  only,  laden  w  ith  beef, 
cleared  out  during  the  entire  year  1761;  and  another, 
freighted  with  butter,  in  1762. — Irt. 

"  The  following  communication  from  the  "  mayor, 
sheriffs,  and  sundry  resident  free  burgesses  and  freemen," 
to  John  Eyre  and  Rickard  Fitzpatrick,  esqrs.  represen- 
tatives of  the  town,  dated  loth  November,  1761,  (which 
was  commonly  called  the  "Black  Petition,")  will  evince 
the  feelings  of  the  then  corporation  for  the  remainder  of 
the  inhabitants. — It  stated  that  several  shopkeejjcrs  and 
dealers,  of  the  Roman  Catholic  conmumion,  assumed  a 
privilege  of  selling,  and  exposing  to  sale,  divers  commo- 
dities anil  manufactures,  to  the  manifest  prejudice  of  the 
Protestant  tradesmen  and  artificers,  freemen  of  the  town: 
that  they  emplojed  journeymen,  and  carried  on  branches 
of  handicraft  business,  which  they  exposed  to  sale  in  their 
shops,  without  being  competent  judges  of  the  goods  i» 


ISir  HISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 

and  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Galway,  and  the  gentlemen,  freeholders  and 
farmers  of  the  connty  of  Galway,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  others,  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  said  town  and  county,"  was  presented  by  Robert  French,  esq.  of 
Monivea,  an  active  senator,  and  one  of  the  most  opulent  and  respectable  of  the 
descendants  of  the  ancient  Galway  families;  and  it  informed  the  house,  ^  "  That 
the  corporation  had  charters  to  levy  off  all  goods,  imported  and  exported,  certain 
duties,  which  were  granted  for  the  particular  purpose  of  paving  the  streets,  repairing 
the  walls,  and  keeping  the  custom-house  quay  and  otlier  public  buildings  in  gootl 
order  and  repair,  but  that  these  objects  had  ceased,  for  that  government,  for  many 
years  past,  had  been  at  the  whole  expense  of  repairing  the  \valls ;  and  the  pcti- 


iiiniiiir;i<(ur('i!,!i:iiI«itlioiit  si'i'viiig  niiv  legal  ap|M'cnticcship 
ti>  :iiiv  MU'li  art.  Halt  or  niyslcry,  coiilrai'}'  .to  tlic  real 
intent  anil  meaning  of  the  Galway  aet,  anil  tlic  royal 
charters  granted  to  their  ancient  corporation.  They  then 
infonneil  them,  that  they  heard  that  Mr.  Perry,  one  of 
the  representatives  for  LimericP;,  had  promised  his  consti- 
tuents to  employ  his  best  endeavours  in  obtaining  an  act  of 
parliament  for  redress  of  the  aforesaid  grievances,  and 
therefore  I'cquested  that  they  would  concur  in  promoting 
such  an  act,  and  also  to  add  such  clause  or  clauses  in 
favor  of  the  freemen  of  Galway  as  might  efli;ctually  res- 
train such  sliopkeepers  and  dealers  from  the  like  practices 
for  the  future,  to  the  furthering  and  promoting  the  Pro- 
testant interest  among  them  in  general,  and  encouraging 
the  tradesmen  and  artificers  of  tiie  town  to  make  neces- 
sary and  useful  iniprovemer.ts  in  the  manufactories  of  their 
several  callings. 


Signed, 

Charles  Rivctt,  nmi/or. 
John  Mandevillc,  J    ,     ■.„ 
Jiiuics  Galurailli,  J         •" 
Hem-y  Ellis. 
John  Hamlin. 
James  Jones, 
lliehard  Mathews. 
Joseph  Scymoin'. 
Henry  White. 
George  Drnry. 
Henry  Cove)'. 
James  Forster. 


George  Staunton. 

John  Grace. 

Edward  Murphy. 

Charles  Lopdell. 

Ellas  Tanker\illc. 

John  Mortimer. 

HuL'li  Montgomery. 

Henry  Vesev,  imi^lcn. 

Edmun.l  French. 

Kodoljiluis  Kent. 

Edward  Uod-wortli. 

I.uke  Dovlgworth. 
It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  many  of  those  [)ersons  an  1 
their   descendants   afterwards   became   members   of    the 
Catholic  persuasion:  the  son  of  one  of  them  is  at  present 
Cuholie  wtu'den  of  Galway. 

"  The  petition  against  the  corporation  was  supported 
bv  several  witnesses,  whose  evidence  eoiitaiiis  numy  par- 
ticulars concerning  the  town,  before  and  at  this  |)erjod, 
from  which,  as  not  being  elsewhere  to  be  found,  the  fol- 
lowing short  abstract  is  taken.  Andrew  French,  (who 
prinei[>ally  promoted  the  petition  for  the  pur[)ose  of  abo- 
lishing the  charter  duties,  as  they  were  not  applied  to  th.e 
public  use  of  paving  the  town  and  keeiiing  the  walls  in 
repiur,  and  whose  father  and  grandfather  were  respectable 
merchants  in  the  town,  since  the  beginning  of  that  cen- 


tury,) after  stating,  that  In  sonic  years  he  and  llicv  paid  5 
or  tiOOO/.  duties  to  the  crown;  m  170"1,  only  ],joo/.;  very 
little  the  year  before;  but  in  17S8  and  llC'j,  about  I  or 
5000/.;  proved  that  since  the  year  171  2  or  17H,  liie\  paid 
over  and  above,  between  2  and  .jOOO/.  ior  charter  'duties 
and  perquisites  to  the  corporation:  (w hereout  its  wilnesscj 
could  not  prove  that  any  had  been  expended  ibr  the  pur- 
poses directed  by  the  charters,  except  that  a  simi  had  been, 
about  the  year  17."1,  applied  to  repair  part  of  the  walls 
and  build  a  guard-house:  that  M.  a  year  were  given  for 
mending  the  locks  of  the  town  gates :  that  the  niaia 
guard-house  and  oflicers  room  were  ke]it  in  repair;  tliiit 
1 4/.  were  expended  in  1757,  to  rejniir  the  quays ;  and  thnt 
the  pavements  between  the  two  east  gates,  before  William's 
gate  guard,  the  main  guard,  the  town  gaol,  and  county 
court-house  and  gaol,  the  whole  quay,  the  brid'je,  the 
tholscl,  for  half  the  breadth  of  the  street,  and  the  centre, 
of  the  stiuare  in  the  parade,  had  been  and  were  then 
paved  at  the  expense  of  the  corporation.)  He  also  proved 
that  out  of  every  one  thousand  deal  boards  inijiorted, 
the  mayor,  without  any  authority,  exacted  ten  as  a 
perquisite,  besides  the  charter  duties,  the  water  hailifl's 
ten,  and  the  warden  three,  (which  last  originated,  in 
Catholic  limes,  to  make  eolTins  lor  the  i)oor,'but  which 
he  believed  the  then  warden  never  applied  to  that  use;) 
and  that  out  of  every  cargo  of  salt,  six  bushels  went  to 
the  mayor,  six  to  the  sheriHs,  three  to  the  recorder,  six 
to  the  water-bailiffs  and  six  to  the  warden,  which  were 
worth  from  \s.  to  Is.  6(1.  a  bushel;  and  that  4(1.  a  ton  was 
taken  for  kelp,  which  was  then  the  principal  export  of 
the  town.  It  was  also  proved  that  e\ery  country  butcher 
was  obliged  to  give,  yearly,  two  stone  of  tallow  to  the 
mayor,  ami  two  more  to  the  sheriH's:  that  the  I'Jd.  house- 
hold loaf  weighed  eleven  pounds:  that  "id.  was  exacted 
for  every  boiit  load  of  turf,  containing  from  twenty  to 
forty  statute  kish,  then  worth  about  Od.  each :  that  eveiv 
fishing-l)oat  (about  one  hundred  and  sixty)  belonging  ti) 
the  town  was  eimqielled  to  pay  Cil.  yeariy  for  entiring; 
also  two  huiulred  herrings  anuuiiily  tothe  ma)  or,  the  saii.e 
to  the  sherilts,  and  a  like  number  to  the  w.iier-haildii, 
iK'sides  two  lumdreil  more  for  liberty  to  dry  their  nets  on 
the  shore,  which  were  exacted  by  the  ow  ner  of  the  soil 
.Several  other  instances  of  illegal  exe.etion  were  also 
adduced,  for  which  the  reader  is  referreil  to  the  Cummvns 
Juiiniah,   Vul.  I'll.  Jj,j,c,ulU: 


niSTOHY    OF    GALWAY.  1 S5 

'.ioiicrs  were  obliged  to  pave  the  streets  at  their  own  expense :  that  tlic  custom- 
!ioiis(.'  quay  was  most  shamefully  neglected,  and  so  far  gone  to  ruin  as  to  render  it 
■jiisalc  for  any  vessel  above  thirty  tons  burden  to  load  or  unload  there  :  that  the 
corporation  had,  notwithstanding,  all  along  levied  the  charter  duties,  which,  witli 
311  additional  unwarranted  charge  ui)on  every  vessel  coming  to  the  town,  enlianced 
the  price  of  goods  and  merchandise,  imported  and  exported,  nearly  three  per 
cent,  to  the  very  gi-eat  detriment  of  the  merchants,  who  were  thereby  i-endered 
incapable  of  selling  their  goods  upon  equal  terms  with  the  other  trading  towns  in 
the  kingdom  :  that,  for  many  years  past,  great  extortions  were  practised  by  the 
toll-gatherers  at  the  gates  and  maricets  of  the  town  :  that  the  fishery  of  Gal  way 
was  capable  of  being  made  the  most  considerable  in  the  kingdom,  and,  if  properly 
followed  and  encoui-aged,  would  bring  wealth  to  the  town,  and  be  the  means  of 
rearing  a  great  number  of  able  seamen  for  his  majesty's  service;  but  being  so 
burdened  with  corporation  taxes  and  perquisites,  it  was  going  to  ruin  and  deca}% 
and  a  great  number  of  able  young  fishermen  were  obliged  to  go  to  foreign 
countries  to  seek  for  bread,  at  a  time  when  they  might  enrich  themselves  and 
their  fiunilies  at  home,  and  be  useful  members  of  the  community,  had  they  met 
with  reasonable  encouragement :  that  the  country  butchers  were  prevented,  by  the 
exactions  of  the  corporation  from  su])plying  the  town  with  meat :  that  the  applot- 
inent  of  the  public  taxes  and  vestry  money,  by  the  corporation,  was  partial  and 
unequal,  and  had  become  grievous  and  biu-densome  :  that  the  billeting  of  his 
majesty's  troops  had  been  partiall}',  illegally  and  oppressively  executed :  that  the 
members  of  the  corporation  converted  its  large  revenue  to  their  private  benefit: 
tliat  the  only  public  edifice  kept  up  by  them  was  what  they  called  the  market-house, 
though  it  was  no  more  than  a  small  ground  cellar  under  the  military  infirmary, 
from  which  infection  was  continually  apprehended :  that  in  consequence  of  these 
and  many  other  vexatious  measures,  practised  in  the  administration  of  the  afiiiirs 
of  the  town,  many  iamilies  had  removed  from  it,  others  were  pre\ented  from 
settling,  and  the  gentlemen  and  farmers  of  the  adjacent  counties  were  discou- 
raged from  supplying  the  markets  ;  in  consequence  of  which,  a  general  complaint 
had  prevailed  for  a  series  of  years  past  in  the  town  and  country,  and  the  neces- 
saries of  life  were  considerably  enhanced,  to  tlie  great  destruction  of  trade,  tlie 
diminution  of  the  inhabitants,  and  impoverishment  of  the  town.— Such  were 
the  measiu-es  i)ursucd  by  the  corporation  of  Galwa}',  since  the  revolution,  and 
such  the  ])ernicious  consequences  which  attended  their  proceedings ;  all  which, 
after  minute  investigation  before  a  committee,  were  jjronounced,  by  the  unani- 
mous voice  of  the  legislature,  to  be  true.  On  the  lyth  of  February,  17G'2,  the 
connuittec  made  their  report,  and  sidjmitted  their  resolutions,  which  were  after- 
wards confirmed  by  the  entire  house,  viz.  "  that  the  trade  of  the  town,  which  was 
formerly  very  considerable,  had  greatly  declined  for  some  years  past :  that  tlie 
several  detailed  exactions  of  tlie  corporation  were  oppressive,  unwarranted,  inju- 

A  a 


ISu  IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 

rious  to  trade,  and  contrary  to  law  and  charter :  that  they  greatly  discouraged 
the  fishery  of  tlie  bay  and  harbour,  which  was  one  of  the  best  in  the  kingdom : 
that  tliey  took  sevei-al  illegal  tolls,  and  partially  and  op])ressively  quartered  the 
military  on  the  inhabitants.  It  was,  however,  also  resolved  and  declared,  that 
the  corporation  had  expended  the  money  iU'isiug  from  the  tolls,  dulics  and 
ci'.scoins,  in  the  rejjairs  and  paving  those  jiarts  of  the  streets  iletailed  in  the 
report,  and  in  j)aying  salaries  to  the  mayor  and  other  oflicers  of  the  corpo- 
ration, whicli  sahiries  v/ere  highly  conducive  to  the  preservation  of  the  peace, 
order  and  good  government  of  the  town,  and  were  necessary  to  maintain  the 
authority  of  the  magistracy :  and  they  finally  reported  that  the  laws  in  force, 
if  properly  executed,  v.'ere  sufiicient  to  redress  the  grievances  committed  in  the 
markets,  and  that  it  was  the  duty  of  the  magistrates  to  see  them  so  executed. — 
During  the  proceedings  of  the  committee,  the  corporation  proposed  to  relin- 
quish the  perquisites  complained  of,  and  to  accommodate  all  matters  in  dispute, 
by  adhering  either  to  the  schedule  contained  in  the  charters,  or  to  the  agree- 
ment entered  into,  in  lG84,  with  the  merchants  of  the  town.  These  pro- 
posals, in  the  then  stage  of  the  business,  being  rejected,  a  "  petition  from  the 
common  council,  freemen  and  freeholders  of  the  town,  on  behalf  of  themselves 
and  the  other  Protestant  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  liberties,"  was  presented  to 
the  house ;  wherein,  after  setting  forth  their  title  by  charter  to  the  duties,  and 
their  offers  of  accommodation,  and  the  refusal  of  them,  they  stated  that  there 
were,  in  the  town  and  liberties,  forty  Popish  inhabitants  for  one  Protestant :  that 
tlie  few  Protestant  merchants  were  discouraged  from  following  trade  or  business, 
the  Papists  in  general  declining  to  deal  with  them  ;  and  the  wealth  of  the  town, 
or  by  much  the  greater  part  of  it,  being  in  their  hands,  they  thereby  acquired 
considerable  influence  and  power  over  the  indigent  Protestant  tradesmen  :  that 
tlie  corporation  rents  amounted  to  150/.  a  year,  and  their  whole  revenue  (which, 
exclusive  of  perquisites,  did  not  exceed  "1251.  annually,)  was  then,  and  had  been 
tor  several  years  l)eJbre,  scarcely  sufhcient  to  pay  the  salaries  of  the  magistrates 
and  ollicers,  and  other  necessary  expenses ;  and  that,  shoidd  they  be  deprived  of 
any  part  of  the  tolls,  duties  and  customs  granted  by  tiie  charters,  they  would  not  be 
able  to  support  the  honor  and  dignity  of  the  magistracy,  or  maintain  their  inde- 
pendence against  the  wealth  and  power  of  the  Popish  inhabitants  ;  whicli  would 
necessarily,  as  they  apprehended,  subvert  the  Protestant  interest  in  the  town. — 
This  petition  being  received,  and  the  committee  not  having  recommended  the 
abolition  of  the  charter  duties,  which  was  tlie  principal  object  of  the  merchants, 
the  entire  terminated  in  an  agreement  between  tliem  and  the  corporation.  A 
new  schedule  of  duties  and  customs  was  accordingly  framed,  agreed  upon,  and 
presented  to  the  house  on  the  13th  of  April,  by  Mr.  French : "  upon  which,  it 

'  Vide  Appcmlix.,  for  this  schedule 


HISTORY    OF    GALAVAY, 


Ife- 


wxs  resolved,  that  it  would  tend  to  improve  the  trade  of  the  town,  and  be  of 
niiitiial  advantage  to  the  corporation  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  county. 
Tiius  ended  a  proceeding,  v>hich,  though  not  attended  with  all  the  success  oriixi- 
lully  expected,  yet  had  the  effect  of  reforming  the  cor])oration,  and  of  putting 
an  end  to  many  practices  which  were  tlicretofbre  prevalent,  and  wliich  liad  proveii 
so  injurious  to  the  interest  of  the  town. 

Circumstanced  as,  from  the  preceding  accounts,  it  appears  the  corporation  of 
Gahvay  was  at  this  period,  its  landed  possessions  alienated  away,  and  its  members 
composed  of  a  few  resident  Protestants,  principally  tradesmen  and  sliopkeepers, 
the  greater  part  of  whom,  according  to  their  own  shewing,  were  witliout  wealth, 
weight  or  consequence,  (for  although  there  were  several  respectable  non-resident 
members,  they  do  not  appear  to  have  interfered  in  the  affairs  of  the  corporation,) 
its  sinking,  as  it  soon  afterwards  did,  beneath  the  influence  of  a  single  family, 
h.caded  by  an  individual  of  high  rank  and  talents,  was  inevitable.  Since  the 
revolution,  the  several  leading  families  of  Eyre,  Shaw,  Staunton  and  Fitzpatrick, 
successively  commanded  the  representation,  and  directed  the  affairs  of  the  town  ; 
but  the  interest  of  the  first  generally  prevailed.  The  descendants  of  judge  Daly 
(who  was  so  conspicuous  at  that  period)  afterwards  became  members  of  the  cor- 
poration ;  and,  at  the  commencement  of  the  present  reign,  James  Daly,  of  Car- 
rownekelly,  his  grandson,  was  the  first  on  the  list  of  the  common  council  of  the 
town. "  This  gentleman,  who  was  one  of  the  earliest  and  firmest  advocates  of  the 
Catholics  of  Ireland,  had  many  friends  in  Galway,  whose  infiuence  (uniting  with 


<  On    1st  J;imiary,    17G-J, 
composed  of  the  following  ni 
I'litk.  Fitzpatrick,  Imemdcrs 
J.  Eyre,  ^\rccourt,S  J'nr/imnt. 
James  Daly,  Carrownekelly. 
Charles  Daly,  of  Callow. 
Thomas  Laniliert. 
Thomas  Taylor. 
EJmniul  Kirwan,  of  Daluin. 
Dom.  Skcrrett,of  Balliiuiiift'. 
Gregory  French,  of  Aggart. 
John  French,  of  the  same. 
Henry  French,  Tolwrpadder. 
Thos.  Bodkin,  of  Carraliegg. 
,'\ndrc\v  ICirwan,  of  Creg^. 
A.  Lynch,  of  Kafcake,  alii/. 
'J'hos.  French,  of  .Moycidlcn. 
Francis  ^lartin. 
Patrick  Blake. 
Richard  lilake. 
Peter  Kirwan. 
Eilnunui  French,  vicnr. 
E'Jni.  Bodkin,  of  Kilcloony. 
fi.  Blake  Bodkin,  of  Annagli. 
Robert  French. 
Edwai'd  E) re. 
Kobcrt  Ejrc,  of  Eyrccoiirt. 


the  common  council   was 
embers,  \iz. 

\V.  Taylor,  of  Castletaylor. 
Hedges  Eyre. 
Simon  Marshal!,  collector. 
Richard  Martin, of  Dan^an. 
Patrick  Blake,  ofCorballv. 
Charles  Blake,  of  Coolcu'n. 
J.O'Hara,  loum  clerk  ^S' all;/ ■ 
Thomas  Staunton. 
D.  Burke,  ;«i/.Yd-  of  jicacc. 
John  Burke. 
Benjamin  Burke. 
Henry  Ellis,  ;'H.r/;>i?  of  peace. 
J.  Staunton,  of  Yonglial. 
J.  Staunton,  recorder. 
Tlios.Stauuton,of  Olilberry. 
(i. Staunton,  oi  Cargin,o.7y. 
John  Staunton. 
Thomas  Sinicockes,   licar. 
George  Simcockes. 
H.  White,  ]iort-si(rrcj/or. 
Thoinas  Wadman,  vicar. 
Francis  \\'ai!man. 
Kodolp.  Kent,  burrachnait. 
Jervis  Hinde. 
Thoinas  Shaw. 


Stratford  Eyre,  governor. 
C.Donncllan,/«-u;7/;-)HOH.-r. 
John  Morgan,  of  KUcolgan. 
John  Morgan. 
Mathcw  Pemiefatlier. 
Henry  Va\ighan. 
Charles  Uivett,  nprlliccan/. 
'I'.  Kell\,   couiiscllor-al-la'w. 
Bartholomew  Hanly,  ath/. 
John  Hiunlin,  atloniei/. 
Thomas  CIntterbuck. 
Sam.  Ovacc, /icnrllt-iiioiiri/-c. 
Robert  Mitchell,  iuii-liulder. 
George  Barry. 
Vi'illiani  Irwine. 
Xapper  GittarJ,  vicar. 
E.Taukerville,  «'a/c7j-HK(Xrr. 
Charles  Lop.ldl. 
Jolni  Ijondell. 
Charles  Lopdell. 
James  Fitzpatrick. 
Edajunil  Fit/patrick. 
Henry  Vcsej-,  icarJen. 
Janics  Shee. 
Samuel  Shone. 
Joseph  Seymour. 
George  Lewis. 


Croasdailc  Shaw. 

John  Shaw. 

John  Kelly,  of  Fidanc. 

John  (Jihson,  land-wuilcr. 

Edward  Miir|)hy. 

Airg.  Swanv.  ick,  lide-wailcr. 

James  Foriter,  tanner. 

James  Jones,  baler. 

'J'obias  Sherwood,  se.rtoii. 

Edward  Sheilds,.(/«)(-),;rt/,c;-. 

George  Driu-y,  chandler. 

James  Galbraith,  tai/lor. 

Hugh  Wilkinson. 

Rich.  Mathews,  sliuc-malccr. 

John  Sallow,  vintner. 

Hugh  Mor.tgomery,  baler. 

Francis  Montgomery. 

J.  Jiandcville,  up/,v/.i/erer, 

Fred.  Covey,  liouse-jniner. 

Rev.  Fred'.'rick  Gryer. 

Richard  Ti'uelocke,  smith, 

George  'i'homas,  gli,-Jcr, 

John  Mortimer,  ueaver. 

George  Brabai;on,  esij. 

William  Joyce. 

James  Ricluu'ds,   hosier. 

Total  101. 


188 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


that  of  Rickard  Pltzpatrick,  one  of  its  representatives  in  parliament,  and  who 
had  invariably  snpj)orted  tlie  Daly  against  the  Eyre  interest,)  finally  succeeded  in 
establishing  him  and  his  family  in  all  the  rights  and  pri\ileges  of  the  corporation. 
A  new  and  unexpected  corporate  opponent,  however,  soon  after  appeared. 
Patrick  Blake,  esq.  of  Drum,  who  was  descended  fi;oni  one  of  the  ancient  fiunilics 
of  the  town,  and  who  appears,  though  ultimately  worsted,  to  have  been  actuated 
by  a  wish  for  its  general  interest,  gave  considerable  trouble.  This  gentleman  w;h 
elected  mayor  in  I??!,  and  the  town  soon  after  became  a  scene  of  tuuudt  and  con- 
fusion. One  of  his  tirst  acts  of  office  was  the  admission  of  several  resident  inliabi- 
tants  to  the  freedom  of  tiie  corporation,  by  which  his  design  to  weaken  tlie  influ- 
ence of  the  Daly  family  immediately  became  manifest. "  He  next  disfrancliised 
several  non-resident  fj-eemcn,  •'  because,"  as  the  act  of  council  ex})resses  it,  "  they 
were  elected  in  violation  of  the  statute  for  the  better  regulating  the  town  of  Gal- 
way,  and  strengthening  the  Protestant  interest  therein,  and  in  order  to  perpetuate 
the  government  of  the  corporation  in  the  power  of  several  gentlemen  and  others  of 
the  county  of  Galway  and  elsewhere,  Avho  have  no  interest  or  concern  in  the  town 
of  Galway,  or  wlio  pay  any  scot,  lot,  or  other  contribution  therein." — These 
])roceedings  immediately  gave  the  alarm.  Denis  Daly,  esq.  then  member  for  the 
county,  hastened  to  town,  and  appointed  James  (afterwards  Sir  James)  Slice  to  act 
as  deputy  mayor,  who,  having  done  so  in  opposition  to  those  in  ofiice,  was  instantly 
disfranchised.  A  memorial  was  then  laid  before  the  chancellor,  stating  that  his 
lordship  was,  by  stat.  tth  Geo.  I.  empowered  to  appoint  four  justices  of  the 
})cace,  who  should  reside  in  the  town,  but  that  this  act  was  frustrated  by  the 
])ersons  w!io  then  held  the  commission  not  being  resident,  and  prayino-  redress.  "^ 
The  following  year,  a  double  return  of  mayor ^  and  shcriflfs  was  made,  and  the 
})rivy  council  approved  of  Denis  Daly  to  be  mayor,  and  Thomas  Bodkin  and  John 
Thomas,  sheriffs.  In  the  mean  time  the  preceding  magistrate  and  his  party  held 
over,  and  for  some  years  after  elected  their  own  mayor,  sheriffs,  and  other  corpo- 
rate officers.    Proceedings  were  instituted  in  the  courts  of  law,  and  several  disputes 


'  On  this  occasion  Robert  O'llara,  the  town-clerk, 
rari'icil  away  t!ic  books,  and  refused  to  act;  upon  wliich 
the  mayor  appointed  \atli.  Cook  in  liis  place,  and  liad  a 
new  corporation  book  iinniediatelv  provi<led. — Lib.  I. 

I  CoHitcil,  11///  l},c.  1771,  Denis  Boues  Daly  and 
several  others  were  tlien  di^lVanchised,  "  for  interrni>tini; 
the  business  this  Ai\\,  ami  for  making  a  noise  and  confusion 
at  this  and  many  other  coe.neils,  aithough  they  were 
required  iiy  the  mayor  to  witlulraw." — Lib.  I. — On  1 1th 
February,  1  77'.',  another  council  was  held,  into  which  that 
gentlema.i  a'ul  others  "  forced  their  way,  and,  having 
refused  to  withdraw,  the  council  was  dissolved."  Denis 
Daly  was  alVcrwards  disli'anchiseii ;  hut  peremptory 
■writs  of  iiiaudaaius  luiving  issued,    he  and  the  suNcral 


other  depi-Ivcd  pcr»o)is  were  again  restored. — Id. 

•^  Coi'.nril,  l.s7  Atiiiu.'it,  1772,  Lord  Eyre  proposed 
Nathaniel  Cook;  Ignatius  Blake,  of  Ardf'ry,  proposed 
Denis  Daly  ;  fifty-one  voted  for  the  latter  and  sixty-four 
lor  the  former,  uhercujjon  he  was  declareil  duly  elected, 
"  because  ;\Ir.  Daly  wa^  not  an  inhabitant  of  Ciaiwav,  and 
dill  not  spend  seven  days  in  the  whole  within  that'to;in, 
since  1st  August,  1770;"  hut  having,  notuithstandijii| 
been  approved  of  as  above,  it  was  resohcd,  by  the  late 
mayor  and  his  friends,  that  the  other  "  should  hold  over 
until  another  were  properly  appointeil,  and  that  he  should 
be  indemnified  for  so  iXomg."— Lib.  I. — Thcv  persisted  in 
this  determination  for  some  years  afterwards,  but  were 
finally  obliged  to  yield. 


HISTORY    OF    CALWAY. 


189 


,s 


iinil  s.uigiiiiuirv  iltu-is  wcio,  Irom  time  to  tiino,  the  consequences  of  these  corpo- 
atioii  I'oiuls.  In  iiio  year  17 T'"',  they  burst  forth  with  greater  violence  than  ever. 
Mt.  Daly,  however,  by  his  own  personal  hibors,  and  tlie  indefatigable  exertions 
■ !  liis  friends,  preserved  his  ascendancy ;  and  this  distinguislied,  virtuous  and 
patriotic  individual,  tliougli  often  obliged  to  contest,  at  tlie  point  of  the  sword, 
ifilli  his  determined  and  resolute  rival,  was  ultimately  triumphant,  and  com- 
|!clclv  succeeded  in  rendering  his  influence  in  the  corporation  in  a  manner 
'.A'rcditary  in  his  family. 

During  the  continuance  of  these  disputes,  the  improvement  of  the  town  was 
«brgotten;  the  walls,  gates  and  fortifications,  which  were  left  without  repair, 
presented  a  most  ruinous  appearance,  and  trade  was  entirely^  neglected.  Tliough 
thus  circumstanced,  the  inhabitants  had,  however,  the  solitary  consolation  of 
Ijcing  no  longer  doomed  to  penal  inflictions  for  their  religious  tenets.  In  the 
vcar  1778,  tlie  first  great  legislative  interference  took  place  in  their  favor.  " 
The  flame  of  patriotism,  which  soon  after  spread  over  the  kingdom,  shone  round 
this  district  with  peculiar  brightness.  All  that  was  great,  good  and  respectable  of 
its  community,  ranged  themselves  in  the  lists  of  the  patriots,  and  the  \'oluntccrs 
of  Gahvay^  presented  a  military  association,  which,  for  respectability  of  rank, 
extent  of  property,  or  purity  of  intention,  has  seldom  been  equalled.  The  town 
5oon  became  conspicuous  in  the  national  struggle  for  independence,  and  was  the 
first  in  Ireland  that  entered  into  resolutions  against  the  importation  or  consump- 
tion of  English  goods  until  the  grievances  of  the  nation  should  be  redressed,  '  an 
example  which  was  generally  followed  throughout  the  kingdom.  Tiie  town 
vohmtcers  were  embodied  on  the  olst  of  JNIay,  1779,  and  amounted  to  about 
four  hundred  well  disciplined  troops,  divided  into  six  battalion  and  two  ilank 
companies.  Richard  Martin,  esq.  of  Dangan,  their  first  elected  colonel,  on  a 
rumour  of  having  supported  the  then  administration,  was  deprived  of  the  com- 
fimnd";  but  that  highly  spirited  descendant  of  the  ancient  natives  of  the  town, 
luiviiig  satisfactorily  refuted  the  accusation,  he  was  reinstated,  and  afterwards 


"  It  was  not  until  the  year  17Sl'  that  tho  law  which 
viliJLTteil  Pa|)ist3  to  certain  (lenahici,  who  took  any 
^. )u>c,  or  came  to  (!we!l  in  LijMcrick  or  Galway,  or  tlicir 
v.hurh-;,  wa-i  repc-ilcd  bv  the  act  then  pav^cd,  "  tor  the 
fj.-;luT  rchcl"  of  his  majesty's  snlijects  of  this  kinmknn 
(Tofi'sing  the  Popish  religion." — Si'nl.  'Jl,  2-,  Gen.  III. 

'  These  rcsoUitions  were  of  the  followinj:  imp'ort : — 

I.  We  will  never  vote,  on  any  .'nture  election  for  any 
t.fi.liJ.ite  that  will  not  jive  a  sulficient  test  not  to  vote 
f  r  .wn  money-bill  of  !on;,-jr  Juration  than  tlu'ce  months, 
:'}  lliat  clansc  in  the  iiuitiny  bill  wliicii  makes  it 
(-.rp.tiial  is  repealeil ;  till  I'oynin'^'s  law  i^  moilifieil ;  as 
»f  liolil  the  privy  coinitil  now  a  foiirtli  power  in  our 
lei-blare,  aiul  the  iriterference  of  the  Knglish  attorney- 
;:".frtil  in  our  laws  unconstitutional  and  derogatory  to 
'Jic  iliu'nity  of  the  Iri^n  nation. 

II.  That  seeing  the  partial  requests,  not  only  of  a  sliire, 
Ki  of  a  petty  corpoi'ation,  in  England,  more  attended  to 


than  tlie  just  deniaJids  of  an  aggrieved  nation,  deterniined 
US  to  enter  into  the  following  resolution  of  non-coiisunip- 
tion  of  English  goods  until  our  grievances  are  redressed, 
viz.  That  we  will  not,  for  ourselves  or  families,  buy 
from  any  importer  or  retailer  any  Englisli  goods  made  of 
wool,  eottou  or  silk,  or  any  refnied  sugar  or  porter;  and 
we  expect  from  all  merchants  we  deal  with  a  test  that 
the  aforesaid  articles  arc  Irish.  If  any  in  our  port  should, 
contrary  to  these  resolutions,  import,  or  any  retailer  in  our 
tuwu  buy  in  any  other  (lort,  English  goods,  and  pass  them 
for  Irish,  on  conviction,  we  will  pnllli^h  his  or  their  names 
in  the  puljlic  papers,  that  the  world  may  know  the  traitors 
to  their  country,  and  be  guarded  from  dealing  with  them 
for  the  future.  We  IiO|)e  the  diH'erent  manufacturers  all 
over  the  kingdom  will  co-operate  with  tlie  good  wishers 
of  the  nation  in  their  favour,  by  not  raising  tiie  price  of 
their  goods  beyond  their  real  value. — Orig.  J\IS. 
^  History  nf  the  IrUh  I'aluntccis,  pngc  00. 


190 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


i 


continuetl  in  that  lionorable  station  during  the  existence  of  tlie  corps.  They 
were  several  times  reviewed,  with  the  volunteers  of"  the  county,  in  Gahvay,  Tuam 
and  Louglu'ea,  by  tlie  earls  of  Clanricarde,  and  Altamont  and  the  celebrated 
Henry  Flood,  successively  reviewing  generals  ;  and,  after  preserving  the  public 
peace,  obeying  all  the  constitutional  commands  of  government,  and,  at  the  same 
lime,  co-operating  in  the  grand  and  successful  objects  of  this  immortal  asso- 
ciation, they  peaceably  laid  down  tlie  arms  which  they  had  voluntarily  taken  up, 
and  again  resinned  their  station,  with  honor  and  applause,  amongst  their  fellow- 
citizens  in  society. 

For  some  years  after  this  period,  nothing  worthy  of  observation  occurred.  No 
commercial  exertions  were  made, '  nor  were  any  improvements  luidertaken.  A 
System  of  parliamentary  electioneering  seemed  alone  to  have  occupied  the  public 
mind  ;  and,  although  the  years  1783  and  171)0  became  memorable  for  contested 
elections  both  for  the  town  and  county, "  very  little  appears  to  have  been  done  to 
boiefit  either.  The  forlorn  situation  of  Galway  about  this  time  may  be  ascertained 
from  a  well  known  melancholy  fact,  that,  until  the  Catholic  bill  of  1793,  grass 
frequently  grew  in  many  of  its  most  public  streets  !  From  that  period,  however,  the 
inhabitants  began  to  exert  themselves:  the  limits  of  the  town  were  soon  extended 
beyond  the  walls,  and  several  buildings  were  erected  in  the  cast  and  west  suburbs. 
The  year  17!)'f'  was  rendered  remarkable  for  the  arrival  of  tlie  homeward-bound 
East  India  fleet.  This  noble  squadron  riding  at  anchor  in  the  bay,  and  combining 
with  the  surrounding  scenery,  presented  a  grand  and  most  picturesque  appearance, 
and  reminded  many  old  persons,  then  living,  of  what  they  had  heard  in  their  youth, 
concerning  the  former  trade  and  concourse  of  shipping  to  the  town. "  During  the 
troubles  which  afterwards  disturbed  the  kingdom,  the  inhabitants  of  Gahvay  were 
conspicuous  for  their  peaceable  demeanor  and  unshaken  loyalty;  not  an  individual 
suftercd  for  rebellious  proceedings;  and  to  their  credit  be  it  recorded,  that,  though 
their  principles  were  devoted  to  the  constitution  of  the  country,  they  were  free 
from  the  vile  spirit  of  political  and  religious  prejudice  so  prevalent  in  other  parts 
of  the  kingdom.     The  readiness  with  which  the  ranks  of  the  militia  and  the  yeo- 


'  Fyoni  1 TR"  to  1  7n-I,  thci'C  were  rcnistercil,  as  belonging 
to  tlic  port  of  GnUviiv,  sevciity-foiir  vcr^-.els  (all  Britisli  built, 
ixoopt  one  prize  ot'l'orty-seveii  tons  vliiih  was  niiule  free) 
r.T  lisliin^',  eo;'.sl  ami  toreiyn  trade  containing  two  tlionsaml 
live  Innulrcil  and  eighty-five  tons,  and  two  lunulred  and 
<eViMit\-six  seamen. — Tliis  registry,  which  was  I'ar  ex- 
tteded,  within  the  same  period,  by  some  oi'  the  n:ost 
iiiconsijcrable  sea-ports  in  the  kingdom,  proves  at  once  the 
ruined  state  ot  the  trade  of  th.is  once  rommercial  town. 

"'  On  tiie  ISth  of  Angiist,  ITS,-),  an  election  Cor  two 
Kn:g'.".ts  of  the  shire,  to  represent  the  county  of  Galway 
in  parliament,  commenced  in  the  tow  n.  The  candidates 
weie,  Denis  Daly  of  Dnnsandle,  William  Power  Keating 
Trench  of  Gari;ally,  Ednnnid  Kirwan  of  Dalgin,  and 
Kichard  Martin  of  Dangan,  csijr-.  and,  after  a  contest  of 


fift^■-tw■o  days,  the  two  former  were  declared  duly  eleclcil. 
A  similar  election  commenced  on  5d  May,  1 7S0.  The 
candidates  were,  William  Power  Keating  Trench,  Joseph 
Ikiiry  Blake  of  ArdiVy,  (afterwanis  lord'W'allscourt,)  anJ 
Anthony  Daly  of  Callow,  csqrs.  and,  after  a  contest  of 
thirt_\-two  days,  tlic  two  former  were  declareil  duly  clccltJ. 
The  town  election  commenced  on  the  Ijth  of  j\kiv. 
The  Kight  Hon.  Denis  Daly,  Sir  .Skiffington  Snijth  aiij 
liichard  Martin,  e^(lr.  were  the  candidates;  and,  after  i 
poll  of  four  days,  the  two  former  were  returned. 

"  De  Bnrgo,  who  wrote  aljout  the  vcar  175.5,  relates, 
that  he  had  heard  from  persons  of  credit,  then  living, 
that  they  had  seen  eighty  merchant  vessels  at  oacc  lu 
the  bay  of  Gahvay;  but  that  in  his  time  there  vcre 
scarcely  three  or  four. — Jli/i.  Uum.  pni^c  3'J.'^. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  191 

rnnniy  corps  or  volunteers  were  filled  up,  afforded  convincing  proof  of  the  prin- 
riplcs  of  the  Ci-itholic  inhabitants  of  Galway.  °  On  the  landing  of  the  French  at 
Kilhila,  in  August,  1798,  the  gallant  and  humane  general  (afterwards  lord)  Hut- 
'  liiiison  commanded  in  the  town  ;  and  being,  at  the  time,  entirely  destitute  of 
rsourccs  to  enable  him  to  march  against  the  enemy,  the  merchants,  in  the  space 
of  all  hour,  made  up  a  sum  of  fifteen  hundred  guineas,  with 'which  tiiey  presented 
him,  and  by  which  he  was  enabled  to  join  general  Lake,  with  the  troops  under  his 
■  Tiiirnand,  to  meet  tlie  enemy.  The  town  yeomanry  also  joined  their  forces,  and 
i';ui  their  share  of  the  disgraceful  defeat  at  Castlcbar.  During  their  absence  the 
town  was  left  without  military  protection,  and  the  Catholic  clergy  were  indefati- 
gable in  their  exertions  to  preserve  the  public  peace.  On  this  occasion,  one  of  the 
regulars  of  St.  Augustine  presented  a  novel  spectacle — a  friar  standing  sentinel  on 
the  west  bridge,  to  prevent  the  entrance  of  disaffected  persons  to  a  place  where, 
Nvithiu  the  memory  of  many  then. living,  he  would  himself  have  been  doomed  to 
Iraiisportatlon  or  death  for  daring  to  appear  or  return  :  thus  affording  a  strlklno- 
example  of  the  mutability  of  human  opinion,  and  of  the  happy  change  whicli  had 
taken  place  in  the  public  mind  during  that  period.  The  question  of  Ico-Islatlvc 
iiiiion  between  the  two  countries  soon  after  began  to  agitate  the  kuvdom  ;  and  the 
promises  made  by  Mr.  Pitt  and  lord  Cornwallls,  to  the  Catliolics  of  Ireland,  secured 
many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Galway  in  its  favor.  An  address  was  accoi'dlngly  voted 
by  tlicm  in  February,  1799,  in  which  the  necessity  of  that  measure  v/as  maintained 
with  remarkable  energy  of  expression.  "  In  the  constitution  of  the  empire,  as  It  at 
present  stands,"  say  the}^,  "  we  discover  the  seeds  of  party  animosity  and  national 
jealousy:  A  Protestant  parliament  and  Catholic  people !  — hence  religious  dissen- 
sion and  civil  discord:  Two  legislatures  In  the  same  empire !— hence  legal  preju- 
dices and  commercial  rivalry.  By  the  settlement  of  1782,  the  Irish  parliament 
acquired  the  right  of  Independent  legislation — a  right  equally  unsafe  to  exercise 
and  not  to  exercise.  To  exercise  It  would  have  been  to  endanger  the  unanimitv, 
and  tliercby  to  hazard  the  division,  of  the  empire  ;  while,  by  declining  to  exercise 
the  right,  the  Irish  parliament  brought  upon  Itself  tlie  imputation  of  abject 
submission  to  the  British  legislature.  This  imputation  begot  contempt,  that 
contempt  discontent,  and  that  discontent  rebellion.      For  this  radical  defect  in 


"  The  co^mns^ions  for  all  tlic  ycoiiniiirv  ofTiccrs  of  First  Lieut.  Doniiriic!<  Diily.  Rowcs  E-m 

Irclaml  were  si-iicd  on  the  51st  of  October,  ll'.iti.   Tliosc  Secoiul  ditto.  J.  BiirUe.          Sr.imiel  Hanlev 
of  Giihvay  were — 

Galway  Volunteers.  SccomI  Ballidwn  Cuiiqi.       Li^ld  hij'r.iihij  Cotnpnni/. 

,-.    ,  ,,.              Carali-j,:  Capt.  Mark  Lynch.                 Jolm  Frauds  Hiitcliiiisoii. 

r    .  HI           u,''',"'''V       ,     ^-      'y'"""'  ^'"'V-  Fir.-t.  Linn.  Thos.  Browne.   I knrvBlal.f. 

Cap  .Marcus  1  l,,Ke  I  y,.ch.   Ottnvel    J'uxlej .  Second  ditto.  Val.  Blake.        K.chard  French, 
firjt  Lieut.  Uohcrt  Marlni.   Ulick  O'Brien. 

Second  ditto,  llich.  Butler.    Andrew  Bui'ke.         -  Fusilier  Cvmjiaiij/. 

.,         ,.      ,,             I'l/anlnj.  Captain,  Frniicis  Blake, 

r.n,  v"  1 "  n'     ""T"-'- ,       i' !"■'  ^,"""'""'  Cmupanij.  First  Lieut.  Val.  Blake. 

Capt.  iNich.  Power  irejich.    Edininul  f  itzpatrick.  Second  ditto.  James  Browne. 


192 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


the  polity  of  the  empire  we  can  sec  but  one  remedy,  and  tliat  remedy  is  an  union." 
Though  the  earliest  and  most  successful  efforts  were  made  in  its  favor  by  tlie 
earl  of  Clanricarde,  tlie  archbishop  of  Tuam,  and  others  in  the  county  of  Galway, 
it  was,  notwithstanding,  the  first  part  of  Ireland  that  was  proclaimed  to  be  in  a 
state  of  disturbaTice ;  and  as  several  persons  openly  asserted  that  such  a  measure 
was  totally  unnecessary  at  the  time,  they  consequently  concluded  that  it  was 
resorted  to  for  no  other  purpose  than  that  of  carrying  the  question  of  union  by 
military  coercion.  Hov.evcr  that  may  be,  it  is  certain  that  the  good  people  of 
Galway  have  been  disa})pointcd  in  their  reliance  on  ministerial  ])romises,  and 
that,  were  the  question  to  be  agitated  again,  many  of  tliem  would  think  and  act 
in  a  very  diflerent  manner  on  tiie  occasion. 

Soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  present  century  the  princijial  part  of  tlic 
town  walls  was  prostrated,  and  several  extensi\e  stores  and  timber-yards  were 
erected  and  laid  out  on  their  ruins. ''  The  buildings  in  the  east  and  west  suburbs, 
at  Dominick-street,  Newtown-Smith  and  Meyrick-square,  were  still  carried  on,  and 
all  within  the  walls  got  the  name  of  the  old  town  to  distinguish  it  fi-om  these  new 
improvements.  The  return  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  liberties,  under 
the  census  act  of  1812,  amounted  only  to  tv.cnty-four  thousand  four  hundred  and 
cighty-foiu- ;  but  those  to  whom  the  enumeration  was  entrusted  Avere,  according 
to  their  own  subsequent  accusations  of  each  other,  guilty  of  gross  neglect  and 
omission  in  tlie  execution  of  that  duty.  The  general  and  most  probable  opinion 
is,  that  the  population  amounts  at  present  to  about  forty  thousand,  ''  which  com. 
prebends  a  vast  number  of  daily  increasing  poor,  without  trade,  manufactures,  or 
adequate  employment.  The  consideration  of  this  growing  evil,  combined  with 
other  local  v.ants  and  inconveniences,  at  length  induced  many  of  the  inliabitants 
to  attribute  the  entire  to  neglect  and  inattention  to  the  interests  of  the  town, 
by  its  parliamentary  representatives  ;    and   it   was  finally  concluded,    that  if  it 


'  Tl'.e  OKI  foniJcations  of  GaKvav  liavc  been  recently 
(.■oiitcinlcd  tbi-  ill  the  courts  of  law,  as  often  as  they 
iunnerly  v.ere  at  llic  month  of  the  cannon.  They  are 
claimeJ  on  one  I'.aiul  by  the  representatives  of  alilerii.an 
Eyre,  who,  in  IfiTO,  {Vi'cic  iin.'i;  ]mi\c  l-i.)  mile.)  ohtaincd 
a  lea^c  from  th.c  corporation,  wliicli  was  ai'te;'\iarus 
Ti"K'\\eil  on  l::th  May,  171-',  a\'.tl  on  lac  oilier  hy  his 
iii:ij..-l', 's  boanl  of  orilnanee,  in  ri,ulit  of  the  crown.  This 
luiard  aecoriliiHily,  on  ftli  July,  IVDL',  gnr.iteil  a  lease 
of  the  town  walls  and  s.irronniliii:;  fosse,  sixty-three 
feet  wide,  to  James  S.kerrett  I'or  oni;  hundred  years,  at 
'lol.  yearly  rent,  under  which  several  thousand  pounds 
liave 'i.ecii",  since  ISOO,  o.pended  in  valnalile  iiuprove- 
iiients.  But  althongU  the  (jnestion  has  been  often  legally 
'.li;.c:isscd,  it  still  remains  undeteriniiied — a  circunislanco 
wi.ich  lu'.s,  in  some  degree,  proved  iujaricus  to  ihe  town 
h\  ULterrin^  indi\iduals  iVoui  greeting  buildings  on  tho^e 
extensive  cunccrns. 


■i  Before  the  destrnction  caused  by  the  civil  wars,  in 
the  seventeenth  century,  tl)c  population  of  GaKvr.y  was 
esteemed  the  most  considerable  of  any  tow  n  or  city  in 
the  Kinrrdoin,  except  Dnhliii.  At  the  conimencemeiit  of 
the  last  century  it  uas  reduced  to  le^s  than  one  half.  In 
ITCL',  it  amounted  to  fourteen  tlionr.aud  {JlJc  ji.  isj.) 
In  17SH,  Mr.  Iii:4ie,  in  his  es-ay,  returned  the  lioii-isuf 
the  town  at  nine  lunulred  and  fort\-scvcii ;  in  17i)'.',  ai 
one  thousand  two  lunulred  aiul  twelve;  but  it  nowappiart 
tliat  both  were  below  the  nninlier.  In  the  impeifcct  return 
of  181 'J,  they  were  set  down  at  three  thousand  tlint 
hundred  and  firiy-tlirce,  which,  considering  the  dcust 
population  of  the  place,  ou;;ht  to  fnrnUi  many  niurc 
inhabitants  than  were  then  reliirned.  In  lai-l.thcy  wire 
stated,  before  a  coiiimiltee  of  the  house  of  conuuoiis,  ut 
fifty  thousand,  but  this  was  considered  as  an  exairwralion. 
The  opinion,  therefore,  which  seems  to  approach  iicarcit 
to  the  truth  is  that  id^ove  stated. 


HISTOKV    OF    GALWAY.  103 

l-.ad  been  represented  by  members  acquainted  with  its  situation  or  solicitous  for 
its  welfare,  tliese  increasing  evils  would  have  been  jirevented,  and  many  mea- 
y        surcs  might  have  been  adopted  for  its  benefit.      "While  these  feelings  were  yet 
\         alive  in  the  minds  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  it  happened,  rather  opportunely, 
tliat  a  vacancy  occurred  in  the  representation  of  the  town.    The  sheritls,  without 
•        anticipating  any  resistance,  proceeded,  according  to  the  usual  formality  of  clec- 
'ion,    to  return  the  Hon.  Frederick  Ponsonby,   the   nominee  of  Mr.  Ualv,  but 
ihcv  were  warmly  opposed   by  colonel  Richard  JNIartin,   Jyhn  French  Madden  '' 
;        and  Richard  Maunsell,  esqrs.    who  formally  protested  against  the   illegality  of 
the  proceeding,  as  being  held  without  due  notice.      Their  objections,  however, 
were  over-ruled,    and  the  member  was  declared  duly  returned.      These  gen- 
"■^       tlemen  then  took  the  opportunity  of   addressing   the  town's-people,    who  had 
t       'assembled  merely  from  curiosity  :  they  informed  them,  that  the  repetition  of  what 
they  had  that  day  witnessed  bad  occasioned  all  the  wretchedness  and  poverty, 
all  the   immorality  and  vice,    by  which  they  were    on  every  side   surrounded; 
that,  although  they  appeared  unconscious  of  the  fact,  this  was  the  real  and  sole 
cause  of  all  their  distresses :    hence  it  was,  that  their  prisons  were  crowded  with 
('.cbtors  and  malefactors,    their  quays  left  without    shipping,    their  store-houses 
empty,  their  poor  without  employment ;    and,  in  fine,  that  the  town  itself  had 
become  almost  proverbial  for  uncleanliness   and  inconvenience,    witliout  either 
trade,    manufactories,    or  business  of  any  description.       They   further   stated, 
that  all  those  evils  were  perpetuated  to  elevate  an  individual  who  was  unac- 
%       qiiainted  with  the  town  and  its  interests,  and  a  stranger  to  the  inhabitants,  and 
^       that,    consequently,    they  were  virtually  unrepresented  in  the  great  coimcil  of 
the  empire  ;  and  they  finally  concluded  by  reminding  their  auditory  of  the  neces- 
sity of  adopting  some  speedy  and  effectual  measures  to  prevent  the  futui-e  recur- 
rence of  similar  proceedings.      Although,  from  the  preceding  view  of  former 
events  in  Galway,  it  is  manifest  that  the  cause  of  its  present  decayed  state  was 
very  different  from  that  assigned  by  these  gentlemen,  yet  their  discoiu'scs  had  all, 
and  perhaps  tlie  only  effect  which  the  speakers  intended.      The  subject  became, 
for  the  first  time,  a  matter  of  discussion  amongst  all  ranks  ;   it  was  ke])t  alive  by 
occasional  appeals   from  the  press :    public    meetings  were  held,    and  speeches 
delivered,  in  which  the  right  to  nominate  representatives  without  the  concur- 
rence of  the  people,  to  rule  the  corporation,  aj)point  its  officers,  and  dispose  of 
all  places  of  trust  and  emolument  in  the  town,  were  freely  canvassed.      The 
source   of    this    control    was   traced  to    the   influence  maintained    by  means  of 


'  Tliis  gentlcinan  originated,   and    afterwards,   by  his  talent  to  cnsm-e  its  success.       Iluucver,   therefore,    the 

•pccchcs  and  writings,  strennonsly  supported,  the  opposi-  question  may  terminate,  Mr.  Fieneh  Madden  merits  the 

lion  against  j\Ir.  Daly,  in  the  prosecution  of  which  he  wavnicst  gratitude  of  the  inhahilants  of  Galway,  lor  his 

appears  to  have  expended  Ujjwards  of  lOOO/.  of  his  pri-  long  continued  exertions  to  pi-omote  every  measure  con> 

\jte  property,  and  ajiplied  nuich   time  and  considerable  neeted  with  the  interest  of  ihe  town. 

B  b 


194 


HISTORY    OF   GALWAY. 


non-resident  freemen,  (of  whom  the  corporation  had  been  for  many  years  princi- 
pally composed,)  to  counteract  wliich,  the  inhabitants  were  called  upon  to  register 
their  freeholds.  Subscriptions  were  then  entered  into,  and  every  preparation 
was  made  to  contest  the  approaching  election  after  the  then  ensuing  dissolu- 
tion of  parliament. 

While  these  efforts  were  making  to  weaken  the  influence  of  Mr.  James  Daly  in 
Gahvay,  he  and  his  numerous  friends,  both  in  the  town  and  county,  made  every 
exertion  to  defeat  the  objects  of  his  opponents.  Of  the  exaggerated  evils,  before 
enumerated,  they  denied  the  existence ;  or  even  admitting  that,  in  so  large  and 
unemployed  a  population  as  that  of  Gahvay,  some  of  those  grievances  were  to  be 
found,  they  could  not  be  attributed  to  the  corporation,  or  to  the  parliamentary 
representatives  of  the  town,  but  were  occasioned  by  the  decay  of  public  spirit  in 
the  merchants  and  wealthy  inhabitants,  and  by  the  habitual  idleness  and  want  of 
industry  so  prevalent  and  conspicuous  amongst  the  lower  orders.  The  town's- 
people  were  reminded,  that  the  right  of  jNIr.  Daly  was  sanctioned  and  strengtiiencd 
by  the  legal  exercise  of  the  corporate  privileges  for  more  than  half  a  century, 
with  the  continued  approbation  of  government,  which,  it  was  not  to  be  sup- 
posed, would  countenance  any  measures  contrary  or  injurious  to  the  general 
interest  of  the  country:  they  were  also  reminded  of  the  many  benefits  conferred 
on  them  by  his  ancestors,  wlio  had  not  only  originally  succeeded  in  rescuing  the 
town  from  the  tyranny  and  bigotry  of  the  former  corporation,  but  had  afterwards 
invariably  exerted  themselves  in  its  favor ;  that  these  circumstances  ouglit  to 
have  called  forth  the  gratitude  of  the  community  for  their  descendant,  who  'was 
himself  pursuing  the  same  line  of  honorable  conduct,  or  at  least  have  prevented  a 
combination  which  was  set  on  foot  by  a  few  ambitious  or  intermeddling  individuals, 
Jbr  the  purpose  of  dc])riving  him  of  his  legal  rights,  and  of  those  advantages  to 
which  he  was  for  so  many  years  entitled.  These  and  many  other  arguments  urged 
against  tlic  "  Independents,"  as  they  were  now  denominated,  had  considerable 
weight  with  numbers  of  the  most  respectable  of  the  inhabitants,  many  of  whom 
at  length  resolved  to  su])port  Mr.  Daly.  I\Iany  others,  including  the  more  mode- 
latc  of  his  opposers,  admitted  that  the  representation  of  the  town  and  the  enjoy, 
inent  of  tlie  corporate  privileges  could  never,  as  the  place  was  then  circumstanced, 
continue  general  or  popular,  but  would,  in  process  of  time,  inevitably  fall  into  the 
hands  of  some  more  politic  individual :  they,  therefore,  unanimously  declared, 
that  if  Mr.  Daly  had  ])aid  more  attention  to  the  common  interests  of  the  place, 
had  resided  amongst  them  even  for  a  portion  of  his  time,  or  applied  some  part  of 
the  revenues  of  the  town  to  promote  the  public  convenience,  .to  pave  and  light 
the  streets,  and  to  establish  some  form  of  munici])al  police,  or  any  regulation  to 
preserve  peace  and  oi-dcr  amongst  the  people,  they  would,  from  the  hercditarj' 
attachment  which  tliey  had  all  along  borne  to  his  family,  cheerfully  support  him 
to  the  last  cxtrem.ity.     If,  at  this  juncture,  advantage  liad  been  taken  of  those 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


195 


volin!;.-^,  ihcrc  can  be  no  tloubt  but  tliat  mucli,  if  not  the  entire,  of  the  pro- 
•jLcUngs  which  afterwards  followed  would  have  been  prevented ;  but  Mr.  Daly, 
irritated  at  the  opposition,  chose  rather  to  rely  on  his  legal  rights,  and  the  result 
j. roved  that  he  was  not  entirely  mistaken. 

The  long  wished  for  dissolution  of  parliament  having  at  length  taken  place  in 
1S12,  Mr.  ^^alentine  Blake,  of  Menlo,  was  prevailed  upon  to  oifer  himself  as  the^ 
popular  candidate  ibr  the  town  :  Mr.  Ponsonby,  the  late  member,  was  again  put 
in  nomination,  and,  after  a  severe  contest,  was  declared  duly  elected.  A  petition 
was  tlicn  presented  against  his  return,  and,  after  several  proce'ediugs  before  a  com- 
mittee of  the  house  of  commons,  his  election  was  pronounced  void,  and  jSIr.  Blake 
was  declared  duly  elected.  This  success  occasioned  the  greatest  rejoicings  in  the 
town  ;  but  the  committee  having  also  determined  the  right  of  election  to  be  in 
the  freeholders  and  freemen,  the  great  question  of  non-residence  still  remained 
undecided.  To  determine  this  important  point,  on  which  the  entire  business- 
now  depended,  proceedings  were  instituted  in  the  king's  bench.  In  the  mean 
time  the  exertions  of  Mr.  Blake  and  the  Independents  were  uninterrupted,  and 
their  endeavors  were  again  crowned  with  success.  On  the  election  which  took 
place  after  the  dissolution  of  parliament  in  1818,  that  gentleman  (whose  conduct 
in  the  senate  and  attention  to  the  interests  of  the  town  met  with  the  warmest 
approbation  of  his  constituents,)  was  declared  duly  elected  by  a  considerable 
majority  over  INIr.  Prendcrgast,  the  friend  and  nominee  of  Mr.  Daly.  This 
second  victory,  by  which  the  independent  cause  seemed  to  be  finally  and  firmly 
established,  caused  universal  joy.  Public  dinners  were  given  to  signalize  the  event, 
and  the  triumphal  procession  of  the  victorious  and  popular  candidate  through  the 
town  was  the  most  splendid  ever  before  witnessed  in  this  part  of  Ireland. '    These 


'  The  following  account  of  this  procession  is  taken 
from  the  public  prints  of  tlic  day. — Mr.  Blake,  "  the 
choice  of  the  people,"  had  a  majority  of  one  hnndred 
and  eii;hty-nine  by  the  sheriff's  books.  On  the  15tli  of 
July,  the  res|)ectiv'e  guilds  ol  the  corporation  assembled 
at  Xtwtown-Siiiith,  and  the  procession  commenced  in  the 
following  order : 

A  flag,  bearing  the  inscription,  "  Sec  the  conquering 
hero  comes ;"  a  fisherman  with  a  fliig,  motto,  "  A  long  pull, 
a  strong  pull,  and  a  pull  all  together,"  followed  by  three 
Imndred  of  his  profession. 

Tile  ditferent  guilds  or  companies,  whose  right  to  the 
corporation  was  established,  each  bearing  a  Hag  with  an 
a|i|)ropriate  tle\ice  anil  inscription, 

A  boat,  emblem. itic  of  the  Galway  arms,  covered  with 
blue  and  pink,  tastefully  decorated  with  wreaths  of  flowers, 
aud  placed  on  the  carriage  of  a  chaise,  drawn  by  horses, 
in  which  was  seated  a  militaiy  band,  playing  appropriate 
tunes  during  t!ie  procession. 

Four  gentlemen  carrying  white  wands  and  banners ; 
motto,  "  Blake  and  Inilependencc." 

Four  more  ;  motto,  "  Galway  shall  flourish." 

Four  ditto;  "  Our  charter  and  oiu'  rights," 


Four  ditto;  motto,  "  The  glorious  majority  of  189." 
The   splendid  chair  in    which   the   representative   sat, 
crowned  with   a   wreath,    composed   of   oak   and   laurel 
leaves  and  flowers,  under  a  triumphal  canoi)y,  beautifully 
decorated,  surrounded  by  several  of  his  friends. 

Four    gentlemen  beai'ing  white    wands  antl  banners; 
motto,  "  Unanimity." 
Four  more ;  motto,  "  The  man  of  our  choice." 

Four  ditto ; "  Purity  of  election." 

Four  ditto;    "  No  non-residents." 

Freemen  and  freeholders  walking  six  and  six,  to  the 
number  of  four  hundred,  all  decorated  with  oak  and 
laurel  leaves. 

The  procession,  thus  arranged,  proceeded,  amidst  the 
most  triumj)hant  plaudits  of  the  populace,  through  the 
principal  streets  of  the  town,  greeting,  iu  their  progress, 
the  several  families-  favorable  to  their  cause,  and  ended 
at  Meyrick-square,  The  greatest  unanimity  prevailed, 
and,  although  upwards  of  twenty  thousand  people  were 
assembled,  not  a  single  acciilent  occurred.  The  town 
was  brilliantly  illinninated  in  the  evening,  and  every  po*. 
sililc  demonstration  of  jo)'  was  evinced  on  the  occasion. 


196  IIISTOllY    OP    GAL  WAY. 

feelings,  however,  were  soon  after  consiilerably  depressed  by  tlie  decision  of 
the  judges  in  favor  of  the  non-resident  freemen  of  tlie  corporation.  Tliis 
.decision,  so  favorable  to  the  rights  of  Mr.  Daly,  and  so  contrary  to  the  expecta- 
tion and  wishes  of  the  Independents,  again  renders  it  doubtful  to  which  siile 
victory  may  ultimately  incline  :  the  next  vacancy  or  dissolution  of  parliament  will, 
however,  determine  that  point ;  and,  in  the  mean  time,  Mr.  Daly  remains  in  the 
fidl  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  all  the  riglits  and  privileges  of  the  corporation. 

Having  now  fulfilled  oiu'  intention  of  tracing,  through  a  great  variety  of  facts 
and  docmrients,  the  history  of  this  town,  from  its  origin  to  the  present  time; 
having  beheld  it,  as  it  were,  in  a  state  of  infancy,  protected  by  the  fostering  haml 
of  the  powerful  family  of  De  Burgo;  then,  arrived  at  full  maturity,  anil  iiiijja- 
tiently  rejecting  the  rule  of  its  former  protectors ;  again,  in  a  more  advanced 
period,  increasing  in  power,  flourishing  in  wealth,  and  crowned  with  honor  and 
]uosperity  ;  and,  finally,  through  fatal  reverses  of  afJ'airs,  languishing,  as  at  the  1 
present  period,  in  a  state  of  neglect  and  decay  ;  our  narrative  shall  here  be  closed; 
not  however,  w  ithout  expressing  a  final  hope,  that  whoever  shall  possess  the  con- 
fidence, may  never  forget  the  interest,  of  the  town  :  that  he  or  they  may  direct 
the  attention  of  the  rulers  of  the  country  to  a  place  which,  though  now  so  reduced, 
had  been  formerly  so  considerable  ;  and  which,  if  its  foreign  trade  and  iionie 
manufactories  were  at  all  promoted  or  encouraged,  would  prove  of  incalculable 
benefit  to  this  neglected,  unimproved,  and  consequently  xuiproductive,  quarter  of 
Ireland.  The  promoter  of  measures,  such  as  these,  by  difliising  innumerable 
blessings  amongst  the  community,  and  augmenting  the  resources  and  revenues 
of  the  country,  would  enjoy  those  exalted  feelings  which  accumulated  wealtlj  or 
elevation  of  raidi  cannot  always  bestow :  he  would,  moreover,  command  tlie 
grateful  sufl^rages  of  the  present,  and  secure  the  lasting  praises  of  future  gene- 
rations, and  be  deservedly  ranked  amongst  the  benefactors  of  mankind. 


.Rcs/(yi7u'c      (>['  t//r  .-l/iivcr   //t   /tKij    ■ 


THE 

HISTORY 


A  Y. 


PART  II. 

JIAGISTRATES  AND  CORPORATE  OFFICERS,  VIZ.  PROVOSTS,  PORTREVES,  SOVEREIGNS, 
.MAYORS,  BAILIFFS,  SHERIFFS,  RECORDERS,   TOWN  CLERKS,  .^c.  ^    SINCE  127-1; 
WITH  SEVERAL  CURIOUS   BY-LAWS,  AND  A  LIST  OF  THE  PARLIA- 
MENTARY REPRESENTATIVES  OF  THE  TOWN. 

1  HE  earliest  magistrates  of  Galway  of"  whom  any  account  remains  extant,  were 
jrrovoxl.s  or  j^ortrevcs,  (called  also  bai/ijji  or  senesclials,')  appointed  by  the  earls  of" 
Ulster,  and  the  family  of  De  Burgo,  until  139G.  These  were  succeeded  by  sove- 
reigns and  j^rovosfs,  elected  under  the  charter  of  Richard  II.  until  li:85,  when  a 
mai/o)'  and  bailUJs  were  created,  (the  latter  being  changed  into  sheriffs,  by  the 


'  Tlic  original  armorial  bearings  and  coi-porate  seal  of 
Gahvay  were  tlie  arms  of  tlic  De  Burgo  I'auiily,  and  tlie 
curls  of  Ulster,  "  Or  a  eross  giiles,"  whieli  were  eonti- 
luicd  until  aliout  1.j68,  when,  upon  the  intermarriage  of 
Ednnind  Mortimer,  carl  of  March,  with  PhiHpjia,  daughter 
and  sole  heiress  of  Lionel,  duke  of  Clarence,  and  eari  of 
Ulster,  (by  Elizabeth  his  wife,  sole  daughter  and  heiress 
of  William  De  Bnrgo,  earl  of  Ulster,)  the  arms  of  both 
these  noble  families  were  qiiartcved   and   assumed  by 


the  town.  {See  also  page  57,  note  m,  where,  for  Mor- 
timer read  second  and  third,  and  for  Do  Bnrgo  first  and 
fourth.)  In  139'd,  when  the  town  was  entirely  surrounded 
by  walls,  and  that  other  fortifications  were  erected,  the 
corporation  took  for  arms,  "  Azure,  a  chevron,  or, 
between  three  eastlcs,  triple  towered  and  masoned, 
argent;"  but  when  commerce  increased,  these  were  again 
succeeded  by  the  antiijue  galley  as  above,  which  was 
the  geiKral  form  of  merchant  ships  after  the  reign  of 


198  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

charter  of  James  I.  in  IGIO.)  Of  the  magistrates  for  the  two  preceding  period* 
no  list  noAv  remains,  the  old  corporation  books  and  records  being  lost.  The  fc\r 
names,  therefore,  which  follow  were  collected  from  ancient  docnments,  but  are  by 
no  means  to  be  considered  as  perfect.  So  far,  however,  as  they  extend,  they  are 
accurate.  From  the  year  14.81-  to  the  present  time,  the  list  of  mayors,  bailills  am! 
sherift's  is  complete.  Several  curious  By-laws,  enacted  since  that  time  by  the 
corporation,  have  been  extracted  by  the  author  from  their  books  of  records,  (par- 
ticularly  the  old  volume.  Lib.  A.)  and  the  orthography,  which  is  remarkable  for 
bordering,  in  many  instances,  on  that  of  the  Irish  language,  (from  the  indiscrimi- 
uate  use  of  English  and  Irish  by  the  inhabitants)  is,  tor  its  singularity,  preserved. 
Provosts,  Portreves  and  Sovereigns. 

127 i-     Thomas  De  Lince,  jyrovost. 

1290.     Richard  Blake,  alias  Caddell,  bailiff  or  j^ortreve^ 

1353.     Stephen  Penrise,  provost. " 

1378.     Richard  Scared,  alias  Scaret,  provost. 

1414..     AValter  Skeret,  do. 

11.17.     The  same,  do. 

11.31..     Edmimd  Lynche,  sovereigii. 

1441.     The  same,  do. 

1448.     William  Allen,  alias  Den,  provost,  died, 

1460.     William  DitM  Lynche  Fitz-James,   sovereign. 

14G1.     James  Develin,  do. 

1  i&2.     William  Oge  Allen,  alias  Den,  do. 

I47G.     Thomas  Lynche,  do. 

.     John  Skeret,  provost. 

1484.  "William  Lynche,  sovereign' 

1485.  Tile  same,  last  do. 

John  Lynche  Fitz-Edmund,  last  provost. 

Mayors,  Bailiffs  and  Sheriffs. 
Mayors.  Bailiffs, 

1485.     Pyerse  Lynche.  Andrew  Lynche  Fitz-Stevne. 

Jhamis  Lynche  Fitz-Martin. 
14SG.     Domynick  Lynche  Fitz-John.    Richard  Mares. 

Geffrc  Blake. 
By-laws  enacted  by  the  Corporation. 
1486. 
Tliat  no  man  of  this  corporation  be  served  witli  any  writ  or  process  until  the  matter  be  firtt 
tried  by  the  mayor  and  council  of  this  town,  sub  jjccita  20/.'' 


Richard  II. — Sec  Strutl's  Antiquities. — These  arras,  ivhich         '  This  sovereign  died  in  1476;   \yiniain,  his  son,  \»Iio 

coiitimie  to  the  present  dav,  are — "  Argent,  an  antique  \va«  sovereign  for  many  years,  died  in  14y2. 
galiey  with  one  inast,  the  sail  furled,  floating  in  waves  of         "  On  2il  Jnne,  150-t,  Niciiolas  Blake  was  fined  40/.  for 

the  sea,  proper  ;  on  the  centre  point,  in  an  escntcheon,  issuing  the  queen's  writ  a<jainst  the  warden  ami  Ilicliard. 

the  arms  of  England."  Joyce,  "  young  man,"  his  farmer,  "  without  first  sniw; 

"  Tliis  provost  was  afterwards  bailiff"  and  collector  of  thcra  before  the  mayor  and  council  according  to  anciiiu 

the  new  customs;  he  died  in  ljir>.  custom." — Corp.' Buok,  A. 


HISTORY    OF    GALW^W, 


199 


Its?. 

11.88. 
1489. 
1190. 
1191. 
11'9--'. 
1193. 
11-9 1'. 
1495. 
11.90. 

1497. 

1498. 

1499. 

loOO. 

1501. 

1502. 

1503. 

1501. 

1505. 


Mayors. 
William  Lynche  Fitz-Saunder. ' 
Geffere  Lj-nche. 
John  Lynche  Fitz-John. 
Robuock  Lynche. 
John  Skeret. 

Thomas  Lynche  Fitz-Edmond. 
Jhamis  Lynche  Fitz-Stevnc. 
John  Lynche  Fitz-Edmond. 
Thomas  Blake. 
Walter  Lynche  Fitz-Ilobert. 

Domynick  Lynche  Fitz-John. 

Andrcwe  Lynche. 

Jhamys  Lynche  Fitz-Martin. 

Geft'ere  Lynche. 

RoboLick  Lynche. 

John  Lynche  Fitz-John. 

Edmond  Deane. 

Walter  Lynche  Fitz-Thomas. 

Stephen  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick, 


BailifFs. 


No  bailiffs  appear  to  have 
>been  elected  from  14SG  to 
1490. 


By-laws. 
149G. 
That   every  inhabitant   sliall   have   such    reasonable 


Wallintyn  Blake. 

Thomas  Bodikin. 

Walter  Lynche. 

Olyver  Lynche. 

Peter  Martin. 

Martin  Font. 

Peter  French. 

.Stevne  Lynch  Fitz-Jamis. 

Jamys  Lynche. 

Nicholas  French. 

David  Kyrvan. 

John  Mares. 

Patrick  Lynche. 

Walter  Lynche. 

Cornell  Fallon. 

William  Kyrvan. 

John  Bodikin. 

William  Martin, 
lulmond  Athy. 
Robert  L\'nch  Fitz-]\Lartin. 


weapon    acconling    to    liis    calling, 
sub  pa'iia   \2d, 

1500. 

Richard  Bcffge  made  free,  on  condition  of  liis  keeping  a  conion  house  or  ynne  (inn)  for 
victualling  and  lodging  strangers:  and  at  the  request  of  Andrewe  Fallon,  on  behalf  of  his 
daughter  Julian  Fallon,  wiio  is  married  to  Donell  Ogc  O'VoUaghon,  (O'Nolan)  of  this  towne, 
goldsmith,  and  for  the  better  relief  of  said  Andrewe,  who  is  okl  and  impotent,  the  said  Donell 
made  free,  on  condition  of  maintaining  him. 

1505. 

If  any  outlandish  man  or  enemy  of  the  inhabitants  shall  take  any  of  them  for  any  discord 
or  words  between  any  brother  or  neighbour  of  Galway,  so  that  one  neighbour  procure  for 
evill  will  to  his  neighbour,  so  be  taken  as  aforesaid;  that  then  lie  which  procureth  such  taking 
shall  ransom  and  restore  again  that  person,  rendering  to  him  all  his  loss  and  damadges,  and  the 
rcninindcr  of  the  goods  to  the  prince  and  olFicers  for  the  time  being. 

That  no  housholder  be  an  hostler,  nor  no  mayntayner  of  the  conion  horsse,  or  harlots,  on 
payn  of  6s.  Sd. 


200 


irrSTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


1506. 
1507- 
1.508. 
1509. 
1510. 
1511. 


Mayors. 
Thomas  Bodikin. 


Artur  Lynch. " 

Stevne  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick, 
Stcvne  Lyncli  Fitz-Jamys. ' 
Jhamys  Lynch  Fitz-Stcvn. 
Jhamys  Lynch  Fitz-Gcft'rc. 

1512.  Jliamys  Lynch  Fitz-IMartin. 

1513.  Vv'alter  Lynch  Fitz-Thomas. 


Bai'.ilis. 
Richard  Deane. 
Laynard  Lynch. 
WiUiani  Josse. 
Antony  Lyncli. 
Richard  Lynche. 
"William  Maryse. 
F^dmond  French. 
Adam  Fainit. 
"William  Kyr\an. 
Yallyntin  French. 
Stcvn  French. 
Nich.  Fitz-Artnr  Lynch. 
Wyllani  Atliy. 
Laurence  Bodikin. 
Jonock  Kyrvan. 
Janiys  Skeret. 


By-laws. 
1507. 
That  no  bouclier  take  no  cnaye-goiiUc  nor  skcingh-glac  out  of  no  cow  lliat  lie  selletli. 

150S. 
That  whatsoever  man,  woman  or  childc,  be  found  fouUinge  the  streets  or  walls,  either  by 
night  or  clay,  to  lose  2d.     Alsoe,  every  dweller  shall  make  clean  before  his  door  once  a  week, 
and  that  no  dung  heaps  be  made  on  the  streets,  sub  j^ccna  ild. 

1509. 
Whatsoever  man  or  woman  have  any  kync  in  towne  shall  keep  them  in  thcer  houses  both 
summer  and  winter,  and  if  they  be  found  on  the  streets  to  pay  4r/.  and  no  swine  or  goat  to  be 
kept  in  towne  above  fourteen  days,  on  payn  of  killing. 

1510. 
That  every  couper  shall  give  towe  toune  hopis  for  a  pcnye,  thre  pipe  hopls  for  a  pcnyc,  tlirc 
liogshedds  and  barrel!  hopis  for  a  penye.     That  the  shore  men,   or  cottoiiers,  bliali  give  isse 
baunlac,  six,  seven  bauniac  of  frisc  for  towe  pence,  eight  baunlac,  nyne  baunlac,  ten  baunlac 
for  thre  pence,  and  a  shore  mantill  for  10(/.  sub  jxena  lid. 

1511. 

That  all  idle  men  and  women  not  able  to  pay  watch  tax  ne  talladge  be  expulscd  the  town: 
tliat  the  fishers  of  the  logli  shall  bring  into  the  market  thre  dales  in  the  wicke,  and  to  give  an 
liuiulrcil  eeles  for  2d. 

That  no  butter  be  sold  above  one  penye  a  pound,  and  no  dearer,  on  payn  to  lose  \2d.  and 
liis  boily  to  be  jnit  in  prison  that  doth  the  contrary. 

1513. 
That  no  honey  be  brought  to   towne  except   it  be  good  and  merchantable;  and  that  no 
dweller  shall  become  surety  for  any  gent  of  the  country,  nay  ransom  none  of  them. 


•  This  mavor  fell  over  the  West  bridge,  on  the  25th         '  The  church  of  St.  James,  at  Newcastle,  v\as  built  b; 
Bi'  November,  in  this  3'ear,  and  «as  drowned. — Airnah.        this  mayor. — Id. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  201 

Mayors.  Bailiffs, 

l.'jll.     Stevne  Lynch  Fitz-Waltcr.  Robert  Lynch  Fitz-John. 

Edmond  Athy. 
1515.     Jhaniys  Lynch  Fitz-Stevn.  .John  Lyncli  Fitz-Dominick. 

John  JNLuis. 
15 IG.     Stevne  I^ynch  Fitz-Janiys.  Gabriel  Lynch. 

Thomas  Kyrvan. 
1517-     Stevne  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick.     John  Lynch  Fitz-Andrewe. 

JNfartyn  Lynch  Fitz-John. 
151S.     John  Eodikin.  Domuick  Deane. 

Martin  Lynch  Fitz-Jamys. 
'  15 ly.     Wylliani  Martin.  Bartholome  Faunt. 

Richard  Martin. 
By-laws. 

I5l'l: 

That  none  of  the  towne  buy  cattle  out  of  the  country,  but  only  of  true  men. 

That  the  mayor,  warden  and  bailiO's  shall  be  first  sei'ved  with  all  provisions  at  market,  and 
l!i(j;i  who  iii'st  conies  is  first  served. 

1516. 

That  no  man  of  the  town  shall  lend  or  sell  galley,  botte  or  barque,  to  an  Irishman. 

1517. 

That  no  jierson  shall  give  ne  sell  to  no  Irish  any  munition,  as  hand  povins,  calivres,  poulder, 
Icade  nor  sail  potter,  nor  yet  longe  bovcs,  cross  boves,  cross-bove  stringes,  nor  yearne  to  make 
the  same,   nor  no  kind  of  weajjon,  on  payn  to  forfayt  the  same  and  an  hundred  shillinfi-s. 

That  every  shippe,  that  comith  a  fishing  within  the  havin  of  Galwey,  shall  pay  half  tethes 
to  tlic  colladge  of  all  such  fish  as  they  thall  take  witliin  the  said  havin  yf  they  take  fire,  watter 
and  s:Tvice  within  the  said  town  or  havin.  Also,  that  every  tope  man  jiaye  40s.  and  every 
small  man  20^-.  and  4lb.  of  gounpouldor  to  the  towne  and  corporation. 

15  IS. 

If  any  man  should  bring  any  Irishman  to  brage  or  bostc  upon  the  towne,  to  forfeit  I9d. 

That  no  man  of  this  town  sliall  ostc  or  receive  into  ther  housses  at  Christemas,  Easter  nor 
no  feaste  elles,  any  of  the  Burks,  M' Williams,  tlie  Kellics,  nor  no  cepte  elles,  withonto  license 
of  the  mayor  and  councill,  on  payn  to  ibrfeit  5l.  that  neither  O'  ne  Mac  shall  stiutte  ne 
swaggcre  thro'  the  streets  of  Gallwaj-.  '■' 

That  no  freeman  quit  the  town  without  license  from  the  mayor,  suh  2'<xna  20s, 

1519. 

That  if  any  man,  fre  or  imfre,  be  founde  by  nighte  time  in  any  man's  liousse,  to  give  cou- 
pillation,  or  to  do  with  the  good  man's  servant  niayd  or  daughter,  by  way  of  advoutrev,  to  le^s 
'JUs.  and  also  to  the  g'ood  man,  in  whos  housse  the  same  person  is  found  with  the  said  facte  or 
ciyrac,  to  lessc  to  that  good  man  20.<;.  and  he  that  bcgetteth  a  freman  or  merchaund's  dau'diter 
with  child  shall  marry  her,  or  give  her  a  sullicient  portion  towards  her  preferment  until! 
anotlicr  snan. 

That  no  Irish  judge  nor  lawire  shall  plede  in  no  man's  cause  or  matter  within  this  towne  or 
coiu'te,  for  it  agreeth  not  witli  the  king's  laws,  nay  yet  the  empi'ors  in  many  placis. '' 


'  Tills  law  was  principally  dii-ectcd  against  tlic  O'Fla-  i-  The  native  Irish  (-.vliose  love  of  strict  anil  impartial 
hcrties,  O'Concrs,  O'Kcilics,  O'llalloranb,  Macnamaras,  justice  was  celebrated  even  by  their  enemies)  neither 
and  the  Mac  Williams  of  Clanrickiii-d.  ueknowlcdijed  nor  obeyed  any  otlier  than  the  Brehon  lav.s, 

C  C 


202 


HISTORY    OF    CALWAY. 


Mayors. 

1520.  iNIartin  Faunt. 

1521.  Anthonye  Lynch. 

1522.  Stcviie  Lynch  Fitz-Domnick. 

1523.  Stevne  Lynch  Fitz-Jhamys. 
152k  Adam  Faunt. 

1525.  WiUiam  JNlartin. 

152G.  Stevne  Lynch  Fitz-Jamys. 


BaiHffs. 

Richarde  Blake, 
Olyver  French. 
Artor  Lvnch. 
WyllickXyncli. 
.lohn  Frencli. 
John  Fallon. 
Tliomas  Kyrvan. 
Peter  Lynch. 
Ambrose  Lynch, 
Richard  Faunt. 
Walter  Lynch  Fitz-John. 
Henry  Jose. 
Marcus  French. 
Thomas  Blake. 


By-laws. 
1520. 

That  no  preste,  moncke  ne  shanon  (canon)  nor  frer  shall  have  no  w e  ne  lemon  in  any 

man's  housse  within  this  towne  and  that  man  which  keapeth  or  hostotli  the  said  w e  or 

lemon  to  forfait  205. 

1521. 
That  no  man  shall  build,  make,  or  repayre  any  strawe  or  taclie  house  fov  leare  of  fyre,  no 
nigher  the  towne  wallcs  then  fourteen  feet  unless  they  bo  covered  with  sklatts,  and  that  to  l)c 
the  heads  of  the  stretts,  as  to  say,  the  both  sids  of  the  great  gate  and  both  sids  of  the  new 
towrc  and  both  sids  of  the  littell  gates,  except  both  the  great  stone  housses,  as  Martin  and 
John  Lynch  is  housses  and  alsoe  as  John  Cayre  ys  housse  to  be  excepted,  yf  they  cover  tk 
same  with  sklatts. 

1522. 
That  no  man  of  this  towne  shall  syll  ne  land  to  no  outelandisli  man,  no  kinde  of  armor  as 
shorte  of  maylle,  ne  skell  ne  harnes,   un  payn  of  20s. 

That  no  man  be  made  frc  unlcbS  he  can  speke  the  English  tonge  and  shave  his  upper  lipe 
weekly,  sub  picna  20s. ' 

152G. 
That  no  carpcndcr  nor  mason  shall  not  have  for  his  hyre  and  wages  but  two  pence  naturallit 
every  day,  with  mcate  and  drink. 


lo  tlic  reign  of  James  I.  Until  then  the  Englisli  linvs  were 
hi  force  only  within  the  P;ile,  wliich  consisted  of  the 
counties  of  Duhlin,  KiUhiro,  Menth  :nul  Lonth,  and 
within  the  cities  of  Duhlin,  Cork,  ^V"i^terfo^l,  Limerick-, 
Galway,  and  a  few  other  places. 

'  Until  ahout  the  hcs^inning  of  the  eighteenth  century 
the  Irish  wore  the  gli/i'i  or  long  Howing  hah-,  anil  also  the 
cromhcal  or  beard  on  the  upper  lip. —  0^ H<dlornn. — That 
the  old  English  inhabitants  of  tlie  marches  adopted  this 
Irish  custom,  appears  by  an  act  made  in  a  ])arlianicnt 
I'.eld  at  Trim  in  14-l(j,  by  which,  as  a  mark  of  distinction 
between  the  English  and  Irish,  the  wearing  the  beard  on 
the  upper  lip  alone  was  prohibited  under  a  hea\y  penalty. 
IViirc,  cliai).  p. 

The  costume  of  the  Irish,  when  the  above  b\-law  was 


made,  may  be  ascertained  from  an  act  of  parliament  in 
1537,  whereby  it  was,  amongst  other  things,  enacted,  tluS 
no  subject  should  he  shorn  or  shaved  above  his  ears,  or  wca 
glibbs  or  crom-meals  (i.  c.  hair  on  the  up]x-r  lip)  or  lints 
dyed  in  saffron,  or  above  seven  yanls  of  linen  in  tlii-J 
shifts,  and  that  no  woman  wear  any  kirtle  or  lucki-J-uf 
or  embroydered  or  garnished  with  silk  or  couclicJ,  ut 
laid  with  usker,  after  the  Irisli  fashion,  and  that  no  persot 
wear  mantles,  coats  or  hoods  after  the  Irish  fasliicia. 
(except  women,  herdes,  horse-boys,  and  soldiers  at  ikt 
ris;ng-out  liostings,  and  journeys  on  rode,  all  which  nii:i.-". 
wear  mantles,)  and  that  every  body  shall  endeavour  to 
learn  the  English  language  and  conform  to  the  En;I;-l 
fashion,  &c. — Ir.  Htuliilvs,  I'ul.  I.  p.  121. — See  also  uoif, 
pa.  80,  unii-.    ■ 


m 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAT. 

]\Iayors. 

1527.  ^Vyllame  Maries. 

1528.  John  Lynch  Fitz-Andrew. 

1529.  Richard  Gare  Lynch. ' 

1530.  Jhonock  Kirvane. 

1531.  Jhaniis  Skerrct. 

1532.  Antonye  Lynch. 

1533.  Ricliard  Blake. 
153 1-.  Thomas  Kyrvane. 
1535.  Ricliard  JMartine. 
153G.  Richard  i\rartine. ' 


203 

Bailiffs. 
Richard  Bodikin. 
Thos.  Lynch  Fitz-Stevne. 
Richard  Kirvane. 
Johnockyne  Lynch. 
Edniond  Lynch. 
Francis  Blake. 
Marcus  Lynch. 
Stevnc  Lynch  Fitz-Arthur. 
Walter  Skerret. 
John  Lynch  Fitz-John. 
Marcus  Lynch. 
Johneck  Lynch  Fitz-Stevne. 
Anthony  Blake. 
Thomas  Martin. 
Christ.  Lynch  Fitz-Stevne. 
William  Lynch. 
Dominick  Lynch. 
George  Skerret. 
Dominick  Lynch. 
George  Skerret. 


By-laws. 
1527. 
That  whoever  plays  at  choitts  or  stoincs,  but  only  to  shoot  in  longe  bowes,  shorte  cross  bowes 
and  hurling  of  darts  or  spercs,   to  Icssc  at  every  time  8c/. 

1528. 
That  in  what  housse,  shopo  or  seller  ther  be  found  players  at  cards,  dyce,  tabulls,  nor  no 
other  unlawfidl  gamys  for  moneye,   by  younge  men,  and  spccialloe  by  prentisys  nor  Irishmen 
on  payn  to  lose  the  moneye  they  play  for,   and  also  where  they  play  to  pay  20i-. 

1529. 
That  whatsoever  countryman  shall  spoyle,  robb  or  woiinde  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  tin's 
town,  citiicr  by  iande  or  water,  shall  have  no  priviledge  in  no  man's  house  within  this  towne, 
unless  for  debte. 

1533. 
Any  inhabitant  who  should  begin  any  strife,  debate  or  quarrel  or  draw  out  sworde,  daTfrer 
or  knife,  to  pay  lOOi-.  the  weapon  to  be  naylled  and  put  up  in  the  pullorie. 

1536. 
Whatsoever  woman,  of  what  degree  she  be,  bearing  childe,  shall  not  make  comon  bancks 
and  great  expcns  as  in  tynie  paste,  but  shall  kcap  her  acostomed  beads  during  her  ple.isure, 
without  any  rcsorte  of  comon  house  haunters,  save  only  lier  friends,  such  at  she  listc,  on  payn 
to  forfeit  20,f.  and  also  whatsoever  man  or  woman  goeth  into  any  such  house,  asking  or  seeking 
for  meat  and  drinke,  unpraied  or  bidden,  to  pay  Gs.  Sd. 


'  This  mayor,  ilcpartins;  on  a  voyage,  fired  a  gun  in  the  liis  descendants,  and  by  all  tlie  sept  of  the  Lynches.-yln;?a/i. 

haven  hi  honor  ot  tlie  town.    His  voyage  proving  pros-  '  This  mayor,  entering  tlie  bay  after  a  long  voyage,  like- 

perous,  the  circiinistancc  was  esteemed  ominous,  and  was  wise  fired  a  gnn  near  the  little  castle  of  Mutton-island  which 

accordinglypracliscd  for  upwards  of  a  century  afterwards  by  was  long  afterwards  observed  by  his  posterity. — Iil. 


204 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


1537. 


153S. 


Mayors. 
Martin  Lynch  Fitz-James. 


Jhone  French. 
Arthur  Lynch.  ™ 
1510.     Dominick  Lynch  Fitz-James. 

1541.  Tiiomas  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen. 

1542.  Henry  Jose. 
Jhonickin  Lynch, 
Edmund  Lynch. 
Thomas  Kervan. 


1539. 


1543. 


1544. 


1545. 


BaiHfls. 

Patrick  Lynch. 

Nicholas  Lynch. 

Nicholas  Blake. 

William  Skcrret. 

And.  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen. 

James  Oge  Lynch. 

Ambrose  Lynch. 

Geo.  Lynch  Fitz-Waltcr. 

Peter  French  Fitz-Wadeii 

Jhamis  Kcrvicke. 

Edward  French. 

Patrick  French. 

Edmond  Kirvan. 

Edmond  Bodikin. 

William  Lynch. 

Thomas  Lynch. 

Ambrose  Lynch. 

Stephen  FaLiiit. 
By-laws. 
That  no  man  of  Athcnryo,  althongli  he  boui^hte  his  freedomc  hi  tliys  towne,  be  fre,  unles 
he  kcapc  liousc  and  fyrc  and  pay  tax  and  tallailge,  unless  it  be  a  young  man  havin"-  no  house 
here  or  there. 

1537. 
That  no  person,  under  a  penalty  of  20^.  shall  send  any  meate  or  drinke  to  any  that  keepeth 
sanctuary  in  the  abbays,  easte  or  westc,  fearing  to  come  into  the  townc  to  pay  their  debts. 

1538. 

That  any  person  or  merchant  of  this  town  tliat  shall  make  any  bargayn  or  contract  in 
Spayne,   Franch,  or  any  other  lands,  for  wyne,  salt,  yerne,  or  any  other  kind  of  wares,  slialJ 
afore  he  put  the  said  siiop  or  wares  in  booke  or  custonic,  lynile  to  the  mayor  and  ollicers  of 
this  town  suflicicnt  and  substantinll  siirties  that  he  or  they  siiali  wel  and  truly  contente  and  pay 
the  stranger  of  his  payment,  for  the  discharge  and  credit  of  the  town  and  inhabitauntz  thereof. 

1539. 

That  widows  have  a  third  parte  of  all  such  goods  as  were  in  the  lawfnll  possession  of  their 
husbands,  undisposed  of  before  their  deaths,   and  not  otherwise. 

Andrew  Browne,  of  Athenry,  admitted  to  the  fi-eedom  of  the  town,  "^ 

1 5  !■  I . 
That  no  sanctuaryc  be  allowed  for  debtors  longer  than  twenty-four  hours. 

1512. 
That  no  person  of  this  town  shall  buy  or  sell  widi  any  merchaunts  of  Lymbricke,  Corckc, 
Watterford,  Dublin,  or  other  towns  or  citties,  for  any  gootis,  or  cause  same  to  be  transported 
by  land  or  sea,  unless  they  come  to  this  town  as  other  strangers  and  merchaunts  in  ships,  ou 
payn  of  forfeiting  the  goods  and  20/. 


""  Tliis  mayor  dicil  in  office,  am!  Avtliiir  Fr 
(rUofiVy  was  elcctci!  in  liis  pliicc. 


Fitz- 


"  'i'liis  is  the  first  mention  of  tliis  name  in  the  ainisis  of 
tl'.e  town. 


'HISTORY    OV    GALWAY. 


205 


Mayors. 
1540.     Stephen  Lynch  Fitz-Arture. 

1547-  Thomas  Kyrvane. 

1518.  Dominick  Lynch  Fitz-John. 

15-19.  Thomas  Martin. 

1550.  Richard  Kirvane. 

1551.  John  Oge  Lynch. 

155^.     Jhonock  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen. 
1553.     Patrick  Lynch. 
1554'.     Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen. 
By- 


Bailiffs. 
Jhamys  Fannt. 
"Walter  Skerrett. 
Ambrose  Lynch. 
Stevn  Faunt. 
John  Jose. 
Dominick  French. 
Givane  Favuit. 
Jhamys  French. 
Denysc  Kirvane. 
David  Bodikin. 
John  Lynch. 
Perse  Lynch. 
Andrew  Browne. 
Robock  Lynch. 
Anthony  Frenclie. 
Dominick  Browne. 
Henry  Lynch. 
David  Kyrvan. 


laws. 
1543. 
Nicholas  Coine,  or  Quin,  and  his  son  Thomas  Coine  admitted  freemen.  " 

154-8. 
That  if  any  gentleman,  by  caste  or  weste,  apprehend  any  the  town's  adversaries,  who  doth 
spoill  and  robe  the  conienc  of  the  same  of  their  provision  and  merchandiz,  by  land  or  sea, 
and  scndinjT  that  naughty  person  into  this  town  to  answer  for  such  faults  and  crymes,  that 
immediately  there  shall  a  qucstc  pass  on  him,  and  if  the  queste  condemn  him  to  death,  the 
mayor  and  officers  sliall  forthwith  put  him  to  execution,  under  penalty  of  20/. 

154-9. 
For  sundry  and  divers  injuries  and  wrongs  that  the  septs  of  Clan  Donze,  Clan  M'Conchour, 
Clan  Calehoy,  the  Hallorans,  Slought-etaggard  and  Fiarctics,  ther  chctfe  captayns,  doth  dayly  to 
the  inhabitants  of  this  town,  that  when  any  of  the  said  septs  with  tlieir  captayns  be  found  in 
town,  to  be  taken  and  rested  until  restitution  be  made  for  all  hurts  and  damages  as  he  or  any  of 
liis  sept  (loth  to  tlie  inhabitants;  and  that  the  mayor  nor  officers  shall  not  license  nor  pardon 
none  of  the  said  septs  to  come  within  this  town,  without  bccnse  of  those  to  whom  they  commit 
ill.'.'  trcspacis,  or  owinge  debts. 

1550. 
That  the  mayor,  for  the  time  being,  sliall  have  of  the  fishers  of  the  logh  or  ryvere  every 
fisli  day,  betwixte  Michaelmas  and  Ilollontide,  but  two  hundred  small  elles,  and  every  of  the 
bailiffs  to  have  erne  hundred  ;  and  from  Hollontide  forth  it  is  ordered  that  the  mayor,  for  tlie 
furnishing  his  table  with  fresh  fishe,  shall  have  the  election  of  two  libbers,  whom  he  liste,  and 
every  of  the  bailifft's  to  have  in  like  a  fisher  to  keep  their  house  witli  fishe. 

1553. 
That  the  mayor  and  bailiffes  do  sustain  four  masons  annually  to  work  on  tlie  murage  and 
pavage  of  the  town. 


"  This  nimily  is  very  ancicnfm  Galway.    (See  prge  GG,     Its  present  respectable  representative.  Petei'  Qiiin,  reside* 
uo'.c  ante,  and  the  account  of  the  rnindscan  Al>b^\ .)     .it  I'oUoiiyh,  near  tlie  lonn. 


206 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Mayors. 

Bailiffs. 

1555. 

Nicholas  Blake. 

Peter  French  Fitz-Jolin. 
Pierce  Lynch  Fitz-Johu. 

1556. 

William  Skerret. 

John  Blake  Fitz-llobert, 
IMartin  Frencli. 

1557- 

Jhamis  Oge  Lynch. 

Bichard  Lynche. 
Walter  Lynclie. 

1558. 

Ambrose  Lynch  Fit.z-Martin. 

Dominick  Lyncli. 

Rich.  Lyncli  Fitz-Patrick. 

1559. 

George  Lyncli  Fitz-AVilliam. 

Peter  Lynch. 
Roboke  French. 

1560. 

Stevne  Lynch  Fitz-Arthur. 

Jhamis  Lyncli. 

Nich.  French  Fitz-Olyver. 

1561. 

Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-Stevne. 

Nicholas  Lynch. 
Martin  Lvnch. 

156'2. 

Thomas  Blake. 

Patrick  Blake. 
Walter  Blake. 

15G3. 

Thomas  Oge  Martin. 

Jhamys  Lynch  Fitz-Artor. 
Patricke  I\Iartin. 

1564. 

Nicholas  Blake. 

John  Lynch  Fitz-Thomas. 
John  Fitz-Henry  Blake. 

1565. 

Peter  Lynch  Fitz-Vadyn. 

Nicholas  Lynch. 
Andrew  Mares. 

1566. 

Jhamis  Kyrvicke. 

William  Martin. 
Richard  Browne. 

1567. 

Edmond  Kyrvane. 

Jhamys  Lynch, 
Martin  Kyrvan. 

1568. 

Dominick  Frenchc. 

AVillicke  Lynch. 
George  Frenche. 

1569. 

Givane  Fante. 

Gregory  Bodikin, 
Valentine  Frenche. 

1570. 

Denys  Kyrvane. 

John  Martyne. 
Ambrose  Bodikin. 

1571. 

Roboucke  Lynch, 

Rolande  Skerete. 

Nich.  Frenche  Fitz-Vadien 

1572. 

Johne  Lynch. 

John  Lynch  Fitz-William. 
Marcus  Lynch. 

1573. 

Pierce  Lynch  Fitz-Olyver. 

Charles  Lynch  Fitz-Ulick. 
Olyver  Oge  Frenche. 

1574. 

Andrew  Browne. '' 

Anth.  Linclie  Fitz- Marcus 
Nich.  Kyrwan  Fitz-Denis. 

'  Tlii:  mayor  clicd  in  office,  and  James  Kyrvicke,  who  was  mayor  in  15CG,  was  elected  i;i  Iiis  place. 


IIISTOUY    01'    GALWAV. 


20"; 


Mayors. 

1575.  Dominick  Browne. 

1576.  Peter  French  Fitz-John. 
1577'  Fevers  Lynch. 

1578.  John  Bkike  Fitz-Richard. 

1579.  Ivlartin  Frencli. 

1580.  Dominick  Linchc  Fitz-John.  " 


Bailiffs. 

C  James  and  JMich.  Lyncli. 

I      Fitz-Stephen  Artor. 
Thopjas  Kerowan. 
Geo.  French  Fitz-Edwarcl. 
John  BUxke. 
Francis  Martin. 
Christopher  Lynche, 
James  Dorsey. 
Marc.  Lynch  Filz-Stcplien. 
Richard  Butler. 
Thomas  Lynch. 
John  Skerret. 


By-laws. 

1575. 
jNIem.  the  14  of  July,  one  TNIorchowe  j\Iac  Tirrilip,li  Mac  Dcnill,  chief  of  his  nacion,  called 
Cliiiiteige  of  Aron,  appeared  bcl'ore  the  mayor,  baililib  and  combrethern,  clainiinge  to  have  the 
;incient  custom  of  Coinioice  arid  Mcnlcs  due  to  liim  and  to  his  auncestors  within  the  town,  to  say, 
for  two  days  and  two  nights,  and  the  mayor,  &c.  calling-  before  them  auncient  old  credibel 
persons,  they  declared  u]ion  their  oaths  that  they  never  heard  of  their  parence,  or  saw  the  said 
sept  have  no  more  within  this  town  but  only  two  meales.  It  was  thereupon  ordered  that  said 
sept  shall  have  no  more  but  that  two,  they  being  always  bound  to  serve,  attend  and  wait  upon 
us  and  in  our  service,  as  their  auncestors  hath  bene;  also  the  said  sept  is  bound  to  give  the 
accustomed  JMralcs  and  Connoive  to  all  the  comcnc  of  Galway  when  they  shall  repaire  to  the  isles 
of  .-Iron  :  and  the  mayor,  &c.  did  grant  and  promise  to  be  aydors,  helpers,  mayntainers  and 
assisters  of  said  Ckniteige  against  all  persons  that  would  lay  siege,  spoille  or  raise  the  said 
iihuuU  or  castcll  of  Aron,  or  otherwise  wrong  the  said  Morchowe  or  his  sept.'' 

1579. 
The  exportation  of  grown  timber  prohibited. 

15S0. 
■Many  and  simdry  grcdy,  detestable  and  inordinate  gains  of  living  of  interests  or  cambics, 
.liter  the  rate  of  a  peck  of  wheat  or  a  good  hyd  for  the  inarke,   by  the  yearc,  has  been  taken 
lij)  by  such  as  lent  money,  ordereil  that  none  be  herealter  taken  but  by  such  as  are  autliori;!cd 
by  her  majesty's  laws. 


''  Thi'i  ninvor  ums  (listiir^iiishcd  for  inoiiy  public  spii-itecl 
sets.  I!c  a:-i;iiieil  liis  )iian»iou-!iouse  to  the  coqioration 
(o  ill'.  „•  us  a  tliolscl,  iu  cousiilLnitioii  of  wjiicli  lie  obtained, 
amongit  otbcr  tilings,  a  graut  of  ctrtaiu  duties  on  all 
provibious  sol,!  -.vitbiu  the  town  o!'  e>:|'orted. — fl'kle  p, 
Hy,  iiolc  ».) — He  also  founded  a  seliool  i,t  the  place  on 
the  (juay,  called  Cun-u-bhnlla,  wJiicli  «as  afterwards  con- 
verted into  a  fortification. — Aniia/s. 

This  }ear  (I08O)  C'oiifiuO/iar  JiJac-an-Ifig/t,  alias  Connor 
King,  an  inhabitant  of  Arran,  died  at  the  cxtraordi- 
narv  age  of  two  hundred  and  twenty  }-ears.  "  lie  reiiiejii- 
licreil  when  th.erc  were  but  three  stone  lioiiscs,  together 
with  the  ablicy,  the  red  i-arl's  house  and  Athy's  castle,  in 
GaKvay;  a  small  chapel  where  St.  Nicholas's  church 
stands,  and  another  on  the  site  of  .St.  Mary's,  in  the  v/cst 
£ul)urbs."     ll  is  also  added,  "  that  he  killed  a  beef  in  his 


own  house  every  Christmas,  for  one  hundred  and  cigh.ty 
years." — Id. 

'  James  Lynch  Fitz-Anibrose,  niereliant,  some  time 
before  this  period  obtained  a  mortgage  of  the  entire  islands 
of  Arran  from  the  above  eliicftaiii.  In  June,  1575,  it  was 
agreed  between  them,  "  that  in  case  the  said  sept  of  C/nn- 
fcige  had  deceased  and  perished,  the  said  mortgagee  should 
be  their  sole  heir,  and  jiossess  A/-oh  and  their  w bole  lands." 
It  was,  afterwards  agreed,  "  that  if  in  case  the  said  C/iin- 
leige  sbouid  decease  and  perish  nlltogclhcr,  the  whole  coin- 
mons  and  corporacion  of  Galway  should  be  their  heirs, 
and  possess  the  whole  isles  of  Aron  and  all  other  their 
lands,  and  that  said  sept  should  not  alienate  or  mortgage 
no  part,  lie  parcell  of  Aron,  to  any  person  without  their 
consent  and  licence." — It  aftcrv.ards  appears,  however, 
that  "  Teigc  F.turgh,  Jlorcl'.uive  Morowe,  Concbur  ?.Ie> 


208 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Mayors. 
15S1.     Peter  Linche  Fitz-Marcus. 

158'2.  Robooge  French  Fitz-Jolm. 

1583.  Nicholas  French. 

158  i,  Nicholas  Lynch. 

1jS5.  James  Linche  Fitz-Arthur. 


Bailiffs. 
Dominick  Martin. 
jNIarciis  Linche  Fitz-Pctcr. 
Walter  Joyce. 
Edtnond  French. 
Ant.  Linche  Fitz-Thomas. 
Ollipher  Browne. 
Richard  Martin. 
Jeftiy  Martin. 
Steplien  Kirowan, 
Thomas  Browne. 


By-laws. 

Any  inhabitant  conforting,  lodging  or  mayntayning  in  liis  house  or  otherwise,  any  bawdry 
or  hai'lotts,  sball  fbrtVit  every  time  20^. 

1585. 

That  no  inhabitant  licncefortli  pay  any  cess,  tax  or  talledge,  but  according  to  liis  ability  of 
goods  and  lands. 

Articles  touching  reformacions  in  the  common\sealth,  i^re&entcd  the 
25th  of  February,  1585.      Vide  page  ^\. 

That  the  young  English  tailours  and  thcr  boys  be  varagraunts,  the  most  in  the  towne  usinge 
all  unlawful!  picis  and  lacivious  expences  bothe  by  day  and  night,  yea  and  withal!  pleinge  ye 
w e  whose  names  partlic  will  hereafter  insue. 

Tliat  non  be  sullered  to  use  any  l<ynde  of  unlawful!  games  or  jilays  to  disceive  and  make 
the  [icopic  ydle,  and  shoun  to  erne  tlicr  lyving  by  good  anti  lawi'iiU  means. 

Tliat  no  young  man,  prcntiz  or  otherwise,  slial!  weare  no  gorgious  apparel!,  ne  silks,  either 
within  or  without  thcr  garments,  ne  yet  fyne  Icnitt  stockins  either  of  silke  or  other  costlie  wise, 
weare  no  costlie  long  rills  thick  and  started,  but  be  contented  witli  single  lilTs,  and  that  also 
tliey  slial!  weare  no  pantwoflcs,  but  rather  be  contented  witli  sliowse. 

That  generallic  all  tliartillicers  in  towne  do  exact  and  take  ibr  thcr  wourke  farr  more  tlian 
is  alloweil  unto  them  by  tlie  assise  of  the  towne,  and  besids  that  ther  exaction  of  money,  they 
exact  and  take  acquavite,  wyne,  mcate  and  drinkc,  bred,  broth,  fleash,  candles  and  flaxe,  with 
many  other  things. 

lliat  all  sellers  of  victuals  do  take  of  the  people  vcric  unreasonable  gaincs,  farr  beyond  that 
reasonable  allowances  allowed  them  by  thassisc  of  the  towne,  according  to  the  rates  ledd  by 
the  marckett. 

That  many  in  towne,  and  ospeliallic  noursses  are  ingrossers  and  incroachers  ofmarckctts,  and 
also  they  who  are  better  and  most  ]>i-ovided,  besides  the  markett  and  have  most  store  of  cornc, 
be  the  first  that  ingiossclh  and  incroacheth  the  markett  ther. 

Great  latches  and  slacknes  in  our  watclic  and  warde  armour  and  weapon,  and  wouist  of  all, 
a  great  waunt  in  this  towne,  viz.  of  powlder,  matcho  and  munition,  whiche  we  protest  to  be 
prevented  as  well  by  the  governor  of  the  reallme,  as  alsD  by  the  corporation,  so  fiirr  fourth  as 
the  powrc  corporations  habylitie  will  reache,  and  that  the  same  be  provided  in  tymc,  ieariuTo 
of  any  imnienent  daunger. 


Moi-i'howc,    TerrilngU   Meoaeh,    TeiL'e    Mc.   Tcrrilngh,  Morcliowe  Mc.  Tcrrilagli  Mc.  Doi)i!l  tiieir  attorney  for 

Dcrii.cd  >ic.  IVlorchu'.vc-,   'i'ci-c  Mc.  TcniUigh  Ogc,  and  ranscniingthe  isles  of  yira«  Irani  JaiDCs  Linclic,  ajul  ii'^rccd 

(;oiicl:or   Mc.  Moricrta^li  Mc.  Brcne,    gentluncn,  all   of  that  all  siicli  parts  as  he  should  so  ransci])  should  beloii" 

Anin,  and  Uermod  Mc.  Cormock  Mc.  Conchor,  of  the  to   him   and  his  heirs  for  ever. Cvrii.  JCu-j!<    A. Vuh 

•castle  of  TrovMuorc,  on  Hth  July,  157  5,  appointed  captain  Ti<itc  il,  page  5C,  aide. 


IIISTOnY    OF    GALWAY.  209 

Mayors.  T3ailiffs. 

15SG.     William  ^Martin.  Vallantine  Elake. 

Marcus  Linche. 
1587.     John  Blake.  Walter  Martin. 

Anthony  Kirrivan. 
IJSS.     Andrew  JNIareis.  Patrick  Kirowan. 

George  Maries. 
1J89.     Richard  Browne.  Oliver  Kirowan. 

P.  Prencli  Fitz-Vallantin. 
1590.     James  Linche  Fitz- Ambrose.       John  Martin  Fitz- Patrick, 

W.  French  Fitz-Nicholas. 

B-y-laws. 

That  ne  free  of  fislie,  viz.  of  ylcs  (eels)  be  taken  by  ne  way  whatsoever,  bcgyn  the  15th  of 
Aprille  to  llie  springe  following  tlic  same;  and  also  that  no  red  samon  be  taken,  nor  cruc  of 
san)on  as  hi  the  statute  in  that  behalfe  is  provided,  Act-na-Jio-jili,  alhvays  excepted,  for  that 
we  found  it  so  by  antiquitic ;  and  fearinge  the  distraction  of  the  fish,  to  prevent  the  same,  that  no 
Ivmed  hids  or  fiaK  be  suiTered  to  be  put  into  the  ryver. 

That  all  artilEcers,  craftsmen  and  comon  labourers,  do  take  more  than  they  shoidd  for  ther 
liicrc,  bothe  by  the  ycare,  quarter,  moncthc  and  ilaye,  iar  over  thassise  set  dowiie  by  the 
corporation. 

i'liat  the  show-makers,  glovers  and  skinners  of  this  towne,  do  not  well  tawnc  tiier  lether,  ne 
yet  utter  the  same  accortling  to  the  markett ;  and,  to  prevent  the  same,  yt  is  good  to  establish 
and  order  that  they  make  good  stuff,  and  utter  the  same  according  to  the  markett. 

That  the  ncwc  statut,  made  by  the  goldsmithes,  concerning  ther  ownc  facultie  or  arte,  is 
coiiimenila'jle,  so  as  they  shall  observe  the  same,  and  mend  ther  former  faults. 

Th:il  inr.ay  merchaunts  and  handy-craftes  men  have  relinquibhed  their  mansions  in  towne,  and 
krape  di':i;;=olvcs  in  the  coinitrie  without  answering  tax  and  talladge,  scott  and  lott  within  this 
lu'.', ac,  front  tvmo  to  tyme,  as  apereth  by  the  names  in  Nicholas  Linche,  the  towne  clerke,  Iiis 
booke;  and,  to  prevent  the  same,  it  is  good  to  establish  that  every  of  them  do  come  to  dwell 
in  tr-wne,  or  otlierwise  to  order  a  fyne  Icsse  ther  libcrtie  as  apcrteine. 

That  a  more  straighter  order  be  taken  to  barr  the  making  of  afjiiavite  of  corne  then  lieitlierunto 
L:ith  bcene  used,  for  that  the  same  is  a  consumation  of  all  the  provition  of  corne  in  the  comon 
wcalthe. 

Tiiat  no  freeman  witliin  adge  shall  have  no  utteraunce  in  the  trade  of  merchandize  until  lie 
become  aprentizc  to  an  housholder  that  shall  pay  taxe  and  talladge,  except  onelie  a  man's  heire. 

No  craft-:sinan,  or,  as  it  were- grey  mcrchaunt,  go  abroad  to  buy  or  sell  (under  pretence 
of  being'.'  iv.rvaunts  to  freemen)  any  kinde  of  merchandize,  cattell  or  other  things,  that  shall 
not  be  :.>:'  taer  owne  facjuiltie ;  and  that  no  weaver  shall  weave  either  lynyne  clothe  or  single 
friese,   i;!i  '.er  t!ie  breede  of  three  quarters  of  a  yarde,  on  payne  of  Ibrhucter. 

That  neither  iiortcrs,  harpers,  messengers,  millers,  bakers,  bowchers,  or  any  nowrscs,  or 
any  kynde  nf  craftesman,  do  at  no  festivall  tymes,  or  at  any  other  tyme,  come  to  any  man 
k  iiowse,  to  crave  cither  for  benbridge,  oflringe,  meate,  or  any  ch  inke,  by  any  way  whatsoever, 
in  v;iyne,  on  payne  of  ini[)risOinnent  and  loss  of  a  crowne,  as  well  of  the  giver  as  also  of  the 
olfen'lcr. 

That  vf  any  honest  mane's  wiffe  be  convided  (invited),  that  she  bringe  noe  more  in  lilr 
company  but  one,  on  payne  of  a  crowne. 

Til. It  jione  do  presinne  to  inter  into  any  house  of  banckctt  (banquet)  without  he  be  con- 
vitk-i;  and  yf  he  be  convided,  to  have  his  billet  under  the  coavider's  liand,  on  payne  of  a 
crowne. 

I'hat  no  cou'e  or  bulloge  under  thadgc  of  three  yearcs  be  kylde  to  be  solde,  upon  jiayne 
of  foriaictors. 

D    D 


'ilO  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

Mayors.  15aili(Ts. 

1.591.     Ulick  Linche  Fitz-Etlmond.        James  Linche  Fitz-Martin. 

Peter  Blake. 

1592.  Valcntyne  French.  John  Lynch. 

Geffrey  French. 

1593.  John  I\Iartin.  Robnck  Martin. 

Artliur  Lynch  Fitz-James. 
1J91'.     Ronaldc  Skerrett.  Pierce  Lincli  Fitzjohneck. 

Patrick  Linch  Fitz  Ulick. 
1.59.5.     Marcus  Lynch  Fitz-Nicholas.      Th.  Lynch  Fitz-Donniick. 

Gregorie  French. 
151)6.     Oliver  Oge  French.  P.  Oge  French  Fitz-Pcter. 

"William  Lynch  Fitz-Petcr. 
By-laws. 

'l"li:it  110  kyiulc  of  sake,  in  rcspectc  of  waclires  or  gifte,  be  given  to  any  boteman,  either  fur 
saile  or  \va(ij:;es,  no  yet  to  any  caple-man  (horse-man),  for  his  caradge  or  sacke,  ne  yet  for 
suckcs  ytsell,  but  money. 

That  none  siial!  ncitlier  cutt  truffs  or  digge  the  mcailowcs  and  pasture  of  this  towne,  either 
bv  caste  or  weaste,  especialHc  Cossuckin  to  the  cragge  of  Castle-gnre  by  Poihnorycline,  and 
all  aboutc  the  salt-water  loagh,  and  in  like  manner  in  the  meadowes  and  pasture  of  tiie  weaste, 
within  our  frauncliis,  in  no  place  and  in  any  wise  ;  that  the  lu.'igh  weys  be  lu'itlier  hedged  or 
nianurede  to  ineroachc  the  coinon  way,  on  payne  of  foifaictor  for  every  theas  defaults,  not 
onh'e  all  tlie  labour  and  nianuraunce,  but  also  xx.?.  tofies  quoties. 

That  no  sea-men  or  sea-man,  or,  as  1  would  say,  fisher-men  or  fisher-man,  do  take  in  hande 
oitlier  the  plowghc,  spade,  or  teithe,  that  would  barr  them  tiom  fyshinge,  botiie  to  serve 
themselves  and  the  comon  wcalthe  with  fyshe,  in  consiileration  whereof  that  the  said  fisslicrs 
and  thcr  wills  and  faniylie  be  reasonablie  served  belore  others  with  all  necessaric  sustenunc  and 
foode  of  provition  as  comcth  to  the  market,  whereby  they  niought  be  the  better  liable  to 
erne  ther  said  livinges  that  vvay,  and  have  the  better  hope. 

That,  according  to  tliauncient  statuts,  the  recourse  of  the  runynge  water,  thats  to  say,  the 
little  gcate  ditche  water,  all  alonge  that  intrcthc  throiighe  Nicholas  Linche's  mill,  and  the  water 
tliat  intrethe  into  the  gutt,  all  alonge  to  the  yssuing  out  of  the  same  in  Wartiiie's  mill,  be 
alKvaycs  keapt  cleaiie,  as  well  within  the  walls  as  without. 

That  thaquavitc  that  is  sould  in  towne  ought  rather  to  be  cakl  aqua  mortis,  to  poyson  the 
people,  then  comfort  them  in  any  good  soite,  and  in  lik  maner  all  thcr  bycre  ;  and  all  wherein 
tliojlicers,  in  refbimynge  tlie  same,  have  nede  to  be  mor  vigilant  anil  inijuisitive  than  they  be. 

Ther  is  no  good  bread  made  to  be  soulde,  neither  well  made  nor  well  backte,  nc  yeti  good 
cheape,  as  the  markett  goes,  but  rather  by  lialf  and  half  to  deceave  the  ]icople:  for  the 
reformation  whereof  we  fynd,  that  men  and  women  of  good  skill  in  making  and  bakingeof 
l)read  be  thereto  appointed  accordinge,  and  as  the  rates  of  the  markett  will  be  sett  down  by 
tholficers,  so  as  yt  bo  penny,  halfpenny,  farthing,  always  to  be  founde. 

That  no  victillinge-hoiise,  seller,  or  shoppe,  where  any  victaille,  wyne,  or  aquavite  is,  be 
not  in  any  honest  sorte  keapte  cleane,  wherein  ther  is  neither  sittinge-place,  clollie,  diili,  or 
any  other  service,  which  have  great  nede  of  reformation. 

That  all  the  mcate  that  is  thought  to  be  either  sodde  or  roasted  by  the  bowcherous  cooks 
of  this  towne  is  not  worth  the  eatinge,  and  therefore  is  not  siiflrablc,  whicli  also  Iiath  nede 
of  refoimation,  so  as  all  to  be  cleane,  and  retayiled  by  [lenny,  Iialfpenny,  (iirthing,  and  were 
thcr  cleane  aprons  ;   and  that  thcr  be  no  homes  siitfcied  to  be  where  the  meate  is  ailressing. 

Thtit,  accordinge  thauncicnt  statuts,  hoggs  be  not  sullied  to  be  fcdde  within  tiie  towne, 
and  especiallie  upon  the  markett  place. 


HISTORY    OF    GALAVAY. 


211 


1^97. 
1598. 
1599. 
KiOO. 
IGOI. 
lGO-2. 
1003. 
iGOl.. 


Mayors. 
Anthony  Lynch  Fitz-Marcus. 

Nicliolas  Kirwan  Fitz-Denis. 

Mychell  Linchc. 

Francis  Martin. 


BaihfFs. 

Patrick  Kirwan. 
Andw.  Blake  Fitz-Patrick. 
Marcns  Blaise. 
Patrick  Blake. 
Chr.  Linclie  Fitz-Richard. 
Patk.  French  Fitz-Olipher. 
Marc,  Lynch  Fitz-Martin. 
Fdmond  Lynch  Fitz-Pyers. 
Christopher  Lynch  Fitz-Gcorge.  Robert  Blake. 

Nicliolas  Lvnche. 


James  Dorsy. ' 

Marcus  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen. 

Marcus  French  Fitz-John. 


Robert  Blake. 
Nicholas  Dorsy. 
Martin  Galdij  Lynch. 
Oliver  Martin. 
Martin  Founte. 
Christopher  Blake. 


By-laws. 

That  no  man  sliall  draw,  or  cause  to  be  drawn,  the  wool!  of  liis  sheep  at  no  tymc,  but 
rather  shorn  thi-m  in  due  tyme,  and  not  otherwise. 

'Ihat  no  motion  or  slieepe  be  burnt  with  the  skyn  or  wooll  to  tlicnd,  that  both  mou^ht 
veric  well  serve  ther  owne  tomes  otherwise. 

That  candol  makers  have  verie  greate  nede  of  reformation,  for  that  tliey  sell  neither  light 
nor  si>;ht,  neither  good  tallowe  nor  good  trcede,  ne  yet  any  good  stuffe  at  all  for  candells. 

That  no  artificer,  or  man  of  occupation  whatsoever,  not  sufFrede  to  be  idilie  wandringe  and 
wngginge  abroatl  tlie  streets,  tavcrnes,  or  other  places,  upon  workinge  dayes,  without  a 
f]utiall  good  cause  ;  duringe  which  tyme  they  must  goe  either  without  cloke  or  mantle,  havinge 
in  ther  hands  some  token  of  ther  owne  craftes  toolls. 

I'hat  no  woman  shall  were  no  gorgiouse  aparell,  but  as  becomcth  them  to  do,  accordinge 
to  tiier  caliingc,  and  in  espetiall  they  shall  all  together  foregoe  the  wearing  of  any  hatts  or  capjies 
oilu'v.vise  collored  than  blacke,  and  upon  them  they  shall  weare  no  cosllic  hatt  bands  or  cap 
bands  of  gold  trcede  ;   the  mayorascs  only  excepted. 

That  no  woman  shall  make  no  open  noise  of  an  unreasonable  chree,  after  the  Irishrie,  either 
bcfjre,  ne  j'et  alter,  the  death  of  any  corpes,  moche  less  in  the  house,  streete,  and  before  all 
in  the  church,  the  house  ne  yett  in  the  ficldes  ;  we  meane  ther  singing  songs,  songc  to  the 
praise  of  men,  both  deade  and  also  alive,  and  not  to  God  everlyvinge. —  Orig.  MS. 


'  This  mayor  died  on  1 2th  June  1  GO" ;  and  Christoplicr 
L)ncli  Fitz-Georgc,  who  was  mayor  the  year  before,  was 
chosen  ill  his  pUice  for  the  reiiiainilcr  of  the  year. 

In  the  year  IfiO-l,  Andrew  French,  a  native  of  Galway, 
(hcing  reduced  in  his  circumstances,)  went  with  liis  sons, 
Eilniond  and  Geoffrey,  to  Spain,  where  they  soon  rose  to 
eminence:  the  latter  was  appointed  governor  of  a  consi- 
(icrahle  fortress  in  the  West  Indies,  and  his  brotlier  re- 
fciver  of  the  kinf;'s  plate ;  he  was  also  honoured  with 
ihc  order  of  knighthood  of  Saint  Jago,  and  finally  became 
aJmiral  of  the  Spanish  fleet,  which  annually  brought 
home  the  treasiu'es  from  the  West  Indies.     His  son  An- 


tliony  was  chosen  one  of  his  majesty's  pages  in  ordinary, 
and,  having  conniianded  a  troop  of  horse  in  the  war 
against  France,  he  was  taken  jirisoncr,  but  was  soon  after 
ransomed  for  a  considerable  sum  by  the  king's  orders, 
lie  died  without  issue,  but  left  a  sister  lionouiably  mar- 
ried in  Spain. — Annals. 

In  1C08,  Lady  Jacob,  daughter  of  Ulick  Lynch,  of 
Hampton,  came  to  Gahvay  to  obtain  her  pedigree.  Her 
suite  «as  superb,  and  she  was  received  with  every  mark 
of  distinction.  At  this  time,  a  famous  school  was  kept 
in  the  town  by  one  Alexander  Lynch,  which  contained 
several  hundred  scholars. — ■Anna/s. 


212 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


IVluyors. 
160,5.     John  Skcrrctt  Fitz-"\Villiani. 


G.  T>yncli  FilzDomiiick. 
John  Lync!)  iMxziiarci'S. 
]G0().     Edmoncl  French  Fitz-llobuck.     Peter  Lyncli  Fitz  I\iiiicus. 

Pierce  i.vnch  Fit-'.-Jouick. 


1607.     Richard  :\Iartin. 
1()0S,     Steplicn  Kirowan. 
1009.     Ohphcr  Browne. ' 


liiai'iin  i)oriey. 
Pohoi t  rMaiiiii. 
Martin  Dorsoy. 
J.nn.'s  ;  .,.1-  Dorsey. 
]Sic!:')l;).s  French. 
Doninick  i>io\vne. 


INIayors. 
IGIO.     Richard  Bodikin 


NlieriHs. 

Patrick  Tviartin. 
C'!nistop!ii;r  BoJikin. 
lOll.     A'alentine    Bhike    Fitz-Walter  7  Anch-e\v  Lyucii  I'uz  Jo'in. 


Fitz-Thomas. " 
IG12.     Sir  Thomas  Rotherara, " 

1G13.     Walter  INIartin. 

iGlk     Nicholas  Dorsey. 

1015.     Pierce  Lynch  Fitz-Jonack 


3  '1  lion;as  LLike. 
JNlarcus  Lynch  Fitz  Cliris- 
topher.      Adam  Fauntc. 
Jam-js  ()p:e  Dorsey. 
George  JSIartin. 
James  0-^e  Dorsey. 
Francis  Mail  in. 
Pierce  Martin. 
Jonack  Lynch  Fitz-Picrce. 


By-laws. 
1C05. 
That  every  freeman,    being  merchant,    dwelling   in   towne,    keeping  crork   and   pan,    and 
paying  tax  and  talladge,  sliall  have  a  voice  in  electing  oflicers  yearly,   and  also  in   ah  general 
matters  which  shall  happen. 

1611. 
October  2d,  the  earl  of  Thomond,    Sir  Oliver  St.  John,  vice  president  of  Connauglit,  Sir 
Thomas  Uotlieram,  knight,  governor  of  St.  Ausustinc's  fort,  and  Uoy-cr  0'ShaujTiuiessv,es(i. 
were  elected  irecmcn. 


'  Tliis  mayor  was  deposed  for  refusing  to  take  the 
oatli  of  supremacy,  and  Tliomas  Browne  was  elected  in 
his  place ;  but  he,  having  also  refused  to  take  the  oath, 
was  fined  jt'lOO,  and  Ulick  Lynch  was  chosen  for  the 
remainder  of  the  year. 

"  Tliis  mayor  was  also  deposed,  for  the  same  reason,  by 
Sir  Oliver  St.John,  in  the  presence  of  William  O'Donnell, 
archbishop  of  Tuani,  (who  had  shortly  before  translated 
the  New  Testament  and  Book  of  Common  Prayer  into 
Irish,)  and  his  place  was  supplied  by  Kichard  Martin. 

In  \G\\,  the  "  youn;j  men"  obtained  a  charter  from 
the  corporation,  instituting  them  a  body  politic  of  them- 
selves, and  empowering  them  to  make  by-laws  for  the 
good  government  of  their  company.     Their  "  captain" 


was  privileged  to  sit  next  the  sheriffs  at  all  public  meet- 
ings, and  to  be  an  esquire  for  the  u'ar.  They  were  also 
exempted  from  paying-  taxes ;  in  consideration  of  which, 
they  were  bound  to  keep  watcii  and  ward. — Annah, 

'  This  year,  no  person  eligible  to  the  office  of  mayor 
could  be  found  in  town,  who  would  take  the  oath  of  su- 
premacy;  in  consequence  of  which,  SirTliomas  Uothcnim, 
governor  of  St.  Augustine's  fort,  was  appointed. 

>'  Peter  French  Fitz-Valentine  was  elected  n-.ayor  tliii 
year  ;  but,  having  refused  the  office,  he  was  fined  £UM\. 
The  above  mayor  was  then  chosen  in  his  place,  and  \\;is 
also  re-elected  for  the  succeeding  year,  as  no  other 
would  take  the  oaths. 


lirSTOUY    OP    GALWAY. 


213 


iGlti. 

1G17. 
1G18. 
1G19. 

1G30. 
1G21. 
1622. 
1G23. 
1G21.. 
1625. 
162G. 
IC27. 


Mayors. 
Pierce  Lynch  Fitz-Jonack. 

Francis  Lynch  Fitz-Peter. 

Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-George. 

James  Darcy  Fitz-James. 

Andrew  Lynch  Fitz-John. 

Robert  Martin.  "^ 

Patrick  Martin  Fitz-AValter. 


Slieritls. 

Jolni  French. 

EdnuHid  Lynch. 

Thomas  Lynch  Fitz-Piers. 

James  Semper. 

James  Sem])er. 

Marcus  Lynch  Fitz-George. 

jMarcus  FrcnchFitz-Marcus. 

Peter  Martin  Fitz- Walter. 

JMarcus  Frencli. 

James  Semper. 

Luke  Rawsone. 

Marcus  Cornin. 

James  Lynch. 

Pierce  IVIartin. 
JNLarc.  Oge  French  Fitz-Marcus.  James  Lynch. 

GcoHrey  French. 
Robert  Blake  Fitz- WalterFitz- '   '■ 
Tliomas.  ^ 


Geoffrey  French. 

John  Uiake. 

A\'alter  Browne. 

M'lUiam  Blake. 

Jasper  I\LirtinFitz-Nicholas. 

Marcus  Skerret. 


Thomas  Lynch  Fitz-Nicholas 

Fitz-Stephen  Fitz- Arthur. 
James    Lynch    Fitz-jNIartin 

Fitz  W  illiam. 
Sir  llicliard  Blake  Fitz-Robert  7  Edmond  Kirowan. 
Fitz- Walter  Fitz-Andrew,  knt.  3  Nicholas  Blake. 
By-laws. 
1618. 
Sir  Charles   Coote,    knight,    Sir  John   Bourke,  of  Dcrryniacklaghney,  knight,   Mr.  John 
Bourke,  of  Downsandle,  esq.  and  John  Jacob,  of  Galway,  admitted  freemen. 

1623. 
Edmond  Bourke,  of  Kilcornan,  esq.  Wahcr  Bourke,   of  Turlagli,  in  the  county  of  Mayo, 
esq.  and  Donell  M'Robuck  Birmingham,   and  the  heirs  of  their  body  begot,  elected  freemen, 
they  bearing  scot  and  lot. 

1625. 

Ordered  in  Council,  that  any  person  wlio  shall  scandalize  and  unmannerly  behave  himself  in 
^iceches  to  to  the  mayor,   siiail  forfeit  J.  20. 

That  no  outrage,  howling,  or  shoutings,  be  made  in  or  out  of  the  streets  of  this  towne,  at 
the  burial  of  any  deceased  person  ;  but  that  all  such  barbarous  courses  be  given  over,  on  payne 
of  ns.  tor  each  abuse;  whereby  all  and  every  corpes  here  be  carried  to  liis  grave  in  a  sivell 
orderly  fashione,   according  to  the  form  in  all  good  places  observed. 


'  Tills  mayor  died  in  ofncc,  and  liis  place  was  filled  b^-  take  the  oath  of  supremacy.    Thus  circumstanced,  it  wag 

his    father,   Kichard   Martin,   who  was   mayor  in    IC07,  with  difficulty  persons  could  be  found  to   fill  the  office, 

and  u ho  was  also  elected  in  place  of  Val.  biake,  in  1611.  In  oriler  to  remedy  this  inconvenience,   the  corporation 

•  Until  tins  year,  the  nii.yor  was  elected  soleiy  by  the  at  length  resolved.'that  every  freeman  should  have  a  vote 

aldermen  and  shenfi's,  (the  former  hav.ng   cither   been  at  the  election ;  in  consequence  of  which,  the  above  was 

mayors,  or  such  as  \>  ere  jlijiible  to  be  so,) .  na  no  Catholics  the  first  catholic  mayor  for  the  last  thirty  years, 
were  admitted  for  ir.nny  years,  they  invariably  refusing  to 


214 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


1C28. 
16«9. 
1630. 
1631. 
1632. 
1633. 
1634. 
1635. 


Mayors. 
John  Lynch  Fitz-Richard. 


Sheriffs. 


Ns.  Lynch  Fitz-Jonikine. " 

Sir  Valentine  Blake  Fitz-Walter 
Fitz-Thomas,  knt.  and  bart. " 
Geffrey  Martin.  "^ 

George  Martin  Fitz-Walter. 

Patrick  French  Fitz-Gcorge.  ^ 

Sir  Dominick  Browne,  knt. 


Richard  Lynch  Fitz-John. 
Stephen  Martin. 
Martin  French. 
Alexander  Bodkin. 
Francis  Blake. 
Richard  Kirwan. 
Robert  Kirowan. 
John  French  Fitz-    Sphen. 
Pierce  Martin  Fitz-^Valter. 
Jonicke  Lynch  Fitz-Peares. 
GeorgeFrench  Fitz  Patrick. 
Walter  Blake  Fitz-Andrew. 
Mich.  Lynch  Fitz-Stcphen. 
Dominick  Lyncli  Fitz-John. 
Ns.  JSIore  Lynch  Fitz-Marcus.    Wm.  Lynch  Fitz-Andrew. 

Christ.  Bodkin  Fitz-TIiomas. 

Bj'-laws. 
1628. 

May  17. — For  as  much  as  the  grace  of  God  is  the  best  revenue  of  this  towne,  and  his 
blessing  our  greatest  rents ;  and  that  charitable  distributions  are,  according  to  liis  divine 
promise,  a  hundred  folde  rewarded,  both  in  this  and  the  other  world;  it  is  ordained,  that  the 
collectors  of  the  rents  and  revenues  of  this  towne  shall,  once  everie  year,  distribute  jfilO 
[jctween  the  poor  widows  of  tlie  birth  and  blood  of  the  towne,  in  imitation  of  tiiat  good 
widow,  commended  by  our  Saviour,  who  cast  her  two  niitcs  into  the  treasurye;  and  in 
liope,  that  the  supj)lying  the  needful  exigents  of  the  poor  may  increase  our  comings  in,  and 
thereby  enable  us  to  do  works  tending  to  God's  glory,  and  the  good  of  the  commonwealth. 

Enacted,  that  sturdie  beggars  and  poor  scholars  be  banished ;  and  that  such  poor  and 
needie  men,  born  in  the  towne,  as  shall  be  allowed  to  begge,  shall  iiave  leden  tokens  fastened 
to  their  caps,  to  distinguish  tiiem  IVom  others.  And  for  as  much  as  divers  strangers,  and  some 
of  the  towne,  doe  keep  blind  ale-houses,  which  are  the  relievers  of  idlers  and  malefactors, 
who,  by  cheating,  cozening,  and  villainies,  doe  disturbe  the  quiet  and  peace  of  the  towne, 
it  is  ordered,  that  the  several  constables  of  the  several  quarters  and  franchises  doe,  everie 
quarter  session,  present  the  names  of  such,  and  of  all  other  persons  selling  beer,  ale,  &c. 
tluit  a  certain  number  of  select  men  may  be  named  and  licensed  to  doe  the  same. 


''  Alderman  Marcus  B'.akc  was  clioscn  mayor  this  year, 
Imt  died  on  tlic  morning  of  the  day  he  was  to  enter  into 
ofueo.  "  It  pleased  CJod  Almightie  to  call  him  ont  of 
this  transitorie  hie  to  the  everlastinge,  and  onto  of  the 
chicle  chaire  of  this  towne  (whereof'  lie  was  to  take  jios- 
scssion)  unto  a  better  and  more  glorious  seat  in  heaven." 

'  This  year  it  was  stipulated  that  the  mayor's  salaries 
should  not  exceed  £\2  stcrlini;,  "  same  being  the  stipend 
ull  tlie  old  mayors  had ;"  and  that  the  recorder  should 
have  but  ^10  aycar,  "  which  was  all  that  our  first  recorder, 
J>[r.  Dominick  Martin,  ami  .Sir  Harry  Lynch,  elected 
recorder  alter  him,  received."  Since  the  mayoralty  of 
Sir  Thomas  Hotheram,  in  KilJ,  the  mayor's  salary 
ainouiitcd  to  £100  yearly. 


On  1st  August,  Oliver  Martin  was  chosen  ma3-or, 
and  Andrew  Browne  Fitz-Oliver  and  Edward  French 
Fitz-Patrick,  bheriti'a;  but  Sir  Thomas  Rotheram  having, 
on  l-'tli  8e|iteinbcr  following,  come  inti>  the  tholsel,  and 
produced  a  letter  from  the  privy  coiiiicil,  ordering  that 
the  magistrates  should  take  the  oath  ol'  supremacy,  the 
mayor  and  sherills  elect  requested  until  the  27th  for 
consideration,  upon  which  they  declined  to  take  the  oath, 
and  the  ofiicers  above  named  were  accordingly  chosen. 
It  was  then  ordered  that  the  major  should  have  the  former 
stipend  of  ^100  a  year  for  his  salary. 

'  This  sheriff  be(jncathed  ^10  yearly,  for  ever,  to  release 
poor  prisoners  confineil  for  debt  in  the  gaol  of  the  town. 


i 


I 


/     ■. 


ailSTOUY    Oti"    GALWAY. 


215 


Mayors. 
IGoG.     Ant.  Lynch  Fitz-James. 

1637-  Sir  Tiiomas  Blake,  bart. 

iGoS.  Sir  Robuck  Lynch,  bart. 

1G39.  John  Bodikin  Fitz-Domnick. 

iGlO.  Francis  Blake. 

iGtL     Walter  Lynch  Fitz-James        2 
Fitz-Anibrose.  3 

1642.     Richard  Martin  Fitz-Oliver. ' 

iG'tS.     Sir  Val.  Blake,   junior,  knt.  ^ 
and  bart.  3 

16M<.     James  Darcy  Fitz-NIcholas. 

lGl-5.     Edmond  Kirwan  Fitz-Patrick. 

IGIG.     John  Blake  Fitz-Nicholas. 


Sherifls. 

Geft'ry  Font. 

Domnick  French. 

INlarcus  Lynch  Fitz-William. 

James  Lyncii  Fitz-Stephen. 

Thos.  Lynch  Fit z- Ambrose. 

Peter  Lynch  Fitz-Pcter. 

John  Kirowan. 

Francis  Atiiy. 

Geffry  Blake. 

^Martin  Lynch. 

John  Martin  Fitz-Geffrey. 

Matt.  Martin  Fitz-Nicholas. 

Domnick  Skerret. 

John  Bermingham. 

Oliver  Oge  French. 

John   Kirwan. 

Domnick  Darcy, 

Robert  Martin  Fitz-Jasper. 

Dom.  Browne  Fitz-Xiciiolas. 

JVLirtin  Kirwan  Fitz-Andrew. 

Domnick  Blake  Fitz- Robert. 

Nicholas  Bodkin  Fitz-David. 


By-laws. 
16+2. 
An  order  declaring  the  right  of  precedencie  in  station,  and  public  meetings,  within  the 
county  of  the  towne  of  GaUvay  j  wherein,  nevertheless,  it  is  meant  and  intended,  that  bar- 
roncts  and  knights  shall  hoide  and  enjoy  the  places  and  precedencies  to  them  of  right  due; 
and  tiiat  none  sliall  challenge  and  enjoy  any  place  but  such  as  go  in  gownes,  except  tlie 
captain  of  tlie  "  young  men." — I.  The  Mayor. — 2.  Recorder. — a.  Mayor  of  the  staple. — 
i.  Aldermen  that  bore  oflice  by  their  senioritie.  "^ — .3.  Sheriffs  for  the  time  beinge. — C.  The 
captaine  of  the  young  men. — 7.  Lawyers  that  were  recorders,  with  theirgownes. — 8.  Aldermen 
peers,  according  to  their  senioritie,  in  their  gownes. — 9.  The  coroner,  in  liis  gowtie. — 10.  The 
chamberlin  and  esche;itc)r,  in  their  gownes.  —  1 1.  Lawyers  and  barristers,  in  their  gownes,  who 
did  practice,  according  to  their  senioritie. — 12.  Constables  of  the  staple,  or  late  sheriffs. — 
13.  Ail  other  sherill's  that  bore  office,  according  to  their  antiquitie. — 14.  The  four  captaines 
of  the  four  quarters. — 15.   Burgesses,  according  to  their  senioritie  of  house-keeping. — Lib.  A. 


'  Tills  ma_\'or  (who  rcsiJcJ  at  Dungoric,  in  tlic  county 
of  Galway)  ;'.|)pe:irs  to  have  been  a  popular  and  favourite 
tharacter  in  those  times.  He  was  chosen  aKIcrniaii  and 
mayor  of  this  tosvn  in  his  absence,  witliout  his  knowledge, 
and  at  first  refused  the  offices ;  but  afterwards  accepted 
tlieni,  "  at  tlic  instance  of  the  corporation  and  of  many 
honourable  persons,  to  the  great  content  of  all  tlie  inha- 
bitants of  this  town." — T.ih.  A.  He  bequeathed  ^300  to 
b\ii!d  a  chapel  in  St.  Francii'  alihey,  and  anotlier  in  St, 


Nicholas'   church ;  and  left  legacies  to  all  the  convents 
and  abbics  in  Connaught — Ih. 

'  The  alJennen  were  usually  chosen  on  the  evening 
of  the  last  day  of  July,  at  a  meeting  of  the  mayor,  re- 
corder, and  such  aldermen  as  bore  the  ofRce  of  niavor, 
commonly  called  "  short  council ;"  and  one  or  two  were 
chosen  yearly,  to  supply  the  place  of  the  new  majoi', 
and  such  aldermen  as  might  happen  to  die. 


216 


HISTORY    OF    GAL  WAY. 


]\Iayors. 
IG17.     Walter  Browne. 

1648.     Sir  Walter  Blake,  knt. 

lGl-9.     Thomas  Lynch  Fitz-Marcus  J 

Fitz-Martiii.  j 

1G50.     Sir  Oliver  Oge  French,  knight. 

1C51.     Richard  Kirwan  Fitz-Thomas. 

1G52.     Michael  Lynch  Fitz-Stcphen 
Fitz-Nicholas. 

By-laws. 
1648. 
Ordered,  that  lieutenant-colonel  William  O'Shaughnessie 
in  bloode  to  the  K/iole  toxmc,   and  for  the  good  nature  and 
family  doe  bear  to  it)  and  his  posteritie  shall  be  hereafter  fr 


Sheriffs. 

Domnick  Martin  Fitz-Tho. 
Peter  Browne  Fitz- James. 
JMartin  Blake  Fitz-Andrew, 
James  Blake  Fitz-Nicholas. 
Steph,  Lynch  Fitz-Nicholas. 
Anthony  Lynch  Fitz-John. 
James  French  Fitz-Edmmul. 
Peter  Lynch  Fitz-x'lnthony, 
Thomas  Lynch  Fitz-Patrick. 
Arthur  Lynch  Fitz-,Stepheii. 
Alex.  Lynch  Fitz-Andrew. 
^Villiam  Martin  Fitz-Steplien. 


(in  consideration  of  his  allyance 
affection  that  he  and  his  whole 
eemen  of  this  corporation.  •> 


''  This  noble  Irish  family,  of  tlic  Hcreviionian  line,  (ciijus 
nobilitiiteni,  antitjuitatein,  ct  intcgrltatcin,  qui  non  novit, 
Hibcniiaui  non  novit. — De  i?»)go.)  was,  from  the  earliest 
jicrioJ,  connected  with  the  old  natives  of  GaUvay.  .Sir 
Dcrmot,  the  seventh  in  descent  from  "  Scachnusy," 
from  whom  the  name  w.as  taken,  havinj;  in  1 543  submitted 
to  Henry  VIII.  and  surrendered  his  possessions,  that  mo- 
narch, by  letters  patent,  dated  ."d  December  the  same 
year,  reeitinj,  that  althimgh  he  aiul  liis  jiredecessors, 
kings  of  England,  were  the  true  possessors  of  those  pre- 
misses, yet  that  Sir  Dcrmot  and  his  ancestors  possessed 
them  unjustly  against  the  crown,  until  lately,  being  truly 
sensible  thereof,  he  relinquished  the  same,  accordingly 
granted  to  Sir  Dcrmot,  c/iiff  <</'  liis  name,  and  his  heir 
male,  hi  cnpite,  by  llie  service  of  a  knight's  fee,  all  the 
estate  uhicii  he  had  in  ihe  n]anors,  lordsl;i]is,  lands,  iS:c. 
of  Gort-Inchigorie,  and  several  other  lamls  ;  with  a 
provisoe,  however,  of  Ibrfeitnre,  in  case  of  any  confe- 
deracy or  disturbance  against  the  crown. — Hot.  I'al.  35 
Jlai.  VIII. — Sir  Dcrmut  had  two  sons.  Sir  Rory  and 
Dcrmot :  the  former  was  married  to  the  lady  Onora  nj/ 
Bricn,  and  had  two  sons,  William  and  Darby.  After  his 
death,  his  widow,  his  brother  Dermot,  and  William  his 
eldest  son,  having  some  dirpiites  about  the  property,  they 
were  submitted  to  the  arbitration  of  several  members  of 
the  j";"ivy  council  of  Ireland,  who  made  their  award  on 
the  'J  1st  March,  15rO;  by  which,  amongst  other  pos- 
sessions, the  lordship  of  Gort-Inehigorie,  &c.  was  assigned 
to  Dcrmot,  as  chief  of  his  name. — Rut.  Pal.  13  Eliz. — 
Dermot,  his  son,  died  8th  July,  1(506,  seized  of  the  ter- 
ritory of  Kinalea,  alias  "  O'Shanghnes'  country,"  leaving, 
Ro'ier,  otherwise  Gilleduffe,  (tlien  ageil  twenty-three  years 
and  married,)  his  heir,  and  Shyly  A>«  Hubert  his  widow. 
Sir  Dermot,  the  son  oi'  lioger,  died  iu  l(i73,  leaving  by  his 
wife,  the  daughter  of  lord  Barry,  Kogcr,  who,  in  l(;.ss, 
Married  Helen,  the  daughter  of  Connor  O'Dryen,  lorcl 


viscount  Clare.  He  afterwards  joined  king  James's  forces, 
and  was  engaged  at  the  battle  of  the  Bojne,  I'rom  which 
he  retiu'ned  home  sick,  though  not  wounded,  and  died 
iu  the  castle  of  Gort,  on  the  llth  of  July,  iG'io.  He 
was  attainted  on  llth  May,  1G97,  and  king  Widiara 
granted  all  his  estates,  (which  were  declared  forfeited,) 
in  custodiani,  to  Gustavus,  the  first  baron  Hamikon; 
but  he  having  soon  after  obtained  a  grant  01' other  lands, 
the  king,  by  letters  patent,  dated  Iflth  June,  1C97, 
granted  ^o  Thomas  (afterw.irds  Sir  Thomas)  Prendergast, 
in  consideration  of  his  good  and  acceptable  services,  (the 
discovery  of  tliC  assassination  plot,  tSrc.)  all  the  estate,  real 
and  personal,  of  Roger  O'Shaugl'.nessy,  esq.  deceased,  in 
Gort-Inchigorie,  and  sevcnd  other  lands  in  the  barony  of 
Kiltartau,  and  county  of  Galway.  By  a  subsequent  fatent, 
dated  'Joth  Si.|jtcniber,  l(;;is,  reciting  the  foregoing  grant, 
and  also  that  his  majesty  was  iufoimed,  that  the  estate? 
were  then  annually  worth  ^500,  but  that  they  had  since 
proved  very  deficient  of  that  sum  ;  and  it  being  therojal 
intention  that  i^JOO  a  year  should  have  been  gr.uuej, 
several  other  lands  of  the  dear  yearly  value  of  oSlt.Os.  ■2\d. 
situate  in  the  several  counties  of  Tippcran,  Galu.'iv, 
Robconnnon  and  Weslmeath,  vsere  granted  accordiujv.— 
Hot.  Pet.  10  }yill},im  ///.—Colonel  William  G'Shsr.L.h- 
nessj',  the  lieir  of  Roger,  the  last  possessor,  Inivinv  died  in 
exile  in  France,  in  17-14,  was  succeeded  by  liis  cousin- 
gernian,  Coleman,  then  titular  bis!ui|)  of  Ossorv,  H-lio 
instituted  proceedings  at  law  against  Sir  Thomas  Prcn- 
dergast,  the  son  of  the  patentee,  for  the  recoverv  of  the 
estate  of  Gort.  These  proceedings  were  continued  aliir 
the  bishop's  decease  by  his  next  relative,  P.oebuck,  and 
after  hii  death  by  Joseph  O'Shaughjiessy,  his  son,  v.ho, 
having  to  contend  against  wealth  and  power,  wiiliuut  ilie 
aid  of  either,  wai  ultimately  deicated  ;  and  tinis  ended 
one  of  the  njost  ancient  and  resijcciable  ab'jri!;ii!al 
families  in  Ireland. 


HISTORY    OF 

GALWAY. 

217 

Mayors. 

Sheriffs. 

1G53.' 

Arthur  Lynch  Fitz- Anthony. 

Nicholas  French. 

Arthur  Lynch. 

1654. 

Thomas  Lynch  Fiz-. 

A.mbrosc. 

Richard  Lynch. 

Anthony  French  Fitz-Peter. 

Col.  Peter  Slubbers. 

Paul  Dodd. 

Marcus  Lynch Fitz-Thoraas, 

1655. 

Lieut.  Col.  Humphr 

ey  Hurd.'^ 

John  Camel. 
Jolin  Mathews. 

1656. 

Paul  Dodd. 

John  Peters, 
Mathew  Forth. 

1657. 

Gabriel  King. 

Jarvis  Hind. 
Thomas  Harvest. 

1G5S. 

Sir  Chas.  Coote,  lent 

.  andbart. 

John  May. 
Richard  Ormsby. 

1659. 

John  Mathews. 

Richard  Bernard. 
William  Speed. 

1660. 

John  Morgan. 

Geo.  Scanderbegg-Bushell. 
John  Pope. 

1661. 

John  Eyre. 

John  Murray. 
Robert  Brock. 

1662. 

Henry  Greneway. 

Benjamin  Veale. 
Walter  Bird. 

1663. 

Edward  Eyre. 

Richard  Walcott. 
John  Barrett. 

1664. 

John  Morgan. 

William  Fleming. 
Thomas  Semper. 

1665. 

Col.  John  Spencer. 

Robert  Warner. 
George  Young-Husband. 

1666. 

The  same. 

George  Davison. 
William  Jackson. 

1667. 

The  same. 

Christopher  Surr. 
James  Berry. 

1668. 

The  same. 

Richard  Bernard. 
John  JuU. 

'  Sliortly  before  this  period,  colonel  Ricliard  Grace, 
uf  Movelly  Castle,  in  the  Kind's  County,  (one  of  the 
bravest  otficers  of  his  time,  and  also  one  ol  the  most 
stcdhist  adherents  of  the  un';raleful  Stuart  family,)  while 
defending  an  important  pass  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Galway,  at  the  head  of  3000  n)en,  was  defeated  in  a  san- 
guinary engagement  by  colonel  Ingoldsby. — This  defeat 
was  followed  by  the  speedy  reduction  of  the  entire 
province. 

On  the  25th  of  October,  1654,  the  mayor  and  sheriffs 
wci'e  removed  by  order  of  government,  and  those  imme- 


diately succeeding  were  appointed. —  Vide  p.  I  "6. 

'  This  mayor  (according  to  the  annals)  was  originally 
a  carpenter ;  and  Mathews,  one  of  the  sheriffs,  is  stated 
to  have  been  by  trade  a  v/caver :  they  also  inform  us, 
with  marked  feelings  of  contempt  and  indignation,  "that 
Cromwell's  soldiers,  with  all  coblers,  butchers,  bakers, 
soldiers  and  mechanics,"  wore  at  this  period  indiscri- 
minately made  free  of  the  corporation  ;  while  the  foinicr 
respectable  natives  and  gentry  were  turned  out  of  the 
town,  and  stript  of  all  their  possessions,  which  were 
seized  upon  by  those  rapacious  invaders. — Amuits. 


!i8 


HISTORY    or    GAI.WAY. 


\{ji)0.  John  Peters. 

IG70.  '  John  .May. 

1(171.  Richard  Ornisbj. 

1(>7~-  Gregory  Constable. 

1073.  Tiic  same. 

Ifi71<.  Col.  Theodore  Russell. 

IG75.  The  same. 

■    1()70.  The  same. 

1077-     The  same. 
1(j7S.     The  same. 

IG79.     The  same. 
IGSO.     The  same. 

IGSI.     The  same. 

By-laws. 
1679. 
Ordered,  tliat  several  persons  in  the  order  named 
ure  not  fit  to  live  in  the  towne,  or  men  useful  to  tlie 


Sheriffs. 

William  Hardiman.' 
Robert  Mathews. 
Robert  Warner. 
Abraham  Cowell. 
John  Geary. 
John  Vanghan. 
Thomas  Andrews. 
William  Hill. 
Thomas  Revctt. 
Tiiomas  Cart  Wright. 
Thomas  Buck. 
Marcus  Harrington, 
.foini  Flower. 
Thomas  Poole. 
John  Clarke. 
Richard  Browne. 
Same. 

Thomas  Staunton. 
John  Amory. 
Same. 

Thomas  Simcockes. 
Samuel  Cambie. 
The  same. 


(principally  the  ancient  families  of  Galwav) 
•rarrison. 


'  This  imlividual  appears  to  have  been  somewhat  dis- 
tiiiguislicj  above  his  bi'other  corporators  of  this  period. 
Soon  alter  the  restoration  lie  was  appointed  b}'  the  duke 
of  York  (afterwards  James  IL)  agent  over  the  lands 
granted  to  liis  royal  highness  in  the  counties  of  Mayo, 
Galway  and  Clare.  His  accounts  (from  which  the  fol- 
lowing acknowledgment  is  taken)  contain  many  curious 
particulars: — "We  do  hereby  acknowledge  to  have  re- 
cciveil  from  Mr.  William  Hardiman,  of  Clalway,  the  just, 
full  Euul  complete  number  of  thirty-seven  bonds,  iS:c.  for 
tlie  use  of  his  royal  highness,  James  duke  of  York,  by 
order,  unto  us  given  by  his  royal  liigliness,  1st  May,  Itiuy, 
James  Knowles,   William  Cooper." — Orig.  AIS. 

This  name,  though  apparently  of  foreign  derivation,  is  of 
genuine  Irish  origin.  According  to  tradition  it  was  at  first 
(fllartigan,  (an  ancient  family  of  ^Munster,)  but  bs  pro- 
vincial pronunciation,  and  transposition  of  letters,  it 
became  O'Hargidaii  or  Hargndon;  and  was  afterwards 
transformed  into  the  seemingly  £nglish  sirname  IltutlhuKn, 
as  a  kind  of  protection  against  the  cruel  persecutions  of 
the  unfortunate  Irish  during  the  seventeenth  century. 
This  I'aniily  appears  to  I'.ave  inherited  large  properties  in 


Connaught  long  after  tlie  English  power  prevailed  in 
tliat  province :  amongst  others,  the  extensive  tract  of 
Jirif/y-IIaigaduii,  near  Longhrea,  (now  the  estate  of  the 
right  hou.  Denis  Bowes  Daly;)  lauds  of  the  same  name 
in  the  parish  of  Ballycalla,  barony  of  Kihnain,  and 
county  of  Mayo,  and  the  ruins  of  an  old  castle,  in  the 
parish  of  Kilmainmorc,  same  barony  and  eountv,  still 
peri)ctuate  the  name  of  their  forjner  proprietors'  By 
inquisition,  on  record,  taken  at  Athenry  1  Uh  Sept.  1G07, 
it  was  found  tliat  Doimg/i  lleiigh  U'  I  In  r'gadati  or  llartigaii, 
from  whom  the  author  of  this  work  is  descended,  "\vas 
seized  in  fee  of  several  lands  in  the  eountv  of  Gahvay. 
During  the  civil  wars,  his  offspring  (some  of  whom  adopted 
the  sirname  Hardiman)  were  deprived  of  the  wliole,  and 
many  of  them  were  reduced  to  indigence,  or,  to  use  the  ex- 
pression contained  in  tliememoirsof  the  lateChas.O'Conor 
concerning  the  ancient  Irish  families,  "  they  melted  into 
peasants  before  his  face."  The  writer  of  this,  liowever,cvcn 
still  j)0:st"sscs  a  siuall  hereditary  property  in  Mayo  ;  and 
he  hopes,  that  ;il'ter  treating  of  so  many  other  names  and 
families  ibroughout  this  volume,  the  imlnlgent  reader  will 
excute  hi:,  introducing  these  lev,  words  concerning  his  own. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


219 


1G83. 
ICSI.. 
iGtij. 
IGSG. 
1G87. 


j\'Iayors. 
Col.  ThcodoreRussell- 

The  same. 

Tiie  same. 

The  same. 

John  Kirwan  Fitz-Stephen. 

The  same. 


Sheriffs. 
Marcus  Lyncli. 
WiHiam  Hoskins. 
Thomas  Yeaden. 
William  Iloskiiis. 
Tiiomas  Yeaden. 
Tiiomas  "Wilson. 
Richard  AA'all. 
Thomas  Wilson. 
George  .Staunton. 
Jonathan  Pcrrie. 
James  BrowneFitz-Gcoffiy. 
Marcus  Kirwan  Fitz-Uomk. 

By-laws. 
That  notice  be  given  forthwith  to  all  per^'ons  tliat  are  not  free  of  the  corporation,  that  they 
do  not  presume  to  trade  by  retail  witiiiii  tlie  town,  either  in  shops  or  houses,  or  their  goods 
shall  be  seised  and  sold. — Tlie  next  year,  alderman  Robert  IMathews,  for  abuse  given  by  him  to 
the  mayor,  was  suspended  from  council  j  and  it  was  ordered,  "  that  such  persons  as  liave  borne 
olUces  "in  tliis  corporation  (masters  of  compmys  excepted)  shall,  every  Sunday,  in  the  fore- 
noon, attend  tiic  king's  sword  to  church  in  their  gowns;  every  person  neglecting,  to  pay  iialf 
a  cobb  each  time,  and  upon  refusal  be  expelled  the  council,  and  that  no  person  do  ^iresume 
to  sit  in  the  mayor's  first  seat  without  iiis  gown." 

16S3. 
That  any  of  the  council  who  shall  depart  without  taking  leave  from  Mr.  Mayor  shall  forfeit 
a  cobb.     AlbO  that  the  charge  of  new  casting  the  old  bells  and  two  new  bells,  and  raising  the 
steeple  of  this  town,   be  defrayed  out  of  the  public  revenue  of  this  corporation. 


Ordered,  that  no  cattle  be  hereafter  slaughtered  within  this  town,  nor  suffered  to  come  into 
it;  that  no  milcli  cows  be  permitted  in,  and  that  '2s.  lid.  fine  be  imposed  on  any  one  tin-owing 
carbage  into  the  river.  The  next  year  it  was  ordered,  that  all  meat  blown  in  the  shambles 
should  be  seised,  and  disposed  of  to  the  prisoners  and  poor.  sGl5.  were  ordered  alderman 
Uevctt  for  entertaining  the  judges  of  assize  for  six  j'cars  past ;  and  every  inhabitant  was  directed 
to  pave  belure  his  door  in  such  manner  as  the  mayor  and  sheriffs  should  direct. 

16S7. 
That  the  charter  be  forthwith  taken  out,  and  that  it  is  the  sense  of  the  council  that  their 
liberties  be  enlarged  ibiir  myle,  lo  say,  to  Clare  Bridge,  and  so  proportionably  to  the  south- 
ward as  far  as  Oranmore,  and  in  the  west  as  far  as  Forbagh  to  the  sea  si;le,  and  as  i;ir  as 
Clyda'h  towards  the  lough,  and  that  the  old  priviledges  in  the  former  charters  before  164-1 
be  obi:i;uetl ;  that  is,  the  election  of  warden  and  the  mayor  to  be  vice-admiral  within  the  pre- 
cincts of  the  port,  and  he  and  the  recorder  to  be  justices  tliroughout  the  province. 


"  This  mayor  (the  only  Catholic  that  filicd  the  office  scizetl,  of    the  castles   of   Castle-Hackctt   and    Cahirc- 

sincc  1C54)  was  the  firit  proprietor  m  his  name,  of  the  Morris;  but  that   Mc.  Haikelt,   the  chief  of  his  name, 

ancient  e»! '.to  of  Castle-Hackett,  «Iiich  ori'^ir.allylicloiijjcd  and  others  of  th^j  sefjt  of  the  Hacketts,  claun  the  afore- 

to  th'.'   iiHckett  fmriily. —  Vide  page  16,  ii<ili:—By  inqni-  said   castle  of  Castle-Hacl:ctt,  with  the  two  quarters  of 

siti'jn  t;ik;Mi  2!itli  Jan.  1584,   it    was  foaiul,  "that   Uiic  hiinl  adjoining." — licvi.Olf. — This  ancient  sept  was  also 

.Mac  Hcdaiond  Mac  Jloylcr  died  on  the  •2-X  Sept.  1571,  driven  to  Mayo  after  IC-IJ,  and  is  now  nearly  extinct. 


220 


HISTORY    OF   GALWAY. 


Mayors. 

1688.  Dominick  Browne. 

1689.  The  same. 
1C90.     Arthur  French." 


Sheriffs. 

Francis  Blake  Fitz-Andrew. 
Domk.  Bodkin  Fitz- Patrick. 
Same. 

"WiHiam  Clear. 
Oliver  French. 


By-laws. 
1688.* 

On  the  petition  of  Joseph  Fl in,  master  of  the  joyners,  masons,  shipp-wrights,  plasterers, 
turners,  slaters,  sawyers,  upholsterers,  miliars  and  millwn'njhts,  a  new  charter  was  frranted  to 
those  different  Ejuilds,  and  a  similar  one  soon  after  to  the  company  of  tallow-chandlers,  soap- 
boilei-s  and  smiths.  It  was  afterwards  ordered,  that  all  the  natives,  and  others,  who  were  en- 
titled to  their  freedom,  might,  at  any  time,  attend  before  the  mayor,  and  be  sworn  without 
fees. 

1690. 

The  clerk  of  the  privy  council  having,  by  letter  of  the  15th  April,  signified  that  his  majesty 
(James  II.)  required  the  mayor  of  Galway  to  call  a  common  council,  and  agree  upon  such 
rates  of  provisions  as  they  should  judge  reasonable  between  buyer  and  seller,  the  following 
were  accordingly  ordered,  viz. — Iron  to  be  sold  to  the  retailer  at  18s.  the  cwt.  and  by  him  for 
22s. — salt  at  I5s.  the  barrel,  according  to  the  usual  measure  of  the  town,  and  to  be  retailed  at 
I7s.  6d.  being  IJ-rf.  for  each  quart  of  heapctl  measure — Flemish  hops  to  be  retailed  at  2s.  per 
lb. — stall-fed  beef,  the  best  not  to  exceed  2d.  for  the  choice  pieces,  and  i^r/.  by  the  quarter- 
ordinary  beef  not  to  exceed  Id.  per  lb. — mutton  id. — veal  and  pork  I  i^/.— bacon  'jil. — cheese 
'J}jd. — fresh  butter  id. — the  best  salt  butter  3d. — soap  'id. — candles  iSd. — French  wine  to  be 
sold  to  the  retailer  at  jflO  the  tun,  and  the  retailer  to  sell  it  at  12(/.  the  quart — brandy  to  be 
sold  to  the  retailer  at  £50  the  tun,  the  retailer  to  sell  it  at  15(/.  the  quart — the  best  beer  and 
ale  to  be  sold  at  2d.  the  quart — and  small  beer  at  ^d. — Lib.  C.  i* 


"  Colonel  Alexander  M'Donnell  was  mnyor  until  tlie 
Sth  of  December,  when  lie  was  rcPioveJ  by  order  of 
government,  iind  tlic  above  appointed. 

°  In  the  sunniier  of  IGss,  a  vast  swarm  of  insects,  of 
tlie  Scnrnbcus  or  beelle  kind,  appeared  on  the  S.  W. 
coast  of  Galway,  not  far  from  the  town  :  they  were 
brongh.t  by  a  S.  W.  wir.il,  and  proceeded  towards  Head- 
ford,  where,  and  in  the  adjacent  country,  they  lay  by 
thousands  among  the  trees  and  hedges,  hanging  to  the 
boughs  in  clusters,  and  sticking  to  the  backs  of  one 
another,  like  bees  when  they  swarm.  In  this  manner 
they  contiinicd  quiet  during  the  heat  of  tlve  day ;  but 
towards  evening  they  simultaneously  took  wing,  with  a 
strange  noise,  resembling  the  distant  beating  of  drums, 
and  in  such  vast  and  incredible  numbers,  as  to  darken  the 
air  for  many  miles  round.  In  a  short  time  they  devoured 
ail  the  leaves  of  the  trees;  and  the  country,  though  it 
was  then  the  niiildle  of  sunnncr,  was  left  as  naked  as  if 
it  had  l)ecn  the  depth  of  winter.  The  grinding  of  the 
leaves  in  the  mouths  of  this  vast  multitude  made  a  sound 
similar  to  the  sawing  of  timber.  They  destroyed  all  the 
pardons  round  the  country,  and  particularly  Mr.  Martin's 
btautil'ul  plantations  at  Dangan ;  entered  the  houses, 
and,  crawling  about,  fell  into  the  food  of  the  peojile  ; 
iind  wherever  they  happened  to  strike,  they  left  a  slight 


mark  behind.  Their  spawn  they  deposited  near  th» 
surface  of  the  ground,  where  it  did  considerable  damage, 
by  devouring  the  roots  of  the  corn  and  grass.  These 
formidable  invaders  weic,  however,  easily  killed  :  smoke 
was  their  greatest  enemy,  and  one  wet  da^  destroyed 
great  heaps  of  them.  They  proved  good  food  for  the 
swine  and  poultrj',  and,  according  to  some,  were  also 
used  by  the  poorer  sort  of  people.  From  the  time  of 
their  first  ajjpearanee  they  continued  to  proceed  progres- 
sively with  the  westerly  wind,  and  in  IGDC  they  reached 
the  Shannon ;  but  they  were  gradually  destroyed.  The 
year  before,  about  forty  or  fifty  liorsc-loads  were  found 
lying  dead  along  the  shores  of  the  bay  for  miles  westward 
of  Galway.  It  was  supposed  that  this  new  colony, 
coming  from  their  native  lands,  Normandy  or  Britanny, 
in  France,  met  with  a  coEitrary  wind,  which  having  blown 
them  into  the  sea,  they  were  drowned,  and  their  bodies  cast 
ashore.  Since  that  time,  however,  nothing  of  the  same 
kind  has  appeared. — See  lionle  and  Molincux's  Xal. 
History  of  Jrcland. 

"  These  prices  are  higher  than  might  have  been  expected 
at  so  distant  a  period  ;  but  they  were  considerably  en- 
hanced by  the  circumstances  of  the  times  and  the  situatiou 
of  tlie  town,  which  was  at  the  tunc  in  daily  expectntiou 
of  being  besieged. 


HISTORY   OF  GALWAY. 


221 


Sheriffs. 
John  Gibbs. 
Richard  "Wall. 
Same. 
Same. 

Thomas  Coneys. 
Francis  Knapp. 
James  Ribett  Vigic. 
Francis  Knapp. 
James  Ribett  Vigie. 
Marcus  Lynch. 
Jarvis  Hinde. 
Marcus  Lynch. 
Thomas  Poole. 
Jarvis  Hinde. 
Thomas  Poole. 
Samuel  Simeockes. 
Robert  Blakeney. 
Samuel  Simeockes. 
Robert  Blakeney. 
John  Broughton. 
John  Feuquire. 
John  Broughton. 
By-laws. 
1696. 
That  no  person  but  a  freeman  keep  open  shop  in  Galway  or  the  liberties  thereof,  or  sell 
or  expose  to  sale  any  wares  therein,  except  on  market  clays,  and  paying  quarterly."^ 

1701. 
That  the  two  last  mayors  do  pay  =£50  each  (out  of  the  arrears  due  to  them)  towards  building 
the  Exchange  or  the  Tiiolsel,  and  that  the  present  mayor  shall  have  j£200  salary,  allowing 
£oQ  for  tlie  same  purpose.  In  IVO-t  it  was  ordered,  that  no  mayor  should  have  more  than 
jfloO,  (in  no7  it  was  reduced  to  £).00,)  until  the  Tholsel  should  be  built,  and  that  the 
number  of  aldermen  should  not  exceed  twenty-six. 

1702. 
For  the  services  of  lieutenant-colonel  Nicholson  in  fortifying  Mutton  Island,  "  which  will 
encourage  shipping  to  resort  to  this  port,"  he  was  provided  with  lodgings  at  the  expense  of 
the  corporation. 


1C91. 

Mayors. 
Sir  Henry  Bellasyse,  bart 

1692. 
1693. 
1G94. 

Thomas  Revett. 
The  same. 
Thomas  Simeockes. 

1695. 

The  same. 

1696. 

Thomas  Cartwright. 

1697. 

John  Gerry. 

1698. 

The  same. 

1699. 

Thomas  Andrews.  ■* 

1700. 

Richard  Browne. 

1701. 

Thomas  Staunton. 

1702. 

The  same. 

'  This  mayor  bestowed  an  ornamental  case  to  preserve 
the  king's  swonl  in  St.  Nicholas's  church. 

'  This  oppressive  by-law  was  entirely  directed  against 
the  Roman  Catholic  inhabitants,  none  of  whom  were  then 
Irce.  They  petitioned  the  lords  justices  and  council 
against  it,  but  without  eft'ect;  it  continued,  therefore, 
rigidly  in  force  for  many  jears  after,  and  was  one  of  the 
principal  causes  of  the  decay  of  the  town. 

The)  car  1701  was  rendered  memorable  for  the  great 
slioals  of  herrings  which  v/ere  taken  ic  the  bay,  although 


only  seventy  fishing-boats  were  employed  during  the 
season.  On  the  night  of  the  ISth  of  September  they 
amounted  to  1000  barrels,  which  were  sold  for  is.Gd. 
and,  at  the  end  of  that  and  the  following  year,  for  8(/.  a 
thousand.  Codd  was  also  taken  in  snch  quantities,  thongh 
at  an  unusual  season,  that  the  best  was  sold  for  a  penny, 
and,  in  1705,  for  a  halfpenny  a  piece.  At  the  same  time, 
prime  mutton  .sold  in  the  tow  n  from  four  pence  to  six 
pence  a  quarter,  and  ordinary  small  mutton  for  thrtw 
pence,  and  [fm.—Aniiuk. 


222 


HISTOnY    OF    GALWAY. 


Mayors. 

1703.  James  Ribett  Vigie, 

1701..  John  Eyre.  ' 

1705.  The  same. 

170c.  The  same. 

1707.  Kichard  Wall. 

170s,  John  Gibbs. 

170fJ.  Jarvis  Hinde. 

1710.  Edward  Eyre. 

1711.  Tlie  same. 

1712.  The  same. " 

1713.  Robert  Blakcney. 

1711'.  The  same. 

1715.  The  same. 

I71G.  Robert  Coatcs. 

17 17.  The  same. 

171 8.  jVIark  Wall. 


Sheriflfs. 
John  Fenqiiire. 
George  Gerry. 
"William  Hinde. 
George  Gerry. 
Marc'us  Wall. 
William  Fisher. 
Same. 

William  Fisher. 
Henry  Lardner. ' 
Edward  Barrett. 
Henry  Lardnei". 
George  Staunton. 
Charles  Gerry. 
Robert  Mason. 
David  Tenant. 
Robert  Coates. 
Edward  Rhodes. 
Charles  Morgan. 
William  Moore. 
James  Lynch  Fitz-Marcus. 
Thomas  Smith. 
Same. 

Sanmel  Blood. 
Thomas  Hendron. 
John  Gibbs. 
Thomas  Hendron. 
Richard  Hutchinson. 
Geflrey  Cooke. 
John  Marmion. 
John  Grindleton. 


By-laws. 

170.5. 
Tliat  all  the  popish  sliop-kecpcrs  do  appear  before  council,  and  shew  cause  why  tliey  should 
not  pay  quartcridgc. 

17IS. 
Tlie  several  persons  who,   in  Xovember  and  December 
common  council,  having  been  so  elected  manifestly  vitli  a  t 


last,  were  elected  members  of  the 
esign  to  evade   the  statute  which 


'This  mayor  bestowed  £200  of  his   salary  towai'ds  eouncil,  alderman  Edward  Eyre  (whose  father,  in  1670, 

liuildin^'  tlie  Exchange.  obtained  a  lease  of  part  of  said   ground,   with  several 

'  Alderman  Edward  Eyre  objected  to  this  sheriff  for  other  parcels,)  declared  that  he  would  agree  to  grant  a 

having;  a  popish  wife.  piece  of  ground,  coiitaining  about  thirty  jierches,  for  that 

"  May  12th. — Thcneccssity  and  advantage,  to  the  town  purpose;    in  consi(ieration   of  which,    the   corporation, 

and  corporation,  of  having  a  spacious  entrance  open  and  (himself  being  n)a}or,)  on   the    19th   of  May  (bllowinp, 

imbuilt  licfore  Vv'illiam's-gate,  leading  to  the  east  suburbs  extended  the  term  of  his  lease  to  lives  renewable  for 

and  to  Boher-niore,  having  been  this  day  presented  in  ever. — Curjioration  Book. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


223 


Mayors. 

1719. 

Samuel  Simcockes. 

1720. 

The  same. 

1721. 

William  Ilinde. 

1722. 

The  same. 

1723. 

The  same. 

1724-. 

George  Gerry. 

172.5. 

George  Staunton. 

1726. 

Charles  Gerry. 

1727. 

Charles  Revett. 

1728. 

Richard  Revett. 

1729. 

John  Gibbs. 

Sheriffs. 

Robert  Andrews. 
John  Hautenville. 
Francis  Wheeler. 
Tliomas  Holhuid. 
Edward  Rhodes. 
Howell  Price. 
John  iVIarmion. 
James  Ribett. 
Jolm  Marmion. 
John  Cox. 

Richard  Hutchinson. 
Francis  Wheeler. 
Charles  Rivett. 
Erasmus  Irvin. 
Robert  French. 
Robert  M'Mullin. 
John  O'Hara. 
Robert  Cooke. 
Henry  Morgan. 
Francis  Simcockes. 
Patrick  Bkike. 
Andrew  Hohnes. 


By-laws. 


on  the  25th  of  said  month  of  Dec.  was  to  be  in  force,  and  in  order  to  perpetuate  the  govern- 
ment of  this  corporation  in  several  gentlemen,  and  others,  in  the  county  of  Gahvay,  and 
elsewhere,  who  have  no  interest  or  concern  in  the  town,  or  pay  any  scot,  lot,  or  other  contri- 
bution therein,  by  means  whereof  the  Protestant  inhabitants  are  greatly  discouraged,  and  that 
part  of  the  statute,  whereby  Protestants  are  encouraged  to  come  and  dwell  in  the  town,  will  bo 
frustrated,  if  not  prevented ;  ordered,  June  30th,  that  these  persons  be  no  longer  members 
of  the  common  coimcil. 


'  The  foUowinj;  document  will  shew  the  estimation  of 
the  Simcockes  lamiK'  in  Galwaj'  since  the  revolution  : — 
"We,  the  mayor,  recorder,  clerjiy,  and  the  rest  of  the 
Protestant  gentry  of  the  town  of  Galway,  do  certify  that 
Mr.  Richard  Simcockes,  of  this  town,  mariner,  is  de- 
scended from  an  ancient  Protestant  family  of  this  jilace  ; 
lluit,  soon  after  the  late  haii|iy  revolution  of  Kini^  \Vil- 
liain  111.  of  i^lorious  memory,  his  ,i;randfather,  alderman 
Thomas  Simcockes,  was  mayor  of  this  town  two  \  ears 
successively,  as  was  also  his  father,  alderman  Samuel 
Simcockes,  soon  after  the  accession  of  his  late  majesty. 
King  George  I.  when,  for  their  well-known  loyalty  and 
warm  attijction  to  his  illustrious  house  in  the  preceding 
critical  times,  both  his  grandfather  luid  faxlicr  wa'c,  at  tile 


same  time,  appointed  justices  of  the  peace  for  this  town, 
in  the  first  connnission  that  was  ever  granted,  pursuant  to 
an  act  of  parliament  then  made  for  strengthening  the 
Protestant  interest  therein,  and  were  honored  with 
conmiauds  in  the  militia  in  every  array  since  that  happy 
acra  ;  in  which  stations  tlicy  aci|uittcd  themselves  with 
integrity  and  credit,  agreeable  to  the  true  Protestant 
princi[)les,  which  they  always  professed,  ami  which  arc 
still  retained  by  their  descendants  now  living  liere,  as  we 
vei'ily  believe  they  are  by  the  said  Richard,  w  ho  is  married 
to  tfce  daughter  of  an  old  Protestant,  and,  during  his 
abode  here,  made  constant  jirofcssion  of  them. 

Given  under  our  liunds  this  25lh  of  February,  1752." 
Ori-.  MS.  siiiuid. 


221 


HISTORY    OF    GAL  WAY. 

Mayors. 

Sheriffs. 

1730." 

John  Staunton. 

Rickard  Fitz-Patrick. 
Nehemiah  JNIorgan. 

1731. 

Walter  Taylor. 

George  Staunton. 
Henry  Ellis. 

1732. 

Charles  Morgan. 

■    Nicholas  Staunton. 
Patrick  Blake,  junior 

1733. 

GeofFry  Cooke. 

Richard  Barrett. 
William  Fairservice. 

1734. 

John  Bird. 

John  Simcockes, 
Hugh  Wilkinson. 

1735. 

Dominick  Burke. 

Robert  Cooke. 
Anthony  Taylor. 

173(J. 

John  Staunton. 

Henry  Ellis. 
Patrick  Blake,  jim'wr 

1737. 

Dominick  Burke. 

Robert  M'Mullin. 
Thomas  Northeast. 

173s. 

Rickard  Fitz-Patrick. 

Rickard  Barrett. 
William  Fairservice. 

1739/ 

Henry  Ellis. 

Henry  Vauglian. 
Simon  Truelock. 

1710. 

Thomas  Holland. 

Aston  Swanwick. 
Henry  Lewin. 

1711. 

Robert  Cook. 

Croasdailc  Shaw. 
John  Johnson. 

l7l-~'. 

.lohn  Disney. 

(jeorge  Simcockes. 
Jolm  Hamlin. 

By-laws. 

1734. 

Tliiit  the  recorder,  for   tlic   time  being,  quatenus  recorder,  but   no   longer,  shall  sit  and 

vote  in   the  connnon  council,  though  not  admitted  a  member  thereof. — [repealed  21th  July, 

1772,  LiO.  I.) — Also  ordered,  that  £'M  be  paid  to  alderman  Ciiarles  Revctt,  apotliecary,  to 

furnish  his  shop  with  drugs,   proper  for  supplying  the  IVotcstants,  or  others. 


*  On  10th  June,  1730,  a  patent  for  an  additional 
iveekly  Monday  market,  and  four  additional  markets  on 
every  I'oiir  Fridays  next  before  Cliristiiias  day,  together 
^^■itll  three  additional  i'airs  on  20th  May,  10th  September 
and  loth  October,  to  be  held  on  tlie  square  plot  next 
the  cast  {;ate  of  the  town,  was  obtained  by  the  corpo- 
ration.— 4".  Geo.  II.  'J  }i. — (It  may  here  be  added,  that 
the  patent  for  a  fair  on  the  2-lth  August  and  the  two  days 
following,  to  be  held  at  Fair-hill,  or  at  the  abbey  of 
St.  Dominick,  near  Galway,  was  obtained  on  the  1 9th 
June,  1615,  by  Nicholas  Darcy,  esq. — 11°  Ja.  I.  2  p.) — 
In   the  same  year,    1730,  Andrew  Lynch  and  his  son? 


were  discharged  from   gateage,   customs  and  taxes,  for 
seven  years,  for  keeping  the  streets  clean. 

"•  During  the  great  frost  in  1739,  the  rivtT  was  frozen 
from  the  bridge  to  the  mouth  of  Loiigh-Corrih,  and 
continual  rea'cations  were  held  on  the  ice.  from  die 
Wood-quay  to  Newcastle  and  TerrihiTi-bridge.  This 
memorable  winter  was  followed  by  famine  and  pesti- 
lence, in  which  multitudes  of  the  poor  perished;  and, 
during  the  summer  of  1741,  an  epidemic  fever  raged  so 
violently  in  the  town,  that  the  judges  adjourned  the 
assizes  to  Tuani. — Annals.  1 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


90.!^ 


Sheriffs. 

Michael  Fairservice. 

Tobias  Sherwood. 

Charles  Ilanihn. 

Tiiomas  Sherwood. 

John  Johnson. 

John  Siiaw. 

George  Thomas. 

Francis  Wadnian. 

Geori^'e  Sliaw. 

Edward  Shiehis. 

Francis  Hopkins. 

Henry  Covey. 

Elias  Tankerville. 

John  iMandeville. 

John  Morgan. 

Jolin  Lof'tus. 

Ixichard  Mathews. 

George  Drury. 

Aston  Swanwick. 

Jose])h  Seymour. 
By- laws. 
17'lw. 
On  20th  February,  ordered,   that  .£900   be  granted   to  alderman  Rickard  Fitzpatrick,  Iiis 
heirs  and   assiigns,   by  mortgage  of  all  the  corporation  lands  and  revenues,  to  reimburse  liini 
his  expence  for  several  yeais,  in  assiduously  supporting  the  rights,  privileges  and  immunities 
of  the  corporation. — Also,  that  no  succeeding  mayor  be  allowed  any  salary  whatever,  but  by 
the  appointment  of  the  majority  of  the  common  council. 

1752. 
Ordered,  that  the  following  address  be  presented  to  his  majesty,  Geo.  II.  to  congratulate 
him  on  liis  safe  return  to  his  British  dominions  : — "  We,  the  mayor,  &c.  of  tliis  ancient 
and  loyal  corporation,  beg  leave,  with  humble  and  joyful  hearts,  to  congratulate  your 
ni:ijesty  on  your  safe  and  happv  return  to  your  British  dominions,  which  we  consiiier  as  the 
greatest  bles.-ing  to  all  your  subjects  ;  and  beg  leave  to  assure  your  majesty,  that  none  of  them 
are  more  truly  sensible  of  the  happiness  we  enjt)y  under  your  majesty's  mild  and  wise  adminis- 
tration, or  more  aidently  wish  a  long  continuance  of  it  ;  aiul  we  will  lay  hold  of  every 
occasion  of  testifying  the  most  unfeigned  and  zealous  loj'ally  ami  aficction  to  your  maiesty's 
person  and  government. — Dated  and  given  untler  our  common-seal,  at  the  Tholsel  in  Gahvay, 
the  lith  day  of  December,  1752." 


jMayors. 

174'3. 

Thomas  Shaw. 

17Ik 

George  Piirdon. 

171..5.' 

Jolni  Mills. 

I71G. 

Croasdaile  Sliaw 

17-1.7. 

James  O'Hara. 

I7-I8. 

James  Disney.  " 

17^9. 

Joliii  Eyre. 

1750. 

The  Hon.  Fras. 

Annesley. " 

1751. 

James  Staimton. 

1752. 

John  Hamlin. 

•The  year  IV-IJ  was   remarkable  for   a  great  full   of  corn  this  year,  whicli  greatly  rulicvcci  the  country, 

snow,  by  wiiicli   vast  nmiibers  of  sliecp  and  black-cattle  ''  This  year  a   double  return   was  made   to   the  pri\'7 

were  destroyed.      The  farmers  surrendered   their    hokl-  coimeil  for  mayor,  aiid  the}'  appro\ed  of  tlie  above,  who 

in"s,    and    the   best    lands    in   the   province    were    set  was  sworn,  by  his  father,  a  justice  of  the  peace  for  the 

for  5s.  an  acre.      Many,  who  took   long  leases  at  tliis  county.  7'he  last  major  held  over  until  he  was  cUspossesscil 

period,  were  enriched  in  tlie  space  of  a  few  years,  wheat  by  the  military. 

havini  soon  after  risen  from  Gs.  to  18,j.  a  cwt.     John  '  This  mayor  died  in  office,  and  John  Eyre  was  elected 

Freiicli,  merchant,  imported  upwcrds  of  3000/.  worth  of  in  his  place. 


r  r 


226 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Mayors. 

17o3. 

Ambrose  Poole. 

1751.. 

George  Simcockes. 

1755. 

Jolm  Shaw. 

1756. 

Patrick  Blake. 

1757. 

Robert  Cooke. 

1758. 

Edward  Shields. 

1759. 

Croasdaile  Shaw. 

1760. 

Thomas  French. 

1761. 

Charles  Revett. 

1762. 

Charles  Daly. 

I7G3. 

Henry  Ellis. 

17Gk 

Colonel  John  Eyre.'' 

1705. 

James  Daly. 

1766. 

Henry  White. 

1767. 

John  Gibson. 

176S. 

=  Thomas  Taylor. 

1769. 

Denis  Daly,  of  Dunsandle 

1770. 

Anthony  Daly. 

1771. 

Patrick  Blake. ' 

Sheriffs. 

John  Mandcville. 
James  Jones. 
John  Johnson. 
Samuel  Shone. 
George  Driiry. 
Hugh  Wilkinson. 
Edward  Murj)]iy. 
James  Galbraith. 
Same. 
Same. 

Richard  Blake. 
Hugh  INIontgomery. 
James  Foster. 
Henry  Covey, 
James  Galbraith. 
John  INIandeville. 
Richard  Blake. 
Hngh  Montgomery. 
Edward  Mur})hy. 
James  Galbraith. 
Elias  Tankerville. 
Charles  Lopdell. 
Luke  Dodgworth. 
Hugh  Wilkinson. 
George  Lewis. 
Hugli  Montgomery. 
Charles  Daly. 
Edward  Sliiclds. 
Samuel  Grace. 
Robert  M'Miillin. 
Ednumd  Fitz-Patrick. 
Richard  Blake. 
George  Diury. 
Elias  Tankerville. 
Thomas  Chitterbuck. 
Luke  Thomas. 


*  Tliis  year  thci-e  wa';  n  double  return  for  mayor.  The 
faiiiiidates  were  RickardFitzpatrick,  and  Richard  Martin, 
of  Danean.  Neither  being  aiijirovcd  of  by  the  privy 
•.oiiniil,  another  election  was  directed,  when  the  above 
mayor  \vr4S  approved  of,  and  accordingly  sworn. 

"  ITO's,  Tlinrsday,  October  -Ith. — Francis  Lynch,  of 
Rahoon,  was  ■^worn  one  of  the  grand-jurors  of  the  town, 
and  v>as  the  fivsi  i;unLL!n  Oathojic  v.lio  served  as  s-uch 


'  For  soine  years  after  this  the  town  was  considcraMf 
agitated  by  corporate  disputes  Ijctwecn  this  mayor,  liii 
successor,  and  their  respective  friends. — {Sec  p.  18S.^ 
In  Michaeliuas-terni,  1  772,  application  was  made  to  lilt 
King's-bcnch  for  liljerty  to  file  an  information  apiiriii 
Denis  Daly  for  usurping  the  office  of  mayor  thai  year,  but 
witliont  efl'cct;  judgment  of  ouster  was,  however,  ohtaiiinj 
by  the  sheriffs.  The  former  officers,  at  the  same  time,  held 
over,  ami  retained  the  corporation  seal,  and  were  rcgularlj 


HISTORY    OF    GALV.'AY, 


227 


INIayors. 

1772.  Denis  Daly. 

1773.  Cliarlcs  French. 
I77'l'-     Rev.  Edmoncl  French, 

1775.  Elias  Tankerville.  ^ 

1776.  James  Shee. 
1777-  Denis  Daly. 
177s.  Peter  Daly. 

Bv-laws. 


Sheriffs. 

Thomas  Bodkin. 
John  Thomas. 
John  Morgan. 
Jlobert  .Squibb. 
George  '1  iiomas. 
Samuel  Grace. 
Robert  OTIara. 
James  Shee. 
Samuel  Grace. 
James  Biuke. 
Robert  Squibb. 
"William  Burnett. 
John  Morgan. 
Michael  Kelly. 


Orilcrod,  tlint  the  frccdoni  of  this  corporation  be  presented,  in  a  gold  box,  to  the  rin-ht 
lioiiorable  W'altti-  Biirgli,  accoiDpaiiicd  wiili  the  following  address: — "  We,  the  mayor,  &c. 
fuHv  sensible  of  the  gri'at  ability  and  diligence  manifested  liy  you  in  a  judicial  character  anionn-st 
u-;,  :nul   of  llie  virtue    and   (irniiiess  exerted   in  your  legislative  capacity,    beg  leave,   as  a  small 

mark  of  our  gratitude,  to  ofler  you  the  frc^ecloni  of  this  ancient  and  once  flourishini  town .1 

ilistiiiction  which  your  spirited  endeavours  have  so  eminently  contributed  to  recover.  We 
iniist,  at  the  same  time,  in  common  with  the  rest  of  Ireland,  Ian  ent  the  prevalence  of  those 
coiuicils  which  extorted  a  resignation  from  tiiat  servant  of  the  crown,  in  wliom  the  people 
implicitly  conMded,  and  whose  wisdom  adopted  the  only  remaining  mode  ot  averting  the  ruin 
of  this  countrv." 


; 


elected  for  some  years  after,  but  not  approved  of  by  the 
privy  council ;  and  tliou^-b  the  town  hud  thus  to  bo:ist  of 
so  many  ninglstvatcs,  it  was,  in  fact,  never  less  peaceable 
lliiin  dnrinu'  that  period.  John  Staunton,  the  recorder, 
died  on  the  sd  December,  1772.  James  O'Hara,  co;in- 
sillor,  was  elected  and  sworn  in  his  place  by  tiie  approvctl 
partv,  and  Martin  Kirwan,  counsellor,  by  the  other;  and, 
alti\ouj;h  judgment  of  ouster  was  oljtained  against  the 
former  for  usurpation,  he  still  retained  the  office.  No 
other  charge  took  place  until  the  death  of  Clntterbuck, 
one  of  the  adverse  sheriffs,  in  1774,  when  his  place  was 
Hijiplicd  bv  Henry  Covey,  bnriiess. — Orig.  MS. 

'  This  year  a  petition  was  presenteil  to  the  lord  lieute- 
nant and  conned,  statin;;,  that  on  the  1st  of  August, 
Patrick  Blake,  mayor,  Martin  Kirwan,  recorder,  Henry 
Covev,  esq.  one  of  the  sheriffs,  and  about  sixty  of  the 
comiiion  council,  assembled,  between  eleven  and  one 
o'clock,  at  n  convenient  place  within  the  town,  and 
proceeded  to  the  election  of  corporate  officers ;  that  peti- 
tioners, Saiiuiel  Snncockes,  Martin  Kirwan,  Charles 
Revett,  Charles  Truelock,  and  John  Haudin,  were  elected 
and  chosen  mayor,  recorder,  shei'itT,  and  town-clerk,  and 
that  their  names  had  been,  tlierenpon,  presented  to  U;e 


privy  council :  but  tliat  afterwards,  on  the  same  day,  the 
reverend  Edmond  French,  who  took  upon  himself  to 
act  as  mayor,  and  Samuel  Grace  and  George  Thonjas,  as 
sheriff's,  presided  at  a  pretended  assen)bly  of  the  conunon 
council,  for  the  same  purpose.  That,  petitioners  and 
many  members  of  the  common  council  there  present, 
protested  against,  and  objected  to,  the  legality  of  that 
assembly  ;  but,  notwithstanding,  James  O'liara,  Thomas 
Bodkin,  John  Thomas,  and  Denis  Daly,  with  several 
other  persons  who  usurped  the  offices  of  common  council- 
men,  insisted  that  said  election  should  proceed,  and, 
accordingly,  took  upon  themselves  to  elect  the  officers 
above  iianied,  i\\\d  present  them  to  the  ]irivy  council  for 
approbation,  though  not  in  the  name  or  under  the  com- 
mon seal  of  the  corporation. — Petitioners,  therefore, 
prayed  to  be  heard  by  council,  and  that  they  should  be 
approx  ed  of,  and  the  others  disallowed. — Orig.  jI/5, — 
'J'liis  petition,  however,  fell  to  tlie  ground ;  and  the 
entire  opposition  being  attributed  to  the  circumstance  of 
originally  admitting  Patrick  Blake  to  be  sworn  mayor, 
none  but  members  of  the  name  and  family  of  Daly  have 
been  mayors  of  Gahvay  since  the  year  after  this  pe" 
riod» 


22S 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Mayors. 

1779." 

Hyacinth  Daly. 

17S0. 

Denis  Daly. 

17SI. 

Hyacinth  Daly. 

17Se. 

Anthony  Daly. 

1783. 

Denis  Daly. 

1784. 

Denis  Bowes  Daly. 

1785. 

Denis  Daly. 

I78C. 

Rev,  Ralph  Dal}'. 

1787. 

Denis  Bowes  Daly. 

1788. 

Denis  Daly. 

1789. 

Peter  Daly. 

1790. 

Denis  Bowes  Daly. 

1791. 
179'2. 
1793. 

St.  George  Daly. ' 
Richard  Daly. " 
Denis  Bowes  Daly. 

179'i. 

Major  Peter  Daly. 

1795. 

Hyacinth  Daly. 

1796. 

St.  George  Daly. 

1797. 

Hyacinth  Daly. 

1798. 

Denis  Bowes  Daly. 

Sheriffs. 

James  Burke. 
Samuel  Grace. 
John  Bradley. 
Sanniol  Grace. 
]\lichael  Kelly. 
Samuel  Grace. 
Michael  Kelly. 
John  Bradley. 
John  Lynch. 
'\^"ilIiam  Frazer. 
John  Morgan. 
John  Bradley. 
Robert  Squibb. 
John  Bradley. 
John  Morgan. 
Luke  Thomas. 
Michael  Kelly. 
Charles  Donnellan. 
William  Frazer. 
Robert  Squibb. 
Michael  Kelly. 
Edmund  Fitzpatrick. 
John  Bradley. 
Robert  Squibb. 
Same. 
Same. 

Thomas  Browne. 
Charles  Morgan. 
Peter  Daly. 
Edmund  Fitzpatrick. 
John  Bradley. 
Robert  Squibb. 
Hyacinth  Daly. 
Michael  Burke. 
Denis  Bowes  Daly. 
F'dmund  Fitzpatrick. 
St.  George  Daly. 
Hyacinth  Daly. 


i"  1779,  May  olst,  the  Galwav  volunteers  were  cnibo-  Alicli.  Blako.csq.  of  Frcnclifort,  capt.  of  tlieliglit  infantrs. 

r'.icil,  ai.U  the  followhig  offieci's  elected  :  i\Ir.  Jasper  Lynch,  adjutant. 

){ic!i-.r,;  Martin,  esq.  of  Dangan,  colonel.  '  Brother   of  tlic   rinlit  honorahle   Denis    Daly,   and 

.lan-.cs  Shoe,  esq.  deputy  mayor,  lientcnant-colonel.  afterwards  one  of  the  judi:es  of  the  King's-bench." 

John  K'laI.e,  esr>.  of  Coolcun,  major.  ^  This  major  died  in    ofHcc,  and  Deiiis  Bowes  Dah, 

.».  O'l-Ii-.-a,  esq.  recorder,  capt.  of  grenadier  company,  esq.  succeeded  to  the  end  of  the  year, 
•'•li.rk  I.yi:cli.  ts  j.  capt.  of  the  IxUti'.llion  company. 


niSTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


229 


Mayors. 

1799.  Colonel  Peter  Daly. 

1800.  Hyacinth  Daly. 

ISOl.  Colonel  Peter  Daly. 

ISO'2.  Hyacinth  Daly. 

1803.  Denis  Bowes  Daly. 

1801'.  James  Daly. 

1805.  Hyacinth  Daly. 

ISOG.  Denis  Bowes  Daly. 


ISO7. 
1808. 
1809. 
ISIO. 
1811. 
1812. 


The  same. 
Hyacinth  Daly. 
Denis  Bowes  Daly. 
James  Daly. 
Hyacinth  Daly. 
Denis  Bowes  Daly. 


1813.  Hyacinth  Daly. 

1814.  James  Daly. 

1815.  Hyacinth  Daly. 
I8IG.  The  same. 
I8I7.  Parnell  Gale. 


1S18. 
I8I9. 


James  Daly. 
Tlie  same. 


Sheriffs, 

Denis  Bowes  Daly. 

John  Thomas. 

Thomas  Browne. 

John  Thomas. 

Same. 

John  Strogen. 

JNIichael  Dillon. 

Same. 

Same. 

Michael  Dillon. 

Charles  O'Hara. 

William  Mason. 

Charles  O'Hara. 

Same. 

Same. 

Same. 

Same. 

Same. 

Thomas  Browne. 

Francis  Eagar. 

Jethro  Bricknell. 

Francis  Eagar. 

Same. 

Same. 

Same. 

Michael  Dillon. 

Matthew  T.  Smyth. 

Same. 

Same. 


Cu 


Ed«-. 

III. 

1361, 

:M:iV 

20,   . 

1375. 
1396, 

INIay 
Nov. 

10, 

Rich 

II. 

s,  . 

, 

Jan. 

26,  . 

IJcii. 

IV. 

1105, 

Mm: 

12,   . 

EiUv. 

IV. 

]  4-6-1-, 

Aug. 

28,   . 

Rich 

III. 

MSI, 

Dec. 

15,'  . 

lien. 

VIII 

1515, 

July 

3,  . 

E(l-,v. 

VI. 

15I-9, 

Nov. 

6,  . 

Elizo 

). 

157.^, 

July 

H-,   . 

Jamc 

sl. 

1610, 

Dl-c. 

IS,  . 

riias 

II. 

iG-r>, 

Au-. 

M,  . 

.hu-AC 

-■  IL 

]&'l, 

Ua:. 

12,   . 

.  MLiiage  Charter.  T       Of  these 

.  Charter  of  Incorporation,    >■  enrolments 
.  Charter  of  Confirmation,     J  by  inspexin 


ARTERS  GRANTED  TO  THE  CORPORATION. 

Murage  Charter.— Tiof.  Pat.  34  7?rfiu.  ///.  Tower  of  London. 
Charter  of  the  Staple. — Id.  id  Edw.  III.  Berniingham  Tower. 
Murage  Charter.  ")       Of  these    three    charters    there    no 

extant,  but  they  are  recited 
peximus  in  the  succeeding  grants. 
i:ike.- Rot.  Pat.  4  Edn:  IV.  Tower  of  London. 
New  Charter  of  Incorporation.     No  enrolment  extant,  but   recited 

in  the  subsequent  cliarters. 
Former  charters  confirmed  and  new  privileges  granted. — Itot.  Mem, 

36  Hen.  VIII.  Hem. -office. 
Clur.ter  of  Confirmation. — Rot.  Pat.  3  Ediv.  VI.  Rolls-office. 
New  charter  granting  various  privileges. — Rot.  Pat.  20  EUz.  ih. 
Chai'ter    appointing   first   sheriffs,    and    erecting    the    town   into    a 

separate  county. — Rot,  Put.  8  Jas.  I.  ib. 

New  Charier  of  Incorporation Rot.  Pat.  22  Cha.  II.  ih. 

Like.     (Inoperative  since  IGOl.) — Rol.  Pat.  1  Jama  II.  ih. 


230 


IIISTOUV    OF    GALWAY. 


Recorders. 
The   corporation   was  first  empowered   by  the   charter    of 
recorders.     The  lirst  elected  was  Dominick  INIartin,  in  ]505. 
and  sworn  annually  with  the  mayors  and  sjierifis. 


15V5.  Dominick  Martin. 
IGIO.  Damian  Peck.  ' 

Dominick  iMartin. 

1G2.5.  Sirilcnry Lynch, bart.' 
1630.  Stephen  Lynch. 

1632.  Marcus  IMartin. 

1633.  Stephen  Lynch. 
163G.  Thomas  Lynch  Fitz- 

Marcus. 
lOL-S.  John  Blake. 
1G,54.  Robert  Clarke. 
1655.  Henry  Greneway. 
IG57.  James  Cuffc. 
165[).  Edward  Eyre. 


1GG3.  Hcnrv  ^^'Ilalev. 
IGGG.  John  Shadwell 
IG7O.  William  Sprigg. 
IGSG.  Sir  Henry  Lynch,  bart. 
16S7.  Thomas  Lynch  Eitz- 

Isidore. 
I69L  Nehcmiah  Donnellan. 
1G91-.  AViliiam  Handcock. 
16<)5.  Robert  Ormsby. 
1706.  John  Staunton. 
1717.  Arthur  Ormsby. 
171s.  Robert  Shaw. 
17-5.  John  Staunton. 
1I73O.  Thomas  Staunton. 


1737. 
173s. 
1739. 
1717. 
171'9. 
1750. 
17.02. 
17GL 
1772. 
1773. 
177-1'. 
IS19. 


Elizabeth  to  elect 
They  are  chosen 

Robert  Shaw. 
Edward  Eyre. 
Dominick  Rurkc. 
Eyre  Ercnch. 
John  Staunton. 
John  Morgan 
James  Staunton. 
John  Staunton. 
James  O'Hara. 
John  Morgan. 
James  OTiara 
James  0'Hara,jun, 


Town  Clerks. 
The  duty  now  performed  by  tlie  town-clcrk  was  originally  executed  by  a 
corjjorate  officer,  called  a  notary  ;  wln'cli  office  was  filled  by  Nicholas  Mulligan 
from  1539  to  15G1,  and  by  Thomas  Coleman  from  15G1  to  1573;  also,  during 
the  reign  of  queen  Elizabeth,  Anthony  Dermot,  Marcus  Martin  and  Christopher 
Efrcnch,  were  successively  notaries,  as  appears  by  the  corporation-book  A. 
where  their  names  occur  signed  to  several  official  acts ;  and  Nicholas  Lynche 
appears  also  to  have  been  "  town-clerk"  in  15f^5. — (vide  page  209.)  The 
charter  of  Charles  II.  first  gave  a  power  to  api)oint  "  some  discreet  person  to 
be  town-clerk." — Jerome  Russell  was  the  first  appointed,  and  to  Iiim  succeeded, 

IG79.  Robert  Shaw. 
1()71<.   Richard  Rcvctt. 
17^8.  Robert  M'MuUen. 
1729.   Richard  Revett. 
I73G.  Alexander  Lynch. 


:i738.  Robert  Cook. 
JI71I.  Robert  M'iMullen. 
1 1742.  Robert  Cook. 
II757.  James  O'Hara. 
I177L  Robert  O'Hara. 


1775.  James  O'Hara. 

1777.   Robert  O'Hara. 
'  177''^-  James  O'Hara. 
11789.   Robert  O'Hara. 
'18I2.  John  O'Hara. 


'  Tliis  rccortlcr  wns  elected  under  the  cliarter  of  Jas.  I.  "  Sir  Henry  Lvncli  was  tliis  year  appointed  one  of  tlic 

and  his  tee  v\;\s  angnicnteil,  |)roviik'd  he  should  not  name  barons  of  the  Excliequer;  and  iiis  successor  (wliu,  at  his 

a  tlepntv  without  the   consent  of  tlie  mayor,    aldermen  request,    was  noniinatetl    rccoriler)  iietitioncd   lord    Tvr- 

aud  freemen,     llis  election  took  place  in  consequence  of  council  that  he  niiyht  he  di-.pensed  with  from  taliin"  the 

his  predecessor  hiivini;  refused  to  take  the  oath  of  snpre-  oath  of  supremacy,  which  was  accordingly  yrauted.     lie 

inacy  ;  but  l.e  doci  not  appear  to  have  continued  long  in  was  sworn  into  office  on  the  1 8th  of  JNIav,  H;«7. 
office,  for  the  preeeduig  i-ecordcr  iiniuediatcly  after  suc- 
ceeded, and  continued  until  1625. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  -   231 

J  Parliamentary  IIephesextation  of  Galwav,  and  a  List  op  the  Members- 

H  FOR  the  Town  since  the  Reign  of  Elizabeth. 

% 

:,{  The  most  ancient  sninmonses  to  the  parliament  of  Ireland  extant,  are  directed 

*■  to  tlic  barons  and  members  by  name.     In  the  year  1310,   Richard  de  Biirgo  was 

I         siimnioned    for  C'onnaught. — Rot.  Clans,  3  FaItc.  II. — In  subsequent  records  of 
f  that  and  tlie  succeeding  reign,  otiier  members  of  the  same  family  were  summoned 

?  J'or  the  "county  of  Connaught." — Id.  4G  and  4.-8  Ediv.  III. — After  tliis  period, 

writs  were  directed  to  tlie  sheriffs  of  counties  and  magistrates  of  cities  and  towns. 
It  does  not  appear  that  Oalway  returned  any  members  to  the  memorable  Irish 
parliament  convened  at  "Westminster  in  ISyO  ;  but,  on  the  ^'^d  of  January,  the 
year  following,  the  provost  and  bailiffs  were  summoned  to  appear  at  a  parliament 
to  beheld  at  Trisdeldermot,  on  Monday  next  after  the  feast  of  embers;  and  they 
were  afterwards  lined  z£\Oi)  for  not  attending. — Rot.  Clans.  1  Ric/i.  II. — Alike 
summons  issued,  dated  11th  .Sej)tcml)er,  1380. — Id.  dc  aim.  1. — another  29th 
April,  13S!:3,  and  one  in  139 1. — Id.  de  Ann.  5  and  18. — Similar  summonses  at 
the  same  time  issued  to  the  provost  and  bailiffs  of  Athenry.  In  the  great  roll  of  the 
Pipe,  11  Hen.  VI.  in  Berm.  Tower,  the  chief  magistrate  and  constable  of  Galway 
were  fined  lOOs.  because,  at  the  council  of  the  lord  the  king,  on  Friday  next  after 
the  feast  of  St.  Nicholas  the  bishop,  in  the  8th  year  of  the  king's  reign,  they 
neither  attended  by  themselves  nor  by  proxy,  nor  returned  the  king's  writ  to 
them  at  that  time  directed.  The  same  roll  contains  an  entry  of  another  fine  of 
^10  against  them,  because  they  did  not  return  the  king's  writ  to  the  parliament 
lield  at  Dublin,  on  Friday  next  after  the  feast  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  in  the  9th 
year  of  the  king;  and  in  anotiier  record  {Rot.  Fat.  28  Hen.  FI.)  the  sovereign 
and  provost  of  the  tov.'n  are  fined  £i'0  for  not  returning  the  king's  writ  to  them, 
directed  to  the  parliament,  held  at  Drogheda  on  Tuesday  next  after  the  feast  of 
St.  jNIark,  1 150. — Of  the  names  of  the  members  comprising  the  several  parlia- 
ments of  Ireland  before  the  year  loJ9  there  is  no  account  extant;  but,  from  that 
period  to  the  present,  the  following  is  a  correct  list  of  the  successive  represen- 
tatives of  the  town  of  Gahvay: 


15J9-  Jonoke  Lynce,  of  Galwa}'. 
Peter  Lynce,  of  same. 

[For  llic  parliamciU  of  15C3  no  IKt  extant.] 

158J.  Peter  Lynche. 
Jonoke  Lynche. 
Ptobuck  French  Fitz-Jolm. 


1G31.  Sir  Thos.  Elakc,  of  Menlogh,  hart. 

Nicholas  Lynch,  of  Galway,  aid, 
1G39.  Sir  Robert  Lynch,  of  same,  hart. 

Sir  Valentine  Blake,  of  ISIenlogli, 
bart. 

[EsiicIIlhI  '2Qd  June,  1GI2,  for  tlie  ixbcllion.] 


1G13.  Valentine  Blake,  of  Muckinis,  aid.  iGGl.  Edward  Eyre,  esq. 

Gcof.Lynch  Fitz-Dom.  of  Galway. j  John  Eyre,  of  I'-yrccourt. 


,._i 


232 


IIISTOKY    OF    GALWAY. 


I6S9.  Oliver  Martin,  esq. 
John  Kir  wan,  esq. 

[rarliamcm  of  James  II.] 

1692.  Sir  Henry  Bellasyse,  ]<nt. 

Nehemiah  Donnellan,  esq. 

IG95.  Richard  St.  George,  esq.  of  Kil- 

rush,  Co.  Kilkenny. 

Robert  Ormsby,  esq. 
1703.  John  Staunton,  of  Gahvay,  esq. 

Edward  Eyre,  esq. 
1713.  John  Staunton,  esq. 

Samuel  Eyre,  of  Eyrecourt,  esq. 
1711-  John  Staunton,  esq. 

Robert  Shaw,  jun.   esq 

Edward  Eyre,  esq. 

[John  Staunton  mis-elected.] 

1727-  Jolin  Staunton,  esq. 

Thomas  Staunton,  esq.  aid. 
1732.  Thomas  Staunton,  esq. 

[Alderman  Tliomas  Staunton  deceased.] 

1735.  Dominick  Burke,  esq. 
171-7.  Rickard  Fitz-Patrick,  esq. 

John  Eyre,  of  Eyrecourt.  esq. 

[Uickard  Fitz-l'atiick  mis-elected.] 


1761.   John  Eyre,  esq. 

Rickard  Fitz-Patrick,  esq. 
I7C7.  Denis  Daly,  of  Dunsandlc,  esq. 

[Rickavd  Fitz-Patrick,  deceased.] 

17C)S.  James  Daly,  of  Dunsandle,   esq. 

Robert  Frencli,  of  Ivlonivea,  esq. 
177   .   Robert  French,  esq. 

Anthony  Caly,  of  Callow,  esq. 
I77C.  Denis  Bowes  Daly,  esq. 

Anthony  Daly,  esq. 
1733.   The  same. 

[Antliony  Daly,  esq.  in  the  room*  of  Denfs  Daly, 
who  made  his  election  to  serve  for  the  Co. 
Galway.] 

1790.  Right  honorable  Denis  Daly. 
Sir  Skeffington  Smyth,  bart. 

1792.  Right  honorable    Sir  Skeffington 
Smyth,  bart. 
Peter  Daly,  esq. 

[Sworn  19th  June,  1792,  in  the  rooin  of  his  brother, 
the  right  honorable  Denis  Daly,  deceased.] 

1799-   St.  George  Daly,  esq. 
George  Ponsonby,  esq. 

[St.  George  Daly  re-elected,  having  accepted  the 
oiKce  of  his  majesty's  prime  sergeant  at  law, 
Sworn  L'od  February,  1799.] 


Imperial  Parliament. 


ISOi.  Denis  Bowes  Daly,  esq. 

1805.  James  Daly,  of  Dunsandle,  esq. 

1812.  The  honorable  Fred.  Ponsonby. 


1814.  Valentine  Blake,  of  Mcnlo,  esq. 

[The  honorable  Fredi-rick  Ponsonby  mis-elected.] 

1818.  Valentine  Blake,  esq. 


THE 


HISTORY 


OF 


PART  III. 


THE  ECCLESIASTICAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  TOWN  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 

Collegiate  Church  of  St.  'Nicholas.  * 
This  ancient  and  venerable  edifice,  which,  for  extent  and  architectural  beauty, 
is  inferior  to  very  few  ecclesiastical  foundations  in  the  kingdom,  stands  a  lasting 
testimonial  of  the  piety,  wealth   and  jniblic    spirit  of  its  founders,  the  former 


'  The  festival  of  St.  Nicholas  is  celebrated  on  tlic  6th 
of  December.  lie  was  a  native  of  Wyi'a,  an  archiepis- 
copal  see,  and  the  capital  of  Lycia,  in  Asia,  of  whicii  he 
was  elected  archbishop.  He  died  there  A.D.  3-12;  and 
tlic  universal  honor  in  which  this  holy  man  was  held 
testifies  his  great  merit  and  sanctity.  He  was  particularly 
esteemed  the  protector  of  mariners,  who  never  failed, 
on  going  to  sea,  to  implore  his  mediation  for  a  snc- 
ccsbfal  \oya;;c  ;  and  he  was  also,  from  the  innocence  of 
his  life,  lield  to  bo  tlie  patron  of  children.  A  curious 
illustration  of  tlie  life  of  this  primitive  saint  is  contained 
in  doctor  Milner's  excellent  History  of  W'incliester.  In  his 
Life  liy  Aiban  Butler,  the  folhjv.ing  account  of  the  tr.ans- 
lation  of  his  relics  to  Italy  is  taken  from  Surins  and 
others : — "  (,'crtain  merchants  of  Bari,  a  seaport  in  the 
kingdom  of  Xapler.,  situate  on  the  Adriatic  (Julf,  sailed  in 
three  sliips  to  the  coast  of  Lycia,  aiul,  watciiiug  an  oppor- 
tuait}  when  no  Maliomctaiis  were  near  tlie  place,  went 


to  the  church  in  which  the  relics  of  St.  Nicholas  were 
kept,  which  stood  in  a  desert  place,  three  miles  from  the 
sea,  and  was  guarded  by  a  small  community  of  monks. 
They  broke  open  the  marble  coffin  in  wliich  the  sacred 
bones  lay,  and  carried  them  oil"  to  their  ships.  The 
inliabitants,  upon  the  a!ai-ni  given,  pursued  them  to  the 
shore  with  horrible  outcries;  but  the  Europeans  were 
got  safe  on  board.  They  landed  at  Bari  on  the  9th  of 
May,  1087,  and  the  sacred  treasure  was  deposited  by  the 
archbibhop  in  the  church  of  St.  Stephen.  On  the  first 
day  thirty  persons  were  cured  of  various  distempers; 
and,  from  that  time,  the  tomb  of  St.  Nicholas  of  Bari  has 
been  tamous  for  pilgrimages. — Tliis  enterprise  could  only 
be  justified  by  the  laws  of  a  just  war,  joined  with  the 
apprehension  of  the  sacrilei;ious  impiety  of  the  Mahom- 
etans."—r,,/.  XII. 

The  collegiate  seal,  above  delineated,  represents  St. 
Nicholas  with  his  mitre,  crozier,  &c.  At  his  riyht  appear, 
G 


C34 


lirSTOrcY    OF    GALWAT. 


inliabitants  of  Galw.ny.  It  is  situate  on  a  gentle  eminence,  nearly  on  the  north- 
west extremity  of  the  town,  and  contig'uous  to  the  river,  on  the  .site  of  a  small 
chapel,  which  was  the  original  and  only  place  of  worship  belonging  to  tlic 
settlers,  until,  their  wealtli  and  affluence  having  increased  with  their  industry 
niiJ  trade,  they  resolvetl  to  adorn  the  town  by  erecting  a  more  superb  structiuv 
i'or  the  service  of  the  Deily.  The  present  church  was  accordingly  founded  in 
1.J'20,  and,  on  its  completion,  w'as  solemnly  dedicated  to  St.  Nicholas  of  jMvra, 
the  tutelar  saint  of  mariners,  who  was  chosen  as  the  patron  of  the  town  in 
consequence  of  its  early  and  extensive  commerce.  Tlic  original  foundation 
was  gradually  enlarged  by  the  piety  of  individual  benefactors,  until,  in  course 
of  time,  it  became  one  of  the  finest  ecclesiastical  structures  in  Ireland. 

The  town  of  Galvvay  originally  belonged  to  the  diocess  of  Enachdune,  an 
ancient  bishoprick,  united  in  lo'-2h  to  the  archiepiscopal  sec  of  Tuam. "  Since 
this  union  the  churcli  of  St.  Nicholas  was  governed  by  vicars,  instituted  by  that 
see,  who  were  commonly  of  Irish  extraction,  and,  of  course,  entirely  different  from 
their  English  parishioners,  as  well  in  their  principles  as  in  their  manners  and  com- 
mon habits  of  life.  In  this  state,  discontents  and  jealousies  between  the  clergy  and 
their  flock  were  inevitable.  The  latter  constantly  complained  that  their  Irish 
])astors  were  generally  prejudiced  against  them,  as  being  of  English  origin,  ami 
that  they  invariably  countenanced  and  abetted  their  own  friends  and  kinched  of  the 
Irish  race,  by  whom  the  town  was  on  all  sides  surrounded,  and  with  whom  tlie 
town's-people  were  in  a  state  of  continual  hostility.  The  affairs  of  religion  being 
thus  circumstanced  within  the  town,  Donatus  O'M array,  who  was  elected 
archbishop  of  Tuam  in  11.58,  at  length  interfered,  and,  in  consideration,  as  is  said, 
of  an  ample  equivalent  bestowed  by  the  inhabitants,  and  annexed  to  the  sec,  he  of 
his  own  authority  erected  the  church  of  St;  Nicholas  into  a  collegiate  of  exempt 
jurisdiction,  by  letters  under  his  seal,  dated  the  28th  September,  118i, "  and  to  it 
united  the  parish  church  of  St.  James  of  Balenclaer,  (now  Clare  Galway.)  This 
act  having  obtained  the  sanction  of  pope  Innocent  AT II.  by  bull,  dated  the 
sixth  of  the  Ides  of  Eebruary  following,  (as  particularly  detailed  in  a  former  part 


kneeling,  tlic  three  vii-gins  whom  he  rescued  from  tlic 
(lunger  of  prostitution  ;  and  on  a  table  at  his  left,  the 
tlirce  purses  of  money  with  wliicl)  he  jjerfornied  that  siy- 
n.al  act  of  charitj'.    This  seal  is  coeval  with  the  wardenship. 

''  This  union  atlbrds  as  singular  an  instance  of  clerical 
ntpacity  as  occurs  in  the  ecclcMastical  annals  of  Ireland. 
In  Harris's  valuable  edition  of  Ware  a  detailed  account  of 
tile  entire  transaction  is  given,  which,  after  a  careful  exa- 
mination by  the  author  with  the  original  records  in  13ir- 
liiMigliaM  Tower,  was  found  particularly  Just  and  accurate. 

'  This  intercoting  doeument  (which  will  be  found  in  the 
Ar;'c;u;ix,  JS'o.  I.)  was  s!i|)poseil,  for  the  two  last  cen- 
'.11  ■:.■:,  to  have  been  lost :  it  was,  liowe\cr,  lately  found 
v.i)iO'  ^,t  a   pa-ce!    of  an.'jient  AI'^S.  i)v  the  autli'pr,  v. Iio 


expects  to  have  it,  with  several  other  original  muniments 
concerning  the  church,  restored  for  future  preservation, 
aniong.-.t  its  archives.  For  the  bull  of  Innocent  VIII.  con- 
firming this  act  of  the  archbishop,  see  Appendix,  No.  II. 
Ware,  mentioningthc  death  of  archbishop  0'iMnrray,savs, 
"he  died  the  ISth  of  Jannar}-,  as  a]ipears  out  of  the 
Neerolog}',  or  book  of  mortality  of  the  collegiate  cliurch 
of  Galway,  but  the  year  is  not  mentioned." — From  thii 
passage  it  is  probable  that  he  hail  seen  this  houli, 
the  contents  of  which  nnist  have  l)ceu  highly  interoling 
anil  curious ;  but  it  is  supposed  to  be  now  lost,  for, 
although  the  most  diligent  search  was  maelo  by  t!ie  luitlior, 
he  has  not  been  able  to  discover  any  trace  of  it,  e.vtT|)t 
a  few  extracts  among  the  Clarendon  MS.  f.  lu. 


' 


TFISTOTtY    OF    GAT.AVAY.  235 

of  tin's  volume,)  the  inhabitants,  or  ratlicr  the  mayor  and  equals,  (parex)  of  the 
town  immediately  proeeeded  to  the  eleetion  of"  a  warden  and  vicars,  accordino;  to 
the  powers  with  which  they  were  so  amply  invested  by  these  ecclesiastical 
dispensations. 

The  inhabitants  of  Gahvay,  having  thus  succeeded,  to  th.e  fullest  extent  of  their 
wishes,  in  getting  rid  of  an  exterior,  and  establishing  a  domestic,  nomination  of 
the  clergv,  now  began  to  direct  their  thoughts  lowards  the  endowment  of  the 
college  and  the  improvement  of  the  church.  Dominick  Lynch  Fitz-John,  one 
of  the  most  opulent  merchants  of  the  town,  who  was  mayor  in  M'SO,  and  chiefly 
instrumental  in  promoting  the  original  institution,  was  one  of  its  princijnd 
benefactors,  lie  made  several  additions  to  the  church,  and  built  a  part  of  the 
college-house,  or  residence  for  the  wardens  and  vicars,  to  whom  in  his  will  he 
also  bequeathed  several  legacies. "  The  union  of  exterior  additional  parishes,  to 
extend  the  jurisdiction  and  increase  the  revenues  of  the  college,  was  next 
attended  to.  On  the  7th  of  August,  l.t8G,  William  Joyes,  archbishop  of  Tuam, 
and  a  native  of  the  town,  '  confirmed  by  his  deed  all  the  former  grants  and 
privileges  of  the  collegiate  church,  warden  and  vicars  j'  and  he  soon  after  united 


''The  followlnj;  interesting  extract  lias  been  taken  from 
his  l;i5t  will,  written  originally  in  Latin  : — 1,  Dominick 
l.vnclie,  mercliant  and  Inirgessol'tlie  town  of'Galvie,  in  the 
diocese  of  Enaclulnne,  being  sick  in  boJy,  hnt  ot'  soimil 
mind,  do  make  my  will  in  the  I'orin  following,  within  my 
liouse,  on  the  li-'tli  July,  150S,  in  [irescnce  of  Manriee 
Y-Ceniiiiane,  a  skilful  physician,  who,  at  my  rccjuest, 
wrote  this  my  will,  these  persons  being  present,  \iz. 
master  Tlionias  Molga  and  the  warden  of  the  collegiate 
cliiirch  of  the  town  of  Galvic  aforesaid,  master  Walter 
C'a>sin,  canon  of  the  cathedral  churches  of  Tuam  and 
Enachdunc,  Cornelius  M'Meoltall,  Andrew  Mares  and 
Cornelius  O'Cona,  and  many  other  witnesses. — Jiiijirimis, 
I  iiivc  mv  soul  to  the  Almighty  God  and  the  blessed 
Virgin  Mary,  and  the  other  heavenly  saints,  and  my 
boJv  to  be  interred  in  the  aforesaid  church,  in  the  chapel 
f.l'  tiie  blessed  Mary,  with  my  parents  and  wi.e,  Anastaii.i 
M;i/i\n. — //oh,  I  institute  my  eldest  son,  Steplien,  (whose 
\iit'c,  in  the  same  year,  foimded  the  monastery  of  St. 
Au'.'usline  on  the  hill,)  my  heir  and  prmcipal  executor.— 
lion,  I  order  the  said  Stephen  to  finish  the  new  work 
begun  by  me  in  the  churcl),  and  to  build  an  altar,  in 
honor  of  St  James  the  apostle,  near  the  next  cohmni  of 
the  chapel  of  tiie  blesse.l  .Mary  afore.siid.— //fw,  I  leave 
to  two  priests,  il.ily  pra;.  ing  for  me,  "and  the  soids  of  my 
parents  and  wife,  (of  whom  one  shall  celebrate  in  the 
chapel  of  the  blessed  .Mary,  ami  the  other  at  the  aforesaid 
altar  of  St.  James,  and  both  uf  them  in  the  clioir,  daily 
receiving  victuals  from  tl.e  saiil  college,)  the  tenements 
which  I  purchased  Irom  Jolni  Sloiic  O'.Meolkalliil,  within 
the  town,  the  house  which  I  pnrehascci  t'roin  Edmund 
Blake,  with  its  appurtenances,  the  house  which  I  purchased 
from  Sabina  Ymcrywire,  situate  near  the  house  of  my 
brother,  i'eter  Lynch,  and  all  my  lamls  and  tenements 
in  Atlmary  by  me  bought  and  possessed,  as  you  will  see 
in  my  book. — Item,  I  leave  to  every  convent  in  Ireland 


1 3s.  4(1,—  Ilcm,  to  the  convent  of  the  monasteries  of 
Galway  4/. — Item,  to  the  works  of  the  chapel  of  the 
blessed  Mary  of  the  hill,  in  the  west  part  of  our  town,  6/. 
and  to  the  poor  in  the  poor-house  of  the  families  of  our 
town  1/.  13i.  -Jrf. — Item,  to  the  house  of  the  lepers  of 
Galway  and  Atlmary  U.—  Itcm,  for  the  reii.urs  of  our 
town  5/.  and  for  the  repairs  of  the  holy  cross  of  our 
church  1/. — Item,  I  leave  to  be  divided  amongst  the  poor 
•lot.— Item,  to  the  i)oor  on  the  day  of  my  death  twenty 
linen  scarfs,  and  to  the  college  one  silver  cup,  weight 
eight  ounces. — Hut.  I'nl.  25  Ilcii.  I'll  I. 

'  This  and  all  the  other  grairts,  bulls  and  original 
documents  mentioned  in  the  following  account  ol  the 
church,  are  now,  amongst  many  others,  in  the  possession  of 
the  author,  who  hopes  to  have  them  restored  to  iti 
archives  foi'  futtu'e  presei'vation. 

=  Archbishop  Sli'wi/,  or  Jo) ,  was  advanced  to  the  see 
of  Tuam  by  provision  from  Home  on  17th  May,  1485. 
He  died  28th  December,  1501,  as  appears  by  the  colle- 
giate book  of  obits. —  ]\'arc. — During  this  and  the  suc- 
ceeding ccntui'y,  several  natives  of  Galway  became 
dignitaries  of  the  Irish  church.  On  26th  March,  l-i~9, 
Walter  Bhike,  who  was  educated  at  Oxford,  obtained  a 
|irovision  ti'oni  pope  Sixtus  IV.  to  tlie  archbishoprick  of 
Tuam ;  but  the  donation  could  not  take  etiect,  because 
Donat  O'Murray  was  then  living.  He  was  afterwards, 
aiipoiuted  bishoj)  of  C'lonmacnoisc  by  Innocent  VHI. 
in  1487.  Christopher  Bodekine,  a  native  of  Galway, 
was  appointed  in  15oG  archbishop  of  Tuam  by  Hen. VHI. 
In  ]  584,  John  Lynch  Fitz-James  was  appointed  bishop 
of  Elphin  by  (jueen  Elizabeth.  He  surrendered  his  see 
in  IGll,  but  was  charged  with  wasting  its  revenues: 
and  it  was  said,  "  that  he  lived  a  concealed,  and  died  a 
public  papist."  He  lies  buried  in  .St.  Nicholas'  church. 
On  24th  May,  15.32,  Stephen  Kerovan,  of  Galway,  was 
translated  from  the  bishopriek  of  Kilinaeduach  to  that  of 


'3G 


IIISTOnY    OF    GALWAY. 


to  tlic  church  the  parishes  of  Fiiranmore,  MoygcuIIyne  and  Skrync.  "^  Notwlth- 
ptandhig  these  unions,  tlie  wardens  and  vicars  were  soon  after  obliged  to  petition 
the  pope,  com))hiiiiing  that  certain  persons  had  questioned  the  union  of  Skryne 
and  MoygcuIIyne,  altliough  they  luid  obtained  jjosscssion  of  tlie  vicarages,  ilie 
vearly  fruits,  rents  and  profits  wliereof  did  not  aumially  exceed  fourteen  nunks, 
and  they  lunnbly  ))raycd  that  his  hoHness  wouhl  be,  therefore,  pleased  to  conrirm 
the  union;  which,  by  bull,  dated  the  1th  of  the  Nones  of  Jiuie,  11-9-,  the 
pope  accordingly  ap))i'oved  of  and  confirmecL  About  the  same  time,  Richard 
de  Burgo,  clerk  of  the  diocess  of  Annaghdown,  having  obtained  letters  from  the 
lioly  see  respecting  the  rectory  and  vicarage  of  Furanmore  and  the  vicarage  of 
]\Ieary,  for  the  creation  of  a  new  canonry,  and  the  erection  of  one  of  them  into 
a  prebend,  the  archbish.op,  by  his  letters,  dated  from  Galway,  l^th  of  November, 
1492,  expressly  prohibited  the  judges,  named  in  such  apostolical  letters,  from 
proceeding  in  any  manner  in  such  erection.  By  these  and  similar  means  the 
possessions  of  the  collegiate  church  were  gradually  extended  and  ])rotected, 
until  the  wardens,  at  length,  found  themselves  at  the  head  of  an  extent  of 
territory  and  population  not  infei-ior  to  some  dioceses  in  the  kingdom. 

While  the  possessions  of  the  college  were  thus  rapidly  increasing,  tlie 
inhabitants  of  the  town  were  not  inattentive  to  their  favorite  building,  the 
church.  James  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen  (who  was  mayor  in  14<)3,  and  who  luul 
condemned  and  executed  his  only  son  for  a  rash  and  cruel  murder,  see  }).  70,) 
made  many  valuable  additions  to  the  church,  and,  in  particular,  presentetl  the 
beautifully  stained  glass  with  which  the  eastern  windows  were  adorned.  John 
Lynch  Fitz-Edmund,  who  was  mayor  the  year  following,  contributed  a  large 
sum  towards  finishing  the  college-house.  Peter  Lyncli,  burgess,  erected  in  the 
church  the  chapel  and  altar  of  St.  Katherine  the  Virgin  ;    and  by  his  will,  dated 


Clonfcrt;  and  in  1G02,  Roliiml  Lindie,  anotlier  native 
of  Galway,  was  appointed  liis  successor  in  Clonfcrt. 
This  prelate  w.as  also  charged  with  dciVaudingand  injm-ing 
his  successors,  by  alienatin;,'  away  tlie  pro[>erty  of  liif 
fhurcli.  In  1606,  he  made  a  lease  of  the  entire  lands  of 
the  hislioprick,  consisting  of  twcnty-ciglit  denominations, 
to  Robert  Blake,  for  ninety-nine  years,  at  5/.  per  aiminii. 
—  Vide  Hams' X  Ware. 

'  The  archbishop,  by  his  letters,  dated  on  the  feast  of 
the  Conception,  1-187,  nnitcd  tlie  rectory  and  vicarage  of 
the  parochial  church  of  Fiiranmnrr  (Oranmorc)  and  the 
vicarage  of  Alcaiy,  both  iu  tlie  diocess  of  Anaghdown, 
to  the  collegiate  church,  reserving  annually  out  of  Fiir- 
nninorc  twenty-one  ounces  of  silver  money,  and  out  of 
Mean/  seven  ounces.  By  letters  dated  !  2th  April,  l-iss, 
lie  united  the  vicarage  of  the  [larish  church  of  St.  Mary 
of  Hal/itinn,  (llahoon,)  being  then  vacant  by  the  death  of 
Somit-Y-DiiiiaiH,  the  last  posse^sor  thereof;  and,  on  the 
8th  of  June  following,  Theobald  dcBin'go,  "  ciiief  of  his 
nation,"  by  his  deed  (reciting  apostolical  letters  of  the 


holy  see,  directed,  at  the  instance  of  the  warden  nnj 
priests,  to  John  de  Burgo,  canon  of  Anaghdown,  con- 
cerning the  union  of  the  parish  churches  of  il/(i//gCH////iif 
(Moycullen)  and  lialliuiic  (Rahoon)  in  Gnubrg,  to  the 
collegiate  church,  in  which  it  was  directeil  that  before 
the  union  the  consent  of  the  patron  should  be  obtained,) 
granted  all  his  right  of  patronage  to  those  rectories  to 
the  collegiate  church  iu  free  and  iicrjietual  alms  for  ever, 
provided  that  the  warden  and  vicars,  and  their  successors, 
should  continually  pray  for  hiin,  and  for  the  soids  of  hi* 
predecessors  and  successors  for  ever.  On  the  vigil  of 
All  Saints,  in  the  same  year,  Conir/ii(s  ()'IIa//i(rtii/ii, 
perpetual  vicar  of  Moi/^^L-iilli/iie,  resigned  his  living  to  the 
archbishop  of  Tuam,  for  the  [)urpose  of  completing  its 
iniion  to  the  collegiate  clun-ch  ;  and,  on  the  Rtli  Februarv, 
I'ini,  on  the  petition  of  the  warden  and  vicars,  the  arcli- 
I)ishop  united  to  the  collegiate  the  vicarage  of  the  parish 
church  of  Skruue  to  his  collation,  then  of  I'all  right 
belonging  by  the  free  resignation  of  Jttlia  ilc  Jlurgo, 
perpetual  vicar  thereof. — Ori^.  Dccih. 


tllSTOKY    01'     GALWAV.  237 

Otii  February,  liO'i',  devised  "  liis  principal  stone  tenement  in  Galway,  and  ten 
acres  of"  arable  land  in  Athenry  for  ever,  for  the  perpetual  sustenance  of  one 
gk^od  and  proper  priest,  who  sliould  daily  celebrate  mass  therein  for  the  souls 
of  himself,  Ellen  Blake,  his  wife,  their  ancestors,  friends,  and  all  the  fiiithful 
departed." — .Several  similar  instances  of  individual  benevolence  and  devotion 
occur  about  this  period,  by  which  the  possessions  of  the  church  were  considerably 
augmented. " 

The  warden  and  vicars  were  not,  however,  permitted  to  enjoy  their  newly 
acquired  possessions  in  peace,  but  were  continually  harassed  by  the  surrounding 
diocesan  clergy,  who  invariably  contested  the  right  of  union  of  the  several 
'parishes,  and  gave  the  new  incumbents  every  possible  opposition.  At  length,  in 
11-90,  they  were  obliged  to  petition  pope  Alexander  VI.  stating,  that,  although 
the  several  parishes  were  canonically  united  to  the  church  of  St.  Nicholas,  yet 
that  JNIaurice  O'Flaherty,  clcrkc,  laid  claim  to  the  vicarage  of  the  parish  church 
of  jMoycullen ;  that  llodejick  O'Kennewaj^n  and  Owen  O'Flaherty  claimed  the 
vicara<;es  of  Kylcommyn  and  Kilrowan ;  and  that  Richard  de  Burgo  and  others 
claimed  the  rectories  and  vicarages  of  Furanmore  and  Meary  ;  and  they  liumbly 
prayed  relief  from  his  holiness.  A  bull  accordingly  issued  to  the  bishop  of 
Clonfcrt  and  David  de  Burgo,  canon  of  the  cathedral  church  of  Clonfert, 
giving  them  full  power  to  hear  and  determine  between  the  parties.  These 
commissioners  met  on  the  17th  of  December,  14<97»  in  the  parish  church  of 
Ballynpatrick,  in  the  diocess  of  Clonfert,  and,  after  a  solemn  investigation, 
pronounced  judgment  of  intrusion  against  the  persons  complained  of,  and  others. 
These  decisions,  however  decisive  as  they  were  in  favor  of  the  warden  and 
vicars,  did  not  entirely  suppress  their  opponents,  and  they  were  again  obliged  to 
have  recourse  to  the  holy  see.  Another  bull  accordingly  issued,  dated  the  7th  of 
tlie  Ides  of  January,  1501,  directed  to  the  archbishop  of  Tuam  and  others, 
cmpov.'ering  them  to  admonish  "  all  those  sons  of  iniquity"  who  had  in  any 
manner   invaded   the    rights  of  the    collegiate    church,    or   usurped   any    of  its 


*  The  warden  anil  clergy,  fimling  tliemsclvcs  fii'inly  c>ta-  agreed — 1.  That  the  warden  and  \'icarcs  shall  daily  save 
Wished,  and  I'rcc  from  anyccclcsiastical  control,  cxci-pt  tli;;t  or  binqe  in  tlic  qucre  the  tyes  or  lionres,  as /f mo,  sexto 
of  Rome,  iit  leni;tli  rcboived  to  disimte  the  power  of  the  and  noito — 2.  That  they  sliall  live  together  continually — 
corporation  to  interincddle  with  their  all'airs  after  the  3.  That  no  prcate  nor  vicar  be  found  out  of  their  cham- 
nccessary  business  of  election  was  over.  The  latter  hers  or  coUedgc-house  witliout  lawful  business  at  night- 
insisting  on  this  right,  the  clergy  appealed  against  their  time — 4.  That  four  boies  should  be  assistcing  and  helpingc 
intcrl'ereuce  to  the  archbishop  of  i'uani,  and  several  to  singe  dail}'  at  the  quere,  especially  at  Mary-mass,  at 
(lirtcrcnces  arose,  which,  had  they  not  been  speedily  tlie  expense  of  the  vicars  and  colledge — 5.  That  the 
tcrniinited,  might  have  proved  fatal  to  the  college.  A  mayor  and  counsaill  shall  henceforth  cunlrotil,  mrrccte 
general  meeting,  however,  of  both  parties  took  place  in  and  puiiishc  the  wardens  and  vicars,  without  any  coni- 
1-1U7,  in  the  Town-hall,  when  the  following  rules  and  plainte  to  bo  made  by  them  or  any  of  them  to  bishope 
reiiuUitions  were  mutually  agreed  upon,  viz. : — "  In  tlie  or  archbishope,  save  only  to  the  mayor  and  counsaill — 
honouringe  of  Almighty  (iod  and  furtherance  of  his  o".  That  the  mayor  and  counsaill  shall  have  the  election 
divine  service,  the  mayor  and  counsaill  being  assembled  of  the  warden  yearly,  and  all  prests  and  clerkcs,  or  any 
together,  with  Sir  K^nry  Brenegan,  warden,  and  the  man  else  to  serve  in  the  cluird)  or  colledge," — Cor^ 
rest  of  the  colledge  of  this  town,  it  was  concected  biuI  Jjjoh  A. 


238 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


possessions  ;  and  if  they  slionld  not  restore  vhat  they  had  taken,  and  desist  for 
tlie  future,  then  to  pronounce  against  tliem  tlie  sentence  of  excommunication. 
This  strong  remedy  seems  to  have  had  the  desired  effect,  for  it  does  not  appcn; 
that  any  opposition  was  given  to  the  college  for  several  years  after,  witii  tlie 
single  exception  of  its  determined  opponent,  Richard  de  Burgo,  tlie  canon  of 
Annaghdown,  Avho,  in  1502,  petitioned  the  pope,  claiming  tlie  right  to  the 
rectory  of  Ballinclaer,  though  it  had  been  united  to  the  collegiate  church  at  the 
time  of  its  original  institution.  A  commission  accordingly  issued,  directed  to 
Florence  O'Cannovan,  to  inquire  concerning  this  alleged  claim,  who,  after  inves- 
tigating the  matter,  decided  against  it.  For  some  years  after  this  decision  the 
college  ciijoyed  a  respite  from  external  opposition,  which  John  Benningham, 
warden  in  1514,  and  Flenry  Brangan,  warden  in  1557,'  were  successful  in 
preventing,  until  the  archbishop  of  Tuam  united  the  vicarages  of  the  parish 
churches  of  Kinlaghan  and  Srdwer  to  the  wardenship,  when  two  of  the  diocesan 
clergy,  Meiler  and  Thomas  Mac  Shonyn,  having  laid  claim  to  those  livings, 
obtained  letters  from  Home  allowing  their  claim,  under  which  they  received  all 
the  iruits,  rents  and  profits  of  the  vicarages.  The  warden  and  vicars,  on  their 
part,  charged  them  with  having  obtained  these  letters  surreptitiously,  without 
stating  the  imion  which  had  been  made  ;  and  having  brought  the  question 
before  the  archbishop,  he  made  his  decree  on  9th  January,  152G,  ainiulling 
the  adverse  claim,  and  confirming  the  previous  imion.  This  dispute  was  suc- 
ceeded by  another  concerning  the  rectory  and  vicarage  of  lloscam,  which  had 
been  shortly  before  luiited  by  the  archbishop,  but  was  claimed  by  Edmund 
de  Burgo,  archdeacon  of  Enachdune.  On  the  petition  of  John  O'Dermode, 
then  v.'arden,  to  cardinal  Wolsey,  a  commission  issued  to  the  dean  of  Kilfenora 
to  investigate  this  claim  and  determine  between  the  parties,  who,  by  his  decree, 
dated  the  5th  of  August,  1529,  confirmed  the  title  of  the  college  ;  and  thus 
terminated  all  further  litigation  concerning  its  exterior  possessions.  '' 


I 


'  hi  May,  1519,  the  cclehratpil  Maurice  ilc  Portii,  alias 
O'i-'ilif'ly,  a  native  of  Cork,  who  in  1506  was  appointed 
arclibiihop  of  Tiiani  by  pope  Jnlins  II.  lancieil  in  Galway 
ironi  Italy.  He  was  received  in  tlie  town  with  the  liiyliest 
honors;  but,  bein^  seized  by  a  sudden  illness,  he  died 
before  he  conid  celebrate  his  first  mass,  (althon^h  certain 
inikik'ences  were  granted  to  all  who  should  hear  it,)  and 
vas  interred  in  the  abbey  of  the  Franciscans,  to  which 
order  he  beloni;ed.  He  \^as  a  man  highly  esteemed  by 
l)is  coteniporarics  for  his  virtues  and  learning,  and  was 
talUd  "  Flos  nnmdi,"  or  "  Flower  of  the  world,"  for  his 
many  excellent  endowments.  His  successor,  Thomas 
O'MuIlaly,  or  Lally,  presided  at  a  suiod  held  in  the 
town  in  1523,  at  which  were  present  the  bishojis  of 
Kihnacdnagh,  Aehonry,  and  several  others.  AVare  sup- 
po'.es  llic  ilecre cs  of  this  s\  nod  w  ere  lost.     Archbishop 


Lallv  died  28th  April,  I  5."G,  and  was  interred  under  tlie 
same  tomb  with  his  predecessor,  Maurice  de  Portu.— 
;|-«rc. 

'  The  morals  of  the  vicars  at  tliis  period  may  be  ascer- 
tained from  the  following  order  of  the  corporation  :  - 
"  1530,  Enacted,  that  any  preste  or  vicar  of  the  collcd^c 
fonnil  with  any  fault  or  crime,  to  lose  one  hundred  shillings 
and  their   benefice;   and    also   if  he   or   they   keep  any 

w e,  being  with  child  or  bearing  him  children,  t«  pay 

the  above  penalty." — Corp.  Bimh  A. — It  may,  however, 
be  necessary  here  to  observe,  that  this  is  the  only  impu- 
tation which  occurs  afl'ecting  the  moral  character  of  the 
clergy  of  this  town,  though  many  encomiums  are  extiiiil 
celebrating  the  exemplary  piety  and  virtue  of  their  suc- 
cessors, to  the  present  day. 


IIISTOKY    OF    GALWAY. 


239 


During  the  continuance  of  these  disputes,  the  improvement  of  the  church  was 
carried  on  witliout  intermission.  John  French,  who  was  mayor  in  1.538,  matle  some 
very  considerable  additions  to  it,  and,  amongst  others,  erected  tlie  spacious  wing- 
extending  from  tlic  north  pinnacle  to  the  Chapel  of  tlie  Blessed  Sacrament.  Soon 
after  this  the  first  sym])tom  of  reformation  appeared  in  the  town.  Lord  deputy  Grey 
having  arrived,  he  seized  and  confiscated  the  ornaments  of  the  church  ;  and  Sir 
AVilliam  Brabazon,  vice-treasurer  of  Ireland,  in  his  "  ^CCOlUlt  Of  JlcVDCi.ef, 
£Dl*naiUCnts;,  CrOSJ.SJCS  ailtl  Inmgrs;  COnfi^CatCn,"  returns  "  Ibrty-five  shillings, 
being  the  price  of  such  articles  seized  at  Galway,  received  from  Leonard,  late 
deputy  of  the  king."  This  inadequate  return  would  induce  a  supposition  eitiier 
that  the  confiscation  in  Galway  was  trifling,  or  that  the  embezzlement,  witli  which 
the  ill-fiited  deputy  was  afterwards  charged,  was  considerable.  However  that 
may  be,  no  farther  inconvenience  was  sustained  by  the  town  on  account  of 
religion  during  the  remainder  of  th6  reign  of  Henry  VIIL  In  151.2,  Christopher 
Bodkin,  archbishop  of  Tuam,  '  at  the  request  of  the  mayor  and  burgesses,  in  a 
provincial  synod  then  held  in  the  town,  confirmed  to  the  college  all  the  benefices 
which  it  had  justly  and  quietly  possessed,  and  all  other  benefices  which  it  there- 
tofore held,  and  which  were  afterwards  occupied  by  any  others,  with  all  their 
rights  and  appurtenances :  and  here  the  force  of  native  partiality  in  this  arch- 
bishop, and  his  predecessor,  William  Joyes,  (who  were  both  natives  of  the  town,) 
is  remarkable,  they  being  the  only  prelates  who  had  confirmed  the  privileges 
of  the  collegiate  church  from  the  time  of  its  original  institution.  " 

The  alarming  changes  daily  making  in  the  afl[airs  of  religion,  and  the 
indiscriminate  seiziu'e  of  all  ecclesiastical  property  during  the  latter  years  of 
Henry  VI II.  had,  for  some  time,  rendered  the  clergy  and  people  of  Galway 
apprehensive  for  the  safety  of  their  collegiate  church  and  property,  and 
more  particularly  when  they  saw  the  three  monastic  foundations  of  the  town 
dissolved,  and  their  possessions  seized  into  the  king's  hands.    After  long  deliber- 


'  Christoplicr  Bodfkinc  was  consecrated  bislioi)  of 
Kilmacduach  at  Marseilles,  in  France,  -Itli  November, 
15.))  or  l')J4.  By  the  favor  of  HeniT  VIII.  he  was 
translated  to  the  hishoprick  of  Tiiani  on  the  15th  of 
Pclirnarv,  1556,  and,  at  the  same  time,  held  the  see  of 
KiliiKicilnaih  by  (li>|iensatiun.  1  le  dieil  full  of  days  at 
Taani,  in  1572,  in  the  thiity-sixili  jear  al'lcr  his  trans- 
lation, and  his  body  was  conveyed  to  Galway,  and  there 
interred.— /r«;r. 

""  In  the  year  15-!6,  it  was  ordered  in  council,  that 
the  warden  and  vicars  should  not  set  any  lands,  tithes  or 
other  revenues  of  the  college,  for  more  than  one  year. — 
Corp.  Book  yf.— Before  this  regnlation  they  alienated 
several  p.^rtions  of  tlie  collegiate  pro|)erty  for  long  terms. 
On  8tli  April,  I5I-),  JohnBcrmingham,  then  warden, 
together  with  the  vicars,  leased  nnio  John  Fernando, 
merchant,  a  tenement  and  garden  lookii'.g  towards  the 
altar  of  St.  Katherine  in  the  church,  and  situate  in  the 
Fisher's-huic,  between  the  tenement  of  Xicholas  Calf  on 


the  east,  that  wherein  Jolin  Moilyn  dwelt  on  the  west, 
the  town  wall  on  the  south,  and  the  king's-way  on  the 
north,  paying  yearly  1 3*.  4rf.  and  two  capons,  with  their 
feathers,  to  the  warden  and  vicars,  and  Gs.  t^d.  to  the 
monastery  of  the  friars  minors  of  the  town. — Uriq.  Deed. 
Even  after  the  prohibition  the  same  practice  continued. 
On  the  19th  December,  1519,  they  granted  unto  Tliomas 
Porte,  mariner,  and  his  heirs  for  ever,  the  tenement 
which  lay  between  the  houses  of  John  O'Finaglidi  and 
Nicholas  BoUan  on  the  west  and  north,  and  the  king's 
street  and  the  town  wall  on  the  cast  and  soutli,  at  the 
yeariy  rent  of  6s.  Scl.  and  two  capons.— Signed,  Patrick 
Blake,  warden,  Patrick  Kyrwan,  Thomas  Fryncli.Ednnuid 
Flahert),  John  Talman  and  John  Brangan,  vicars. —  IrJ. — 
This  by-law  w  as  revived  in  1  GOV,  under  the  penalty  of 
"expulsion  of  the  transgressor  out  of  the  collet;e-liouse 
and  church  as  an  unprofitable  member,  and  also  torfeitln;; 
•20/." — Cuip.  liook  j. 


240 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


atlon,  therefore,  they  determined  to  yield  to  the  pressure  of  the  times,  and 
secure  the  safety  of  their  rehgious  establisliment,  by  withdrawing  their  spiritual 
allegiance  from  the  pope,  and  transferring  it  to  the  king.  A  petition  to  his 
majesty,  expressive  of  this  determination,  was  consequently  prepared,  but  his 
death  intervened  before  it  could  be  presented.  The  appearance  of  affairs  on  the 
accession  of  Edward  VI.  not  having  lessened  their  apprehensions,  they  persevered 
in  their  former  resolution,  and  accordingly  a  memorial  to  the  same  efl'oct 
(and  particularly  calculated  to  succeed  in  its  object,  by  flattering  the  king's 
supremacy,  and  representing  the  livings  as  poor  and  deserted,)  "  from  the  mayor, 
bailiffs,  co-burgesses  and  commonalty,  was  presented  to  the  lord  deputy  St.  Legcr 
by  Richard  Blake  Fitz-John,  the  agent  employed  on  the  occasion.  °  The  matter 
was  referred  by  the  deputy  to  the  king  and  council ;  and,  after  two  years 
delay,  the  royal  grant  was  obtained  under  the  privy  seal,  and  by  authority  of 
])arliament,  dated  at  AVcstminSter  the  29th  April,  1551,  whereby  the  king,  as 
supreme  head  in  all  aftiiirs  of  religion,  changed  the  church  of  St.  Nicholas 
into  a  collegiate,  to  be  tor  ever  after  called  "  The  Royal  College  of  Galway ;" 
and  ordained  Patrick  Blake,  merchant,  one  of  the  priests  there,  warden,  and 
Patrick  Kerewan,  Thomas  Frenchc,  Darby  O'Hoysshyne,  John  Talman,  Derby 
O'Rowane,  John  Dermoyte,  John  O'Brangan  and  Edward  OTHartie,  vicars 
choral  :  the  college  to  consist  of  a  warden  and  eight  vicars,  who  were  to  be  a 
body  corporate,  and  have  perpetual  succession,  possess  a  common  seal,  and 
enact  by-laws  for  its  good  government.  The  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and 
commonalty,  anil  their  successors  for  ever,  were  empowered  to  elect  a  warden 
yearly,  and  to  rcmo\c,  deprive  and  depose  him  and  the  vicars,  and  others  in 


'i 


'  This  memorial  ftatcd  the  foundation  of  the  collegiate 
cluircli  and  its  confii'uiatioii,  as  the  custom  then  was,  by 
tiic  Roir]an  bishop,  anil  hniiibly  praveil  tlr.it  it  might  be 
confinncd  in  its  original  state,  with  a  \vai\len  and  twelve 
viears :,  that  it  shoidd  be  govcrni.u  by  the  mayor  and  co- 
buipcsses,  witii  exeniptii)n  from  tlie  diocesan  or  anv 
other  ordinary  jurisdiction:  that  they,  as  theretofore, 
in  the  king's  name,  miglit,  ont  of  the  vicars,  elect  one 
warden  every  year,  and  the  vicars  at  tlieir  prescnliition 
to  be  elected  by  tlie  warden  and  co-vicars,  and  to  be 
torrccted,  punished  and  removed,  according  to  their 
merits  and  demerits,  by  the  mayor,  hailitl's  and  co- 
burgesses:  that,  for  the  angnienlation  of  divine  wor^llip, 
and  the  more  ample  sup])ort  of  the  war<len  and  vicars, 
the  rectory  of  the*  collegiate  chnrcli,  oceu])icd,  under 
V.  hat  right  they  knew  not,  by  the  monks  and  abbot  of 
C'/'M  I'irioiitc,  might  be  united  to  the  college,  with  a 
|;(.rjiLti:al  union  and  conhruiation  of  all  tile  benefices, 
iij.l^  and  r.p|>urlei!ances  wliich  ouglit  to  belong  to  it, 
paitionLirly  t.:e  vicara.i  and  eiiivcrpal  fourtiis,  called  the 
l.i^llop's  <|uartcr,  ihe  i;e'.<.rted  rectories  and  vicarages  of 
Itaheon,  .Miucuilcn,  l"or;'niiiore  ai'.d  nuscam,  the" small 
\icarage5  of  (jlarr,  Kilconx-n,  Mealy  and  ^kryne,  and  aU 
tlieir    uLi'Ar    laiuis ;    and,    imully,    tli.it    the    church    of 


St.  Nicholas  should  be  changed  into  a  collegiate  by  the 
royal  anthorit\',  to  be  from  thenceforth  ibr  ever  afttr 
called  the  King's  College  of  (jalway.  They  further 
stated,  that  the  sept  of  the  O'Flaherties  and  otiier  Iri>liry 
claimed  a  right  to  bury  their  dead  in  the  cluirch,  luiilcr 
pretence  wlicreof  they  often  tnmultuously  entered  the 
town,  endangering  the  lives  of  the  inhabitants,  and  de- 
stroying the  place:  they,  therefore,  also  prayed  his  nmjcsty 
to  grant  them,  for  this  purpose,  the  cluirclies  and  biiriiil- 
phices  outside  the  walls,  belonging  to  the  dissolved  nioii- 
astcries  of  St.  Francis,  St.  Uomniick  and  St,  Augustine. 
—  Orr_^.  Transmpt. 

"  Tliij  a^ciit,  at'ter  "  two  years  extraordinary  labour 
and  attention"  in  this  business,  demanded  from  the 
warden  and  vicars,  according  to  agreement,  thrce-l'ourtlis 
of  the  tithes  of  Kiitnllagh;  wliich  they  resisted,  asserting, 
that  he  undertook  to  obtain  the  grant  for  "  ten  niaiij, 
which  tliey  pai<l  him  in  gold  anil  cross  groats." — J'hn 
agreed  to  siihmit  their  dilferences  to  the  arclibislu'ii  of 
Tiiani,  the  mayor  of  the  town,  and  others,  who,  in  the 
first  place,  ordered  the  parties  to  "  be  cliarilaidy  iaclineil, 
and  to  piay  for  each  other,"  and  then  awarded  the  titliej 
to  Ukike  during  his  Ync.—  Urii-.  J/A'. 


IlISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


241 


their  places  to  constitute  ;  and  to  chastise,  correct  and  punish  them,  as  occasion 
should  require.  TIic  rectories,  vicarages,  &c.  mentioned  in  tlie  memorial  were 
for    ever    united    to  the    college ;    and    the    cemeteries  of  the   three  dissolved 

monasteries  were    also  granted   for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the  memorial. '' 

Such  were  the  principal  alterations  made  in  the  constitution  of  the  colleo-iate 
church  by  EdwardVL;  and  under  liis  charter,  with  some  short  interruptions,  it  has 
been  go\erned  to  the  present  day. 

An  era  having  been  thus  formed  in  the  church  government  of  Galway,  hence- 
forth it  will  be  necessary  to  consider  the  affairs  of  religion  in  a  two-fold  point 
of  view,  first  as  they  relate  to  the  Protestant,  and  next  to  the  Catholic  interest 
within  the  town.  Although,  by  the  grant  just  recited,  the  church  of  Saint  Nicholas 
was  changed  into  a  Protestant  institution,  yet  the  warden  and  vicars,  for  many  years 
after,  continued  of  the  old  religion,  owing  to  the  immediately  succeeding  Catholic 
reign  of  queen  jNIary,  and  the  unsettled  state  of  ecclesiastical  aflairs  in  Ireland 
during  the  first  years  of  her  successor.  Soon  after  the  accession  of  the  former 
princess,  the  attention  of  her  Irish  rulers  was  directed  towards  the  state  of 
religion  in  Galway.  Sir  Patrick  Blake,  the  warden  nominated  in  the  charter  of 
Edward,  was  summoned  to  meet  the  queen's  commissioners  ;  but  having  neglected 
to  attend,  a  peremptory  order  was  issued  to  the  mayor  to  apprehend  and  send 
him  in  safe  custody  within  twenty  days,  with  a  denunciation  of  severe  punish- 
ment in  case  of  neglect.  This  measure  had  the  desired  efiect :  the  warden 
attended ;  but,  having  satisfied  the  commissioners,  he  was  dismissed  by  them, 
without  suffering  any  further  inconvenience.  " 

About  this  time  many  considerable  additions  were  made  to  the  church  by 
Nicholas  Lynch  Fitz-Stcphen,  grandson  of  Dominick  Lynch,  whose  munificence 
has  been  already  recorded.  Nicholas  was  mayor  in  1551  ;  and,  having  repaired 
the  works  formerly  erected  by  his  grandflither,  he  afterwards  built  the 
adjoining  tower  and  the  south   aisle,  then  called   "  Our  Ladle's   Chapel,"  but 


•  Under  tlii-i  grant  the  warJcn;  have  ever  since  retained 
possession  of  those  burial  groiintU,  whicli  they  generally 
larmed  out  to  undertakers,  whose  cliarijes  lor  interment 


/. 


(/. 


o  i: 


2    s;- 


were  as  follow  : 

Chancel  before  any  of  the  altars    .     . 
Warden's  gronml  ailjoining   .... 

Body  of  the  abbey  

Witiioiit  the  precincts 

For  anv   internieul  in   the  church  of 
St.  Nicholas,  usually  applied  to  the 

use  of  the  parish 10     0     0 

his  said  that  the  following  families  only  have  privilege 
of  burial  in  the  elmrcli,  viz. :  the  Lynches,  D'Arcys, 
Browncs  and  Frenches :  according  to  some  the  Kirwan 
family  is  also  cntitleil;  but,  according  to  others,  their  claim 
has  been  always  disputed. 
"  The  il'Uowing  was  the  mandate  which  issued  to  the 

11 


mayor  on  this  occasion  : — "  Theass  shalbe  to  rcquier  you, 
and  nevertheless  in  the  qucne's  ^la""  name,  straiglitly 
to  cliarge  and  connnand  your,  us  you  will  answer  to  the 
contrary  at  your  extreme  perill,  that  ye  faill  not  to  appre- 
hend and  take  Sir  Patrick  Blake,  prest,  warden,  or  prin- 
cipall  of  the  prcsts,  and  senil  him  in  salve  custod\  to  us, 
soe  that  he  faill  not  to  he  witli  us  and  others,  her  highnes' 
connnissioners,  at  'I'ermonfcliyn,  within  xx'"^  daics  after 
ye  receive  these  |iresents  ;  with  intimation  that  if  ye  do 
not  execute  your  cliari,  as  is  aforesaid,  the  sarjaunt 
at  arnies,  to  your  lourtber  trouble,  punishment  anil 
cl'.arilgcs,  shall  immediately  be  sent,  to  bring  both  you 
and  him. — From  Dublin  tliis  2Gth  of  October. 
Yo'.  friends, 
To  our  welbeloved  frend,  Ardmachan. 

the  mayor  of  Oalwav.  Henry  Dravcott." 

Orig.MS. 
11 


242 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 


now  bettor  known  by  the  name  of  Lynch's  Aisle. — These  were  the  last 
improvements,  of  any  consequence,  made  by  the  Catholics  in  the  church  during 
the  remainder  of  this  century.  "■ 

Upon  the  accession  of  queen  Elizabeth,  and  the  consequent  alteration  in 
religion,  the  Catholic  clergy  of  the  town  foresaw  that  a  change  was  not  far 
distant,  and  tliey  accordingly  alienated  and  granted,  in  perpetuity,  to  their  friends 
and  kindred,  the  greatest  part  of  the  possessions  of  the  college, '  insomuch  that, 
when  it  was  afterwards  seized  into  the  queen's  liands,  and  transferred  to  the 
reformed  clergy,  they  were  found  considerably  reduced.  The  same  apprehensions 
of  change  also  prevented  the  wardens  and  vicars  from  paying  the  necessary 
attentiou  to  the  exterior  parishes,  in  consequence  of  which  they  were 
gradually  usurped  by  the  diocesan  rectors. '  The  church  being  at  length  sur- 
rendered to  the  established  clergy,  whatever  remained  unalienated  of  its  former 
possessions  were  also  delivered  up  ;  but,  being  found  totally  inadequate  to 
their  support,  it  became  necessary  for  government  to  interfere,  and  uphold  this 
infant  foundation  of  the  newly  established  faith  by  augmenting  its  means: 
accordingly,  by  letters  patent,  dated  '20th  September,  loy'^j  the  queen,  in  con- 
sideration tluit  "  the  warden  and  vicars,  and  tiieir  successors,  should  continue 
together,  and  entertain  a  godly  and  learned  preacher  amongst  them,  from  time 
to  time,  at  their  own  charges,"  granted  unto  them  the  late  dissolved  monastery 
or  priory  of  Annaghdown, "  in  tlic  county  of  Galway,   with  all  its  temporal  and 


i 


'  In  tliis  rcifrn  the  riptit  to  the  rectory  or  parsonage  of 
the  town  Ijucaiiio  a  subject  ot"  Ic'.sul  contention.  It  formerly 
bclonsed  to  the  monastery  of  C'olhs  Victoria,  or  Knoek- 
moy,  anil,  liaving  been  sci/eil  into  the  king's  hands,  was 
granteil  in  farm  to  Eilmnml  Lynch,  who  held  it  until 
one  Richard  ]5urke,  clerk,  having  obtained  letters  of 
provision  from  the  sec  of  Rome,  and  also  a  confirmatory 
maiklate  from  the  queen  and  council  of  England,  was 
put  into  possession  by  tlic  mayor.  Lynch,  tberenpon, 
complained  to  tlie  chancellor  against  the  mayor  and 
mercluuits  of  the  town,  stating,  that  Burke  had  through 
fear  ab-condcJ  ;  and  it  apjiearing,  moreover,  that  he  was 
a  provisor,  and  that  tlie  parsonage  was  not  presentable, 
lieing  appropriated  to  the  monastery,  as  was  certified  by 
the  archbishop  of  Tuam,  and  that  the  pretended  letters 
from  the  queen  and  council  were  counterfeit,  orders 
accordingly  issued  to  the  mayor  to  restore  L^nch  to  his 
former  possession. — Decree  3  and  •!  I'litl.  and  Mart/. 

'  One  of  these  grants,  from  its  meritorioas  ijnport, 
deserves  particidar  notice. — In  155G,  Martin  Lynch  pe- 
titioned the  warden  and  vicars,  stating,  that  "  he  had 
bciun  a  certayne  work,  in  the  worshipe  and  honour  of 
Ahnighty  God,  to  harbour  the  poor  and  needy  within  this 
town,  to  uphold  which  he  humbly  sup[)licated  a  grant  of 
three  houses,  situate  in  Slioeinakcr's-lane,  worth  ten 
slulUngs   yearly;  and  ihey,   'perceiving  the  good  and 


godly  opinion  of  the  said  Martinc,  and  also  considering 
tlie  meretorious  great  workc  done  by  him  upon  the  said 
poor  man's  house,  and  his  pure  and  sincere  devotion, 
inclined  their  hearts  to  grant  his  petition." — Orig.  Pet. 

On  2-lth  July,  1 50],  .Sir  Clement  Skcrrett,  warden, 
together  with  the  vicars,  demised  to  James  Lynch  Filz- 
Richard,  merchant,  the  large  parcel  of  land  situate  ut 
the  west,  calleil  Gortekev\ne,  and  extending  round  to 
Gortegany,  at  the  east  of  the  town,  for  twenty-one  years, 
at  four  pence  yearly  rent.  Andrew  Galtj/  Lynch  after- 
wards obtained  a  similar  demise. — Orig.  Deeds. 

'  In  1568,  the  new  warilen  and  vicars  petitioned  the 
president  and  council  of  Coimaught  against  John  Boorke, 
then  sheritf  of  Connaught,  and  against  Walter  and  Willi;un 
Boorke  Fitz-John  Fitz-Mojler,  who  had  wrongfulK  di>. 
possessed  them  of  the  profits  and  fruits  of  the  vicaragu 
of  Slirower,  (Skryne,;  in  Tome  and  Kiidagh,  to  wliith 
they  pretended  title  in  right  of  Sir  John  M'Willjam, 
priest,  Dermot  O'Rowan  and  John  O'Conoghe.  In 
consequence  of  this  petition,  an  order  was  made  that  the 
collegiate  clergy  should  be  no  longer  interrupted  or  dis- 
turbed in  the  possession  of  these  vicarages. —  Orig.  jl/.S". 

"  The  particulars  of  this  grant  were  as  follow  :— "  Tlie 
late  monastery  or  priory  of  Anaghduane,  alias  Er.aghcoiiic, 
half  an  acre,  with  all  the  edifices,  buildings,  gurdcni 
and  orchards  within  the  same  ;  six  acres  arable  in  Anaglt- 


IIISTOUY    OP    GALWAY. 


243 


spiritual  possessions.  They  soon  after  obtained  a  similar  grant  of  the  monastery 
of  Ballintubber,  in  the  county  of  Mayo.  In  tlie  same  year  several  useful 
alterations  were  made  in  the  church :  the  western  windows  were  enlarged  ; 
and,  over  one  of  them,  the  date  still  remains  engraven  in  stone.  About  the 
same  time  several  otlier  improvements  were  undertaken. "  In  the  mayoralty  of 
James  L}nch  Fitz- Ambrose,  in  1590,  a  belfry  was  erected,  and  a  chime  of  new 
Ijells  provided,  under  tlie  superintendence  of  the  mayor,  but  at  the  expense  of 
the  inhabitants  and  corporation.  " 

Henceforth,  in  order  to  avoid  confusion,   the  affairs  of  the  collegiate  church 
shall    be    distinctly    noticed    under    two    separate    heads ;    first  those  I'ehiting 


duanc;  2  cottages,  40  acres  arable,  24  pasture  and  12 
wood  and  underwood  inLisliducli,  in  O'Flahcrtie's  coiin- 
trv;  12  acres  arable  and  10  pasture  in  Shcankill  and 
Miicknyes;  -10  acres  in  Owre  and  20  in  Cliockane,  all  in 
the  same  country  ;  a  ruinous  cliapcl  and  12  acres  in  Oran, 
and  6s.  Sd.  chief  rent  out  of  Lispidell,  all  the  temporal 
possessions;  and  the  rectory  of  Ballinacourty  and  Clan- 
rickard,  with  a  moiety  of  the  tythcs  and  other  spirituall 
profits  in  Ballinacourty,  Ballinclohy,  Owrane  and  Creg- 
;uina,  belonging  to  the  said  rectory,  (the  other  moiety 
thereof  belonging  to  the  bishop  of  Tuam  and  the  vicar 
that  scrvcth  the  cure  ;)  the  rcctorie  of  Killcumin,  in 
O'Flahertie's  country,  with  all  the  tithes,  (those  due  to 
the  vicar  excepted;)  and  the  rectories  of  Carigin  and 
Lisduch,  in  the  same,  being  part  of  the  spu-itual  posses- 
sions of  said  late  monastery,  for  fifty  years,  at  the  rent 
of  Cl.  1  Is.  Id.  yearly." — Notwithstanding  these  grants, 
the  affairs  of  the  collegiate  clergy  continued  on  the 
ilccline.  In  1585,  Sir  Henry  Burke,  the  warden,  was 
arrested  by  order  of  the  archbishop  of  Tuam,  and  detained 
in  (wison,  "  for  fifteen  marks,  due  for  small  benefices."  He 
petitioned  Sir  Nicholas  Malbie,  chief  commissioner  of 
Coniiauglit,  stating,  that  the  benefices  were  waste,  and  in 
a  desert  country,  that  the  college  was  reduced  to  great 
poverty,  and  praying  for  redress ;  otherwise  "  that  they 
should  be  obliged  to  sell  such  livings  as  they  then  had  for 
their  sustenance,  and  also  for  the  sup[)ort  of  many  poor 
children  whom  they  kept  in  the  college." — Orig.  MS. 

"  1585,  February  25th,  in  the  iiujuiry  alluded  to,  page 
91,  the  following  particulars  occur  concerning  the 
church  : 

1.  "  That  the  wardian  and  vicars  of  the  qucn's  colladgo 
in  Gallway,  tymc  out  of  mynd,  arc  seized  in  right  of  their 
said  colladge  of  five-cighte  partes  of  all  the  personal!  and 
prcidiah  tietlies  coiiiinge  and  growinge  within  the  town, 
the  liberties  and  franchises  of  the  same. 

2.  "  That  all  who  have  bene  suspected  to  absteyne 
tlicin  from  church  to  here  God's  dyvjne  service,  accor- 
(linge  to  her  majestie's  proceedings,  contrary  to  the  pro- 
clamation that  ;\lr.  Maior  diil  settlbrth,  that  all  those  who 
have  bene  in  towno,  neglcctinqe  their  due  to  God  and 
the  prince,  be  deeplie  fyned  by  Mr,  Maior ;  and  if  any  of 
theni  doe  make  any  kyndc  of  conteiupt,  that  all  such  be 
both  iynished  and  punished  according  to  thcr  deserts. 
The  names  of  the  dci'aulters,  the  clerke  and  scxten,  wdio 
lia\e  chardge  thereof,  will  dclyvcr  iippe ;  and  \\hethcr 


any  in  this  corporation  do  use  any  other  servise  prohi- 
bited by  God  and  her  majestie's  lawes  we  are  thereof 
ignorant. 

.".  "  That  the  wardian,  vicars  and  priests  do  use  only 
God's  di\'ine  service  daylic,  according  to  her  majestie's 
injunctions,  and  do  there  minister  sacraments  and  sacra- 
incntalls  accordinglie. 

4.  "  That  John  Linche,  now  lord  bishop  of  Elphinen, 
and  in  those  days  wardian  of  the  colladge  of  Gidlway, 
has  of  the  colladge  plate  two  cups  or  pics  of  silver  in 
lending,  (viz.  Margaret  Athies  pic  parceil  gilted,  and  a 
bastian  pic  all  gilted,)  which  he  did  put  in  pawn  imto 
James  Dars}e,  and  wrongtulhe  doth  detayue  from  the 
said  colladge. 

5.  "  That  it  is  expedient  that  the  colladge  do  geve  the 
first  offer  of  all  such  ther  tietlies  as  they  will  sell,  to  the 
freemen  of  the  towne  before  any  other  :  our  nieaninge  is, 
because  thartiflicers,  for  a  greate  parte  of  the  yeare,  leave 
ther  habitation  anil  kcape  them  from  the  towne,  neither 
aunsweringe  watch  or  warde,  as  should  appertein,  moche 
lesse  to  aplie  thcr  haudy-craft  to  thcr  owne  and  the  comoji 
wealthes  no  smale  ilamadge. 

6.  "  That  in  respecte  of  ther  good  service,  the  clerke 
and  sexten  shall  iiave  ther  ordinari  allowed  them  upon 
the  colladge  boorde  ;  and  when  the  full  number  of  nyne 
mynisters  be  not  in  the  colladge,  that  then  the  clerke  shall 
have  so  moche  money  as  cometh  to  the  ninth  portion ; 
in  consideration  whereof  lie  shall  not  onelie  serve  and 
reed  the  chapters,  but  also  teaclie  the  [iriests'  boyos  to 
singe  and  play,  over  and  bcsids  his  owne  chanlge  for 
teacheiiig  other  youths." — Id. 

*  In  1(520,  Ambrose  Lynch,  son  and  administrator  of 
this  mayor,  conijilained  to  the  chancellor  against  the 
corporation,  "  concorninge  charges  of  works  and  making 
of  bells,  and  other  things,  by  the  said  Jaincs,  in  tlie  time 
of  his  meralty,  for  the  common  utilitye  and  profitt." — It 
ajipearcd  that  the  corporation  had  originally  disputed 
these  expenses,  and  that  the  matter  was  then  submitted  to 
arbitrators,  who,  on  20th  Scptenilier,  1502,  awarded,  that 
"  sundry  of  said  workcs  were  beneficial  and  necessaiie 
for  the  utilitye  of  the  commons  and  corporation,  and  tliat 
said  James  Linche  should  have  of  thciii  G~l." — This  sum 
not  having  been  paid,  the  chancellor  now  ordered  the 
corporation  to  pay  it  forthwith,  with  ■10/.  interest,  fo 
retaining  it  thirty  years.— OWg.  Derree. 


244 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


to  the  Protestant,  and  next  to  the  Catholic  wardens  and  vicars  of  the  town,  of 
both  of  whom  an  nninterruptcd  succession  has  been  ever  since  continued.  Tliose 
of  the  established  church  had,  since  the  Reformation,  been  elected  under  the 
charter  of  Edward  VI. ;  and  nothing  remarkable  appears  to  have  occurred  concern- 
ing them  initil  after  the  troubles  of  l64'l.  A  survey  of  the  possessions  of  the 
college  (of  which  an  abstract  is  subjoined  '')  was  shortly  before  that  disastrous 
period  taken  by  lord  Strafford;  and,  in  l639,  his  lordship  recommended  John 
Ilardinge,  vice-provost  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  to  tiie  mayor,  to  be  elected 
warden.  Upon  this  recommendation,  the  corporation,  considering  "  the  dilapi- 
dations and  ruins  of  the  colledge,  and  of  tlie  means  and  livinge  thereunto 
belonging,  as  allso  tiie  merit  and  integrity  of  the  said  John  Hardingc,  and  his 
willingness  to  do  good  in  that  place,  and  to  restore  the  colledge  to  a  descent 
state  and  order  for  the  service  of  God,  to  the  credit  and  ornament  of  this 
towne,  and  to  the  honour  and  meraorie  of  the  founders  and  benefactors  thereof, 
tor  the  better  inhableing  the  said  John  in  his  so  pious  intentions,  tliey  accordingly 
agreed,  pursuant  to  tiie  powers  contained  in  the  grant  of  Edward  VI.  to  elect 
him  annually  during  his  life,  *  he  demeaning  himself  well,'  provided  their  so 
doing  should  not  tend  to  the  avoydance  of  the  said  grant,  or  the  loss  of  any 
privilege  contained  therein." — Leaving  doctor  Ilardinge,  therefore,  in  possession 
of  the  wardenship,  the  reader  will  now  return  back  a  little,  to  ascertain  the 
state  of  the  Catholic  clergy  in  the  town  after  tlie  Reformation. 


>'  Possessions  of  the  College  or  St.  Nicholas,  1C37. 
Town  nnd  Llhcrlic.i  of  Gnlwni/. 
"  111  the  west  tVaiicliiscs  a  [larcel  of  laiul,  called  Cap- 
pcnavcagh,  -10  acr.  halt'  a  cartron,  boumlcd  on  tlie  south 
liy  the  highway  towards  the  sea. — In  the  east  franchises 
Gortrahillin,  12  acr.  lying  between  Doghusk  on  the  east, 
and  CU'ga-linch  on  the  west. — Gortniganny,  alias  Knock- 
aneganny,  ^  acr.  lying  between  tlie  Siickin  on  the  north, 
and  the  king's  highway  on  the  south.  The  college  is 
situated  towards  the  church  ;  is  bonndcd  on  the  cast  by 
I.nnibard-btrect,  and  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the 
w  arden  and  vicars. 

Town  nnd  L'lhcrlics  of  Al/ienri/e. 
Gortnafaha,  westward  from  Athenrye,  20  acr. ;  Gort- 
nagastalle  G  acr. ;  Gurtnacloneganna,  in  tbiir  parcells, 
(iacr. ;  in  Clowncganna  1  acr. ;  Packrekeill,  westward, 
'.'  acr. ,  Fairig,  I'arkbegg,  westward,  u' ^  acr. ;  Gortfoyle 
(,"apple,  eastward,  '2  acr. ;  Floiighvonycn,  castwaril,  2  acr.; 
(Jortnccnrtesc,  and  a  small  meadow,  eastward,  2  acr. ; 
(iortboy,  northward,  8acr. ;  Gortnelegan,  Gortnefoyle, 
northward,  4acr. ;  Gortdavack,  northward,  containing  a 
d  ly  and  a  half's  ploughing;  Rahin,  northward,  -V  acr. ; 
Goitlongh,  sonthward,  Ijacr. ;  Gortboybcgg,  southward, 
•J  acr. ;  Gortncgcssy,  southward,  -Iacr.;  three  stangs  of 
l.md  near  (iortncgessy,  a  day  and  a  half's  ploughing ;  and 
(Jortranecroiighic,  sonthward,  2  acr. 


Kilcnmen  Par'nh. 
A  parcel  of  gleabe  called  Gortaglass,  G  acr. 

liaJtoon  Parish. 
Gortagkish  Iacr.;  and  in  Dimkellin  barony  5  acr, 
dispersed  near  the  sea,  called  Ffossaghimore,  within  the 
coininoners'  lands,  and  belonging  to  tlie  two  parish 
churches  of  Balinecourt  and  Oranniore  ;  in  Killaineeiie 
\  acr. 

Oriinnwrc  Parish. 
Gortaglesh  ,- acr.  three  houses  and  a  garden-plot;  in 
Roscain  (|uarter,  near  the  cluircli,  .3  acr.  called  Goitsa- 
gard ;  and    in    Garran    2  acr.   leased   to    Michael   Ilore 
Lynch,  belonging  to  Ballinacourt  church. 
Clare  Parihh  and  liaront/. 
Acaranoulan,  westward  from  the  church  of  Clare,  1  acr.; 
11  ridges  in  Gortenagoishy,  N.  E.  from  the  church  ;  one 
field  or  gort  called  (Jortcaglish,  lung  in  the  qr.  of  Com- 
nion ;  and  in  Kilmoylan  barony  one  gort,  called  Gorta-  - 
tegart,  2  acr.  in  Croghbane  qr. 

[The  above  mentioned  particulars  (for  so  much)  agree 

with  the  Strafford's  survey  taken  of  the  clergys'  lands 

in  the  parish,  barony  and  county  aforesaid,  reniuiniag 

of  record  in  his  inajest)''s  siu'veyor-gcncral's  office] 

Extracted  A.  D.  1G89,    ~i  Anthony  Petty, 

per  me,  H.  Browne,      >  Dtp.  ^iirvc^ur-Gcueral." 

warden. — Orig.  Cojij/.  } 


niSTouy  OF  galway.  245 

As  the  reformed  warden  and  vicars  were  chosen  under  the  grant  of  Edward  VI. 
^         so  those  of  the  Catholic  persuasion  were  uniformly  elected  under  the  bull  of 
I         pope  Innocent  VIII.     This  instrument,  it  will  be  recollected,  vested  the  power 
of  election  in  the  mayor  and  bailiffs,  or  equals  of  the  town,   for  ever.     On  the 
I         change  of  religion,  when  the  corporation  became  vested  in  the  members  of  the 
V-         Protestant  faith,  the  Catholic  inhabitants  still  continued  annually  to  assemble, 
f        (but  in  a  private  manner,  to  avoid  persecution,)  and  regularly  elected  their  own 
mayor,  bailiff'^,    sheriffs,    and  other  corporate  ofHcers.      These    were,  however, 
Init  merely  nominal  ofncers  ;  and  they  appear  to  have  been  continued  solely  for  the 
purpose  of  preserving  the  succession  of  the  Catholic  wardens  and  vicars.     This 
anomalous  proceeding  was  soon  questioned  by  the  Catholic  archbishops  of  Tuam, 
who    claimed    a    controlling  power   when  the    corporation    was    changed,    and 
they  denied  the    competency  of  the  self-formed  body,   styling  itself  a  Catholic 
corporation,  to  act  under  the  pope's  authority.  The  town's-people,  however,  who, 
at  all  times,  were  particularly  jealous  of  any  encroachment  on  their  ecclesiastical 
rights,   invariably  resisted  the  interference  of  the  see  of  Tuam,  which  afterwards 
occasioned  several  disputes  between  them,  as  will  appear  in  the  sequel.     In  the 
year  lir-lO,  James  Fallon  was  elected  warden  by  the  Catliolic  corporation,  upon 
which  he   wrote   to  the   arclibishop,    "  that,   though   I   am  well  satisfied    of  the 
particular  privileges  granted  to  the  town,  and  that  the  confirmation  does  belong 
to  tlie  i)odv  of  the  coUedge,   still,  to    avoid    scruples,  I  thought  it  very  conve- 
nient, in  person,  to  ask  coniirmation  from  your  grace's  vicar,  which  he  would 
not  grant,  unless  he  had  a  general  petition  from  the  town  ;  but  this  they  refused, 
for  fear  it  would  diminish  in  the  least  their  privileges,  and  so  go  to  the  Protestant 
archbishop,  and  be  lost."    He    then    added,    "  TJic  people  of  litis  toxca   arc  so 
stedjasl  in   tlie  mafter,    tliat,  for   all  the   clergy   in  Ireland,    llieij    xcoiild  not   lose 
one   atom   of  their  privileges." — The   question  terminated  here  for  the  present ; 
but  the  warden   and  town's-people,  to  prevent    similar   claims   for    the   future, 
procured  in  1635,  a  confirmatory  grant  from  the  then  pope.   Urban  VIII.     This 
iiistrumer.t,  the  then  archbishop  of  Tuam  asserted,  was  obtained  surreptitiously, 
and  immediately  after,  in  1037,  he  revived  the  claim,  on  the  ground  "  that  the 
wardiMiship  was  not  exempt  from  the  ordinary's  visitation,  or  from  paying  him 
a  synodic'-un."     The  warden,    on  the  contrary,    insisted,    "  that  his   collegiate 
church    was   ecclesia   insignis  collegiata    et   exenipta   ah    ordinaria  jiirisdictione ;" 
but  to  this  the  archbishop  replied,  '«  that  he  deceived  himself  by  attributing 
to  hiis  own  tho.;e  privileges  which  he  found  to  have  been  granted  to  collegiate 
churclies,     haheiitis  Jurisdiclionem   episcopalcm,    vel    quasi   episcopatcm,    of  which 
his  is    nut,    ul  palet  legenti  ejus  privilegia,  qua;  sunt  restringenda  el  non  ampli- 
(inda." — These  ecclesiastical  disputes  here  ceased  for  a  while,  but  were  renewed,, 
with  greater  warmth  than  ever,  after  the  restoration  of  the  Catholic  corporation, 
■i.        ill  lCf3. 


246 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


In  lGl-3  the  Catholics  possessed  tliemselvcs  of  the  church,  antl,  on  the  ISth 
of  June,  "  mass  uas  solemnly  sang  therein,  and  a  sermon  .preached  by  father 
Jphn  Kegan,  of  the  society  of  Jesus,  after  a  discontinuance  tliereof  ever  since 
the  sui)pression."  ^  About  this  time  a  vacancy  having  occurred  in  tlie  parisli  of 
Clare,  tlie  archbishop  of  Tuani  refused  to  admit  a  priest  presented  byWalterLyncli, 
the  warden,  except  on  these  conditions;  1st.  that  the  archbishop  should  approve 
of  him  ;  '~d.  tliat  he  should  be  obedient  to  the  provincial  and  diocesan  synods 
and  statutes  ;  3d.  that  he  should  give  no  contradiction  to  the  archbishop's 
visitation,  correction,  procuration,  &:c.;  4th.  that  he  sliould  give  under  his  h.ancl 
to  be  obedient  to  his  lordship's  sentence  touching  the  controversy  between  them. 
These  disagreements  occasioned  violent  personal  animosities  between  the  con- 
tending ecclesiastics,  wlio  proceeded  to  excommunication  on  both  sides.  They 
at  length  agreed  to  submit  to  the  final  determination  of  the  bishops  of  Elphin 
and  Clonfert,  the  vicar  apostolic  of  Kilmacduagh,  Sir  Lucas  Dillon,  knt.  one  of 
the  supreme  council,  and  Richard  Martin,  esq.  mayor  of  the  town,  who  finally 
succeeded  in  composing  their  differences.^  The  warden  and  vicars  soon  after 
obtained  a  grant  from  the  corporation  of  three  parts  in  eight  of  the  tithes,  both 
great  and  small,  within  the  town,  to  "recompense  them  for  the  profits  of  their 
livings,  expended  since  the  troubles  in  repairing  tlie  church  and  college-house, 
and  paying  40/.  yearly  to  one  of  their  body  for  preaching  every  Sunday  in  the 
church." — Of  their  collegiate  rights  and  privileges  the  clergy  and  inhabitants 
were  always  specially  careful,  but  they  were  particularly  so  against  any  infringe- 
ment of  the  see  of  Tuam.  This  feeling  was  forcibly  evinced  in  1G48,  when  John 
J5urke,  the  then  archbishop,  after  his  dispute  with  the  nuncio,  (vide  page  125,) 
caused  the  church  doors  to  be  broke  open  ;  he  was  obliged,  on  the  following  day, 
to  sign  a  declaration,  "  that,  by  so  doing,  he  did  not  intend  to  interfi^re  with  the 


'  On  tlie  15th  of  Au!;iist  followinj;  "  the  first  general 
procLsi-ioii  touk  place  alter  the  reconciliation  of  St.  >;i- 
cliolas  his  cluirch  was  nuide;  and  in  tlic  Jirocession,  among 
tlie  mendicants,  this  order  was  observed  :  first  went  the 
Carmelites,  then  the  Eremites  of  St.  Angustine,  then  the 
Franciscans,  then  the  Dominicans,  with  a  s'lho  jure  of 
the  Franciscans  and  Angnstinians." — Li!>.  A. 

The  magnificence  of  the  ehnrch  before  the  Reformation 
(which  was  partiallj-  revive<l  at  tliis  period,)  may  be 
estimated  from  the  nmnbcr  of  cliapels  and  altars  wliich  it 
contained,  and  in  almost  the  entii'e  of  which  divine 
service  was  often  celebrated  at  the  same  time — 1.  the  high- 
altar  of  St.  Nicholas,  in  the  choir — 'J.  the  altar  of  Jcsns 
Christ,  in  the  chapel  of  Christ,  jndging,  at  the  right  of 
the  entrance  to  the  choir—.",  the  altar  of  St.  Michael,  in 
the  chapel  of  the  Guardian  Angels,  between  that  of 
Christ  and  chapel  of  St.  Mary  Major — 4.  The  alt;ir  of 
St.  Mai'\'  Major,  in  the  ancient  chapel  of  the  Lynches — 
;'.  the  a'.iar  of  the  Blessed  Mary,  in  the  new  :.nd  great 
.-■!;\;i'.-!  uf  tin-  Blessed  M.iry.  on  the  s^uth  wing  oi'  the 


ehnrch,  under  the  title  of  the  Blcsseil  Mary,  Mother  of 
God — (S.  the  altar  of  St.  James,  at  the  sontii  column  of 
the  church — 7.  the  altar  of  St.  Catherijie,  in  her  gilt 
chapel,  opposite  the  altar  of  St.  John  the  Baptist — 
8.  the  altar  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  joined  to  the  eolnmn 
of  tlie  pulpit — 9.  the  altar  of  St.  Bridget,  at  the  north 
column — 10.  the  altar  of  St.  Martin,  near  the  north 
gate— 11.  the  altar  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  in  the 
altar  dedicated  to  it,  in  the  north  part  of  the  church— 
1 2.  the  altar  of  St.  Anne,  in  her  chapel,  in  the  north 
wing  of  the  chm-ch — 15.  the  altar  of  St.  Patrick,  in  his 
chapel,  originally  dedicated  to  him — I),  the  altar  of  the 
Holy  Trinity,  in  its  chapel,  at  the  right  of  the  entrance 
to  the  choir,  imder  the  organ. — Otrl  j\Inji. 

°  The  vicars  then  were  :  doctors  Andi-ew  Lynch  and 
•Tames  Fallon,  and  fathers  John  Lynch,  Patrick  Lynch, 
Grcgorie  Skcrrett,  Henry  Joyce,  James  Fallon  and 
Connor  Fallon,  for  the  town ;  and  fathers  William  Cor- 
muily,  Thomas  Lany,  James  Sheoy  and  Teige  Davillv„ 
for  the  out-parishes  in  controversy. 


I 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


247 


liberties  of  the  colIcge.".^ — Tlic  important  changes,  which  soon  afterwards  took 
place,  gave  a  respite  to  these  clerical  contentions ;  they  were,  however,  resumed, 
after  a  lapse  of  many  years,  when  the  Catholic  clergy  re-appeared  in  the  town, 
and  were  not  finally  concluded  until  the  succeeding  century. 

During  the  usurpation  of  Cromwell,  the  Catholics  were  indiscriminately  banish- 
ed," and  the  rights  of  the  Protestant  warden  and  vicars  were  totally  disregarded. 
The  cluuch  was  also  considerably  injured  by  the  soldiery,  who  converted  the 
chapels  and  aisles  into  stables,  and  destroyed  almost  the  entire  of  the  ancient  and 
venerable  monuments,  insomuch  that  at  the  Restoration  it  "was  found  entirely  in 
a  state  of  dilapidation,  and  in  total  want  of  repair.  Doctor  James  Vaughan 
was  appointed  warden  for  life  by  patent,  dated  23d  March,  1CG3.  During 
his  incumbency,  which  continued  many  years,  nothing  particidarly  worthy  of 
observation  occurred  until  the  year  1(18%  when  the  diocesan  clergy  of  Tuam 
laid  claim  to  the  qiiartn  j}ars,  or  quarter  cp/scopnls, '  for  which  they  petitioned 
the  lord  lieutenant  and  council.  This  affixir  led  to  another  which  vitally  con- 
cerned the  rights  of  the  college.  John  Vesey,  the  then  archbishop,  having 
prevailed  on  his  clergy  to  drop  their  petition,  undertook  to  obtain  from  govern- 
ment a  grant  in  commendam  of  the  wardenship  of  Galway  after  the  death  of 
warden  Yaughan,  who  was  then  considerably  advanced  in  years,  upon  which 
the  quarta  pars  was  to  be  restored.  That  event  having  soon  after  taken  place, 
king  Charles  II.  accordingly,  by  letters  under  the  privy  signet,  dated  from 
^\'indsor  the  30th  of  August,  iGS-i,  reciting  that  the  wardenship  was  then 
void,  and  in  his  majesty's  gift  and  disposal  Jure  jjletw,  directed  the  duke  of 
Ormoad  to  pass  letters  patent  for  its  perpetual  union  to  the  see  of  Tuam, 
securing,  however,  the  quarta  pars  to  tlie  vicars  of  the  respective  parishes  and 
their  successor  for  ever,  they  paying  to  the  archbishop  a  proportionable  increase 
of  proxy  for  such  addition.     The  grant  accordingly  took  place  ;  but  the  clergy 


'  Even  (Uiriii!;  tlie  comparatively  milder  rcit;n  of  Char- 
les II.  tlie  Cutliolic  derjiy  were  severely  persecuted.  01" 
this  an  instance  shall  Ijc  yiven  from  an  ori,:;inal  document 
now  before  us  : — In  1C74,  Grc^or)'  Constable,  tlien  mayor 
of  Galwav,  informed  the  privy  council  thai  several  of  the 
popish  clergy  in  the  town  ,  connnanded  liy  the  late  pro- 
chrii.ition  to  ilepart  the  kini;dom,  were  willing,  in  con- 
formity thereto,  to  transport  themselves  in  a  ship  then  in 
the  harbour,  bound  for  France,  but  that  one  Lynch,  the 
master  or  owner,  would  not  undertake  their  freight  under 
40s.  for  each,  which  they  pretended  they  were  not  able 
to  raise,  therefore  the  mayor  prayed  their  excellencies 
directions.  On  consideration  of  the  matter,  it  was  resolved 
by  tlie  board,  on  18th  May,  "that  it  was  not  fitting  his 
majesty  should  be  at  the  ex|)ensc  of  that  or  any  other 
sum  upon  tluit  account ;"  and  they  ordered,  "  that  it 
should  be  signified  to  the  mayor,  thai  the  said  persons,  at 
their  perils,  should  transport  themselves ;  and  that  the 


major  is  to  do  his  duty  in  seeing  them  transported  accor- 
din;4ly."  '  Jo.  Davys. 

u/ig.  MS. 

'  The  quarta  ephcopalls  pars  was  originally  that  portion 
of  tithe  or  oblations  which,  before  tlie  institution  of 
parishes,  was  reserved  to  the  bisho|)  for  his  maintenance; 
the  other  three  parts  being  employed  for  the  support  of 
the  inferior  clergy,  the  repairing  of  churches  and  suste- 
nance of  the  poor.  The  Connaught  bishops  were  muclt- 
impoverished  by  the  improvidence  of  their  predecessors, 
who,  from  time  to  time,  made  fee  fainn  and  otlicr  long 
leases  of  their  revenues,  and  their  clergy  were  worse 
provided  for  than  any  other  in  the  kingdom.—  Ware. — 
Archbishop  Singe,  who  succeeded  in  1716,  had  an  act  of 
parliament  passed  the  year  after,  divesting  bis  see  for  ever 
of  the  (juarta  pars,  and  settling  it  on  such  of  the  clergy  as 
should  discbarge  the  respective  cures  within  the  dioceses 
of  Tuam  and  Enachdunc. — Stat.  4  Geo,  I.  ch.  XIV. 


248 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


^vere  disappointed  in  the  expected  restitution.  The  archbishop  induced  them  to 
enter  into  a  new  treaty,  and  procured  their  consent  that  he  shoukl  enjoy  tlie 
quarta  pars  during  his  incumbency,  which  continued  for  thirty-four  years  after  j 
and,  although  he  was  often  elected  warden  of  Galway,  the  union  was  never 
esteemed  valid,  being  entirely  contrary  to  the  charter  so  recently  before  granted 
to  the  corporation. " 

On  the  accession  of  James  II.  the  Catholic  clergy  again  assembled  in  the 
town ;  °  and,  on  29th  March,  KiSS,  the  then  corporation  informed  archbisliop 
Vcsey  that  his  majesty  had  been  pleased  to  grant  them  a  charter,  containing, 
amongst  otlier  privileges,  a  power  to  elect  a  warden  and  eight  vicars,  and 
granting  tlie  rights  and  revenues  belonging  to  th.e  wardensliip  and  college,  and 
others  in  his  grace's  possession,  which  they  requested  he  would  forthwith  order  to 
be  delivered  to  them,  except  the  church  and  cemetery,  during  the  pleasure  of 
government. '  On  the  1st  of  August  following,  they  proceeded,  under  tlie 
charter,  to  the  election  of  the  clergy,  when  father  Henry  Browne  was  cliosen 
warden  for  that  year  ;  and  fathers  Henry  Joice,  Michael  Lynch,  James  Fallon, 
Jolni  Bodkin,  Jerome  Martyn,  Nicholas  Nolan  and  Thomas  Lynch,  were  elected 
vicars.  Doctor  Vesey  having  resisted  the  claims  of  the  corporation,  they 
immediately  resolved,  that  all  acts  which  gave  or  allowed  him  any  right,  title, 
interest  or  possession  in  and  to  the  wardcnship,  by  any  way  of  election,  reception, 


''  During  these  transactions  several  improvements  were 
made  ill  tlie  church. — In  1G8.",  tlie  steeple,  which  coni- 
maiuls  an  extensive  ])rospect  ol'  tlie  bay  and  surrounding 
country,  was  erected,  on  arciies,  over  the  centre  of  the 
building :  two  additional  bells  were,  at  the  same  time, 
provided,  and  two  others  were  added  in  1720",  wliich 
increased  tlie  number  to  six.  Tliey  are  all  remarkable 
for  sweetness  of  sound,  which  some  assert  is  caused 
by  the  contiguity  of  the  church  to  the  river.  They  bear 
tile  following  inscriptions : — I.  "  Kcnvcd  be  Master  James 
I-inche,  Mayor,  and  Hugh  Butwall,  first  bonder  of  thes 
lulls  ir,w',  'I'.  W."_'j."  "  Vouip  Gaudclroy,  de  la  rue, 
par  la  grace  de  Dieu,  Abbe  dc  St.  .Saulue,  et  8r.  deCauron 
Walois  nionne  ])our  servir  a  1'  egliso  du  diet  Cauron,  1G31. 
Lovis  Jongrce  nous  at  faict,  I KS 1 ." — 3.  "  At  the  Corpora- 
tion Charge,  Theodore  Russell,  Mayor,  T.  S.  H.  P.  Ch. 
Wardens,  16S-1." — 4.  "  This  at  the  Corporation  Cluirge, 
T.  K.  Mayor;  Tho.  Sinicockes,  Rich.  I'hiinmer,  Ch. 
AVarilens,  1  (iS4."  —5.  "  At  the  Corporation  Charge, 
Charles  Gerry,  Mayor,  Tobias  Covey,  Founder,  l7'J(j." 
— G.  "  At  tile  Corporation  Charge,  Charles  Gerry,  Mayor, 
T.  C.  1  72G." 

'  In  February,  ]fi8|,  the  Catholic  warden  received  a 
transcript  of  the  following  letter  i'rom  doctor  James 
Lynch,  titular  archbishop  of  Tuam  : — "  After  our  very 
hearty  commendations,  wee  have  received  certain  intel- 
ligence that  the  queen  is  (/iiic/c  with  child,  and,  takeing 
into  our  serious  consideration  how  much  the  peace, 
tranciuility  and  v.'clfare  of  tiicsc  kingdoms  depends  upon 
bis  majesty  having  an  heir  male,   wee  doe  think  fit  to 


recommend  it  to  your  lordsliip  to  give  directions  to  the 
secular  priests  and  regiilai-s  witliin  your  diocese  to  offer 
up  their  prayers  incessantly  to  the  con^crvation  of  licr 
fruit,  and  that  it  niav  please  God  to  send  her  a  prince  of 
\V'ales,  and  that  each  of  tliem  say  one  masse  every  wecke 
to  that  intention  until  she  be  delivered ;  and  so,  not 
douliting  of  \our  lordship's  ready  coiii[iliance  herein,  wee 
bid  your  lordship  \cry  heartily  farewell.— From  his  ma- 
jesty's castle  of  l)ublin,  the  LMth  January,  lG8f. 

Your  lordship's  very  lovini;  I'riend, 

'J'yrcomiell." 

These  prayers,  it  appears,  had  the  detiired  cH'ect,  for, 
on  the  '22ii  of  June  I'ollowing,  lord  Tyrcoimell  wrote  to 
the  warden  to  otter  up  public  thanksgivings  for  the  birth 
of  the  prince. —  Oriff.  Letter. 

'  He  refused  to  com])ly  w  itii  any  of  these  requisitions, 
and  filed  a  bill  in  the  chancery  side  of  the  Exchequer, 
praying  relief  against  their  encroachments.  By  this  it 
appears  that  the  then  possessions  of  the  wardensliip  were: 
"  the  houses,  towns  and  lands  of  Cappaneveigh ;  the 
whole  tithes,  great  and  small,  ol'  the  parish  oi  St.  Mcl;olas; 
three  qrs.  of  the  tithes,  great  and  small,  of  the  parislus 
of  Oranniore  and  Clare ;  one  quarter  of  the  parish  of 
Ballynacourte ;  three  qrs.  of  the  parishes  of  Mo\cu,lcn, 
Ralioon  and  Kilcummin ;  one  (|r.  of  the  parishes  of 
Skrcen,  in  the  county  of  Galway,  and  Shrule,  in  the 
county  of  Mayo." — It  was  also  stated,  "  that  the  quarta 
pars  of  all,  except  the  parish  of  St.  Nicholas,  «as  the 
ancient  revenue  of  the  see  of  Tuam,  and  never  enjoyed 
by  the  warden."— Orig.  Hi//,  1th  Nvi:  IGHB. 


IIISTOHY    OF    GALWAY.  249 

allowance,  or  otherwise,  sliould  be  annulled  and  vacated.  His  grace  Iiavin"-  also 
retained  the  church,  the  newly-elected  warden  and  vicars,  in  July,  lG8y, 
petitioned  the  king  ibr  lea\'e  to  take  possession  of  it,  together  with  the  college- 
house,  stating  that  the  latter  "  was  absolutely  in  ruin,  and  that  the  church  was 
going  fast  to  decay."  This  petition  his  majesty  referred  to  the  then  judges  of 
assize ;  but  they  not  making  any  order  on  the  subject,  the  warden  again  petitioned 
the  king,  stating,  «'that,  by  the  established  law  of  the  land,  no  Protestant  minister 
or  church-man  had  any  right  to  the  church  or  livings ;  that  he  was  in  the  possession 
of  the  latter  for  the  last  two  years  ;  and  that  no  divine  service  was  then  admin- 
istered in  the  former,  either  by  Protestant  or  Catholic,"  and  ])raying  "  that  he 
might  be  at  liberty  to  make  use  of  it."  Before  his  majesty's  answer  could  arrive, 
lord  Clanricarde,  the  governor,  anticipating  that  it  would  be  liivorable,  delivered 
the  possession  of  the  church  to  the  warden,  who  immediately  took  down  all  the 
pews,  and  commenced  the  necessary  I'epairs.  He  enjoyed  it,  however,  but  ibr 
a  short  time:  after  the  surrender  of  the  town  to  general  Ginckle,  in  iGyi,  it 
was  again  restored  to  the  established  clergy,  and  in  their  possession  it  has  ever 
since  remained. 

Soon  after  the  restoration  of  the  church,  archbishop  Vesey  petitioned  parlia- 
ment that  the  archiepiscopal  see  might  be  removed  ii-om  Tuam  to  Galway ;  a 
change  which,  after  some  consideration,  was  accordingly  resolved  upon  by  a 
committee  of  the  entire  house,  who  further  recommended  that  a  cathedral  and 
dwelling  should  be  provided  for  his  grace  ;  that  2000/.  should  be  raised  to  defray 
the  expense,  by  a  tax  on  the  town  and  liberties,  500/.  whereof  were  to  be 
appropriated  for  the  purpose  of  repairing,  building  and  beautifying  the  church. 
A  bill,  pursuant  to  these  resolutions,  was  prepared,  which,  on  Gth  September, 
l6fJ7,  was  referred  to  a  committee  ;  but,  a  petition  against  it  having  been, 
in  the  mean  time,  presented  by  the  corporation,  the  bill  was  consequently 
rejected.  This  ineasure  of  doctor  Vesey  would,  if  successful,  liave  been  of 
considerable  benefit  both  to  the  town  and  the  see  ;  and,  although  the  advantages 
which  would  attend  such  a  change  are  obvious,  yet  the  subject  has  never  since 
been  revived  by  any  of  his  successors.  What  further  remains  concerning  the 
affairs  of  the  church,  since  that  })eriod,  will  occupy  but  very  few  words.  In 
I72G,  an  organ  was  erected,  which  cost  the  corporation  130/.  In  l7'ol,  the 
reverend  Samuel  Simcockes  was  elected  warden,  in  })lace  of  Henry  Hait, 
deceased.  The  income  of  the  wardenship  was  then  estimateil  at  .000/.  yearly, 
but  it  is  now  considerably  more.  The  present  jjossessions  consist  of  the  vicarage 
of  the  town,  with  the  rectories  and  vicarages  of  Ballinacourty,  Clare-Galway, 
Kilcommon,  MoycuUen,  Oranmore,  Ilahoon  and  Shruel.  A  church  has  been 
lately  erected  in  Kilcommon  ;  but  there  is  neither  church,  glebe-house  nor 
'  glebe-land  in  any  of  the  other  out-parishes.  The  reverend  James  Daly,  the 
present    warden,   is  resident   in  the  town,  and   has  cure  of   souls  of   all    tliese 

I  I 


250 


inSTOllY    OF    GALWAY. 


parishes.  The  duty  is  performed  by  him  and  two  resident  vicars.  They  arc 
elected  annually  under  the  charter.  The  latter  receive  a  stipend  of  75/.  a  year 
each,  and  are  said  to  rank  as  king's  chaplains.  The  warden  has  been  always  entitled 
to  the  tithes  and  emoluments  of  the  parish  of  St.  Nicholas,  and  to  three-fourths  of 
the  tithes  of  the  other  jjarishes.^  The  right  of  presentation  to  tlie  remainiii"- 
iburtli  belongs  to  the  see  of  Tuam  in  free  disposal ;  but  the  warden  and  vicars 
chu'm  an  exemption  from  any  other  interference  or  jurisdiction  of  the  archbishop 
except  that  of  visitation. 

This  already  protracted  detail  shall  now  be  concluded  with  a  brief  description 
of  the  venerable  building  to  which  it  relates,  and  which,  without  exaggeration, 
may  be  pionounced  one  of  the  most  perfect  and  beautiful  specimens  of  the  simple 
Golliic  or  Norman  architecture,  (by  some  called  the  pointed  style,)  now  remaining 
in  tin's  kingdom.  The  exterior  of  this  ancient  edifice,  though  evidently  the  work 
of  different  periods,  is  remarkable  for  uniformity  in  the  execution,  and  for  order 
and  ])lan  in  the  general  design.  Like  most  ecclesiastical  edifices  of  the  same 
style  of  architcctuie,  it  is  built  so  as  to  resemble  in  shape  the  sacred  emblem 
of  our  salvation  :  and  within  its  ample  walls,  it  has  been  ascertained,  that 
upwards  of  five  thousand  persons  might  be  conveniently  accommodated  at  divine 
service'.  It  extends  in  length,  within,  from  the  east  end  of  the  choir,  along  the 
nave,  to  the  principal  entrance  at  the  west,  Lj;J  feet  ;  in  breadth,  from  north  to 
south,  including  the  transept,  or  cross  aisle,  IQG  feet;  and  in  height,  to  the 
vaulted  roof;  42  feet  10  inches.  The  side  aisles  are  separated  from  the  nave 
by  two  rows  of  Gothic  pillars,  with  arches  springing  from  them,  which  support 
the  roofs.  Each  of  these  pillars  is  S  feet  10  inches  in  circumference;  1 '2  feet 
10  inches  from  the  base  to  the  top  of  the  architrave  ;  and  the  chord  of  each 
arch  measures  14  feet  G  inches.  From  the  intersection  of  the  aisles  arises  the 
scpiare  tower  on  which  the  stee])le  was  erected  in  I680,  in  a  style  of  architecture 


'  Tiii'sc  parishes  arc  not  coiilisiuiiis.  Tlicir  extent  is 
C(iiii|iiite.l  to  lie  'J4  miles  Uv  17.  IJallinacoui-tv  lies  in  the 
li.ii-o.i\  of  Diiiihell_vn,  G  iniles  S.  S.  E.  rioiii  Galuay,  and 
is  sitnate  on  the  li;iy  ;  Clare-Oalwuy  is  distant  H\  N.  K. 
and  is  sitnate  on  the  river  Clare;  Kileonnnon,  in  the 
barony  of  Moyenllen,  is  I'JJ  N.  W.  and  is  sitnate  on 
I.ouL;li-Corrili ;  .Moycnll.  n,  in  tlie  barony  of  the  same 
name,  7  .\.  \\'. ;  Oranmore,  in  the  barony  of  Dnnkellen, 
'I  S.  K. ;  liaiioon,  in  Moyenllen,  3\  S.  \V.  sitnate  on  the 
bay  ;  and  Shrnel,  in  the  baiony  of  Kilmain,  connty  of 
Mayo,  ."-;  miles  N".  from  lieailford,  sitnate  on  the  Blaek- 
Kiver.  Besiiics  the  income  arisintj  from  these  living's,  which 
is  sniipoicd  to  average  abont  looo/.  yearly,  the  warden  is 
also  in  possession  of  11  acres  oi'  glebe  at  lioscam, 
where  tlje  ruins  of  an  old  abbey  are  still  to  bo  seen,  17 
acres  at  iloyallen,  both  lyini;  E.  of  the  town;  also  of 
10  acres  at  Cai)panaveai;h,  towards  the  W.  (where  there 
is  an  ancient  bnrial-place,  bnt  none  interred  in  it  for 
many  years;)  S  acres  abont  the  ehnreh  of  lioss ;  lOacres 
i!i  Kilemnn;in,  and  the   cjllc^chonse  in  the  town:  sup- 


posed to  prodnce  alx)nt  251/.  yearly,  over  and  above  the 
tees  for  burial  in  the  ditlerent  cemeteries;  w hereout  dc- 
dnetinu^the  150/.  yearly  for  the  two  vicars  and  abatenicnls 
on  the  tithes,  it  is  calculated  that  the  income  of  the 
wardenship  now  averages,  as  above,  about  lOOo/.  vcarh. 
The  taxes  imposed  at  vestries  vary  in  their  annual 
amount.   Of  these  the  inhabitants  to  the  east  of  the  tow  a  j 

pay  considerably  more  than  those  on  the  west,  compre- 
hending Kahoon  and  the  other  oul-parishes  Ibrmini;  the 
wardenshij),  which  are  exempt  on  the  payment  of  id.  an 
acre,  under  an  ancient  commutation.  Besides  the  suni 
expended  on  the  repairs  of  the  cluireh,  the  follouin;; 
yearly  expenses  are  permanent,  viz.  : — organist  ■!('/.;  clerk 
S-i/.  2s.  C<1.  ;  sexton  -Ji'/-  ;  attendance  on  clock  and  chimes 
1.5/.  ;  vestry-clerk  1 1/.  7.«.  ticl. ;  chorister  P/.;  door-keeper 
'Jl.  5i:  0,(1.  ;  sacramental  bread  and  wine  8/.;  candles  bi;  '^ 

fuel  S/.  ;  foimdiing  cxjienses  ahout  13(i/.  ;  cofEns  fur  i.'ic 
interment  of  paupers  uncertain  ;  constables  for  eollcctiii;; 
the  out-parishes  S/. ;  incidentals  uncertain.  All  whicli 
generally  :nnount  to  about  350/.  annually. 


IIISTOllY    OF    GALWAY. 


251 


110  way  corresponding  witli  tlie  rest  of  the  building.  The  entrances  and 
windows,  wliich  all  display  the  pointed  arch,"  were  richly  decorated  with 
sculptured  ornaments,  containing  many  allegorical  and  ecclesiastical  subjects,  and 
exhibiting  various  traces  of  drapery,  intermixed  with  fruit,  trefoils,  festoons,  kc. 
ill  the  same  appropriate  style,  ingeniously  designed  and  elegantly  executed. 
Some  few  of  these  are  still  remaining,  which  escaped  the  ravages  of  time  and 
the  devastation  of  the  fanatic  crew  by  whom,  as  already  detaileil,  almost  every 
sacred  monument  in  the  church  was  destroyed  ;  and  it  is  here  added,  with 
regret,  that  what  even  these  dcspoilers  had  spared  were  ultimately  doomed  to 
destruction  by  the  ignorant  alterations  of  modern  church-wardens,  under  the 
s])ecious  name  of  repairs  and  improvements.  Notwithstanding  these  interpola- 
tions, however,  the  interior  of  this  spacious  structure,  taken  from  the  western 
vestibule,  and  terminated  by  the  lofty  window  in  the  choir,  (which,  with  those 
on  the  west,  had  formerly  been  embellished  with  beautifully  stained  glass,) 
presents,  even  still,  a  view  altogether  worthy  of  its  external  appearance,  and 
one  capable  of  inspiring  the  mind  with  mingled  sensations  of  awe  and  ^•cneration. 
When,  with  this  view,  the  spectator  shall,  iu  his  imagination,  combine  the  fourteen 
ornamented  altars  and  chapels,  already  enumerated,  with  which  the  church  hatl 
been  once  so  brilliantly  adorned,  the  monuments  and  numerous  statues  of  saints 
and  other  holy  men,  amongst  whom  that  of  the  patron,  St.  Nicholas,  was 
eminently  conspicuous, '  a  tolerably  adequate  idea  may  then  be  formed  of  the 
ancient  splendor  and  magnificence  of  this  stately  edifice. 

To  proceed,  liovvever,  to  particulars,  it  will  be  necessary,  in  the  first  place,  to 
notice  the  north  or  French's  aisle.  This  compartment  corresponds  in  height 
with  the  roof  of  the  nave;  but  a  portion  of  it  and  the  adjoining  transept  is 
occupied  by  the  organ-loft  or  gallery,  erected  in  the  last  century,  nearly 
parallel  with  the  pulpit,  but,  as  it  must  be  confessed,  with  very  little  display 
of  taste,   either   in    the  design,    position   or   execution.'^      Although  the  traces 


'' Thcvc  arc  tlirec  entrances  to  tlie  church:—!,  the 
principal  at  the  west  front— 2.  a  small  but  hantlsonic 
archcil  gate-way  leading  to  the  north  aisle— .3.  tiie  soutli 
porch,  so  iniich  admired  for  its  curious  architecture.  Tliis 
last  is  a  pcrl'ect  S(|uarc  of  1 1  feet  1  hich,  and  sustains  the 
sexton's  apartment,  which  is  ascended  hy  a  flight  of  stc]is. 
It  ajipcurs  well  uorthy  the  notice  of  all  persons  tliat  visit 
this  church,  heing  curiously  groined,  the  ribs  springing 
from  the  four  corners,  and  uniting  in  the  centre  with 
uiico::mion  heanty.  It  was  built  for  the  acconmiodation 
of  the  poor  by  James  Lynch  Fitz-Stcphen,  mayor  in 
M9,",  alreaily  celebrated  for  dooming  his  only  son  to 
(loath  ibr  peipetratiug  the  horrid  crime  of  murder,  riilf 
p.  70.  There  arc  eighteen  principal  windows  to  the 
church,  viz. :  1  over  and  2  beside  tlie  high  altar,  2  in 
the  north  trausejit,  2  in  the  south,  4  in  the  north  aisle, 
3  in  the  south,  r>  in  the  west  front,  (the  central  one 
facing  the  nave,)  and  1  in  the  old  sacristy,  or  present 
vcbtrv-room. 


'  A  few  of  these  statues,  elegantly  sculptured  in  marble, 
were  saved  from  the  general  wreck,  an<l,  after  a  laj)se  of 
many  years,  were  placed  near  the  parish  chapel,  in 
Middle-street.  They  may  be  still  seen  in  the  south  wall 
of  the  now  collegiate  chapel,  all  in  perfect  preservation, 
except  the  fices,  whicli  had  been  wantonly  iiuitilated. 

A  very  ancient  circular  baptismal  font  of  black  marble 
is  still  preserved  in  the  church.  It  rests  en  an  antique 
sculptured  base,  and  is  ornamented  with  (Jotliic  work, 
trefoils,  &e.  amongst  which  the  figure  of  an  Irish  wolf- 
dog  appears  engraved.  It  is  placed  nearly  op[)osite  the 
south  porch. 

*  On  the  north  of  French's  Aisle,  a  small  passage  leads 
to  two  modern  additions  to  the  church,  whicli  have  been 
called,  but  without  any  apparent  reason,  Browne  and 
Patrick's  Aisles.  The  former  is  24  feet  long,  and  lo  feet 
r,  inches  broad ;  and  the  latter  (also  called  Fyre's  Aisle, 
from  some  members  of  that  iauiily  which  lie  interred  iu  it) 
is   of  the  same  length,  but  only  1 1  feet   !)  inches  broad. 


252  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

of  antiquity  throughout  tlie  church  are  less  numerous  than  might  be  expected 
from  the  date  of  the  buikling,  there  are,  notwitlistanding,  a  few  liandsome 
monuments,  and  some  inscriptions,  which  shall  he  noticed  in  order.  In  this  aisle, 
on    a    black    marble    grave-stone,    the   following    Irish    names   are    legible  :— 

(LCIilirlnnis  iD't£5uun  nuD  rir)argai-ct  II,  Ji^iguanc;  on  another,  ji^crc  lictlj 
tljt  IcDy   of  Ca  r^or— forD,    ©)I)umaUcr,   anD   W  toifc,  "luaninta 

CljlingC — lOijO— 1-577  ;    and   on  anotiier,  curiously    engraved,    ll)ir   Jjetlj   tI)C 

XoDi  Of  £Dn  a9onm})a  ©'Ciernao!),  anti  l)i0luife,  JKatc  IRirnaniganoIjili, 

ant;  !ji0  iirOtlJCr,  CcigC  ©g— an'  3Dni  15S0.  '  Passing  from  the  north  to  tlie 
south  transept,  Joyce's  marble  altar,  placed  in  an  arclied  recess,  forrniii"-  a 
curved  square  of  9  feet  10  inclies,  deserves  notice.  This  recess  was  converted 
into  a  commodious  pew,  some  years  since,  by  the  O'Hara  family,  to  the  memory 
of  some  of  whom  a  handsome,  monument  has  been  here  erected. 

On  entering  the  south  or  Lynche's  aisle,  the  polished  marble  altar  and  window 
of  exquisite  beauty,  built  by  the  founder  of  this  extensive  wing,  and  which  now 
form  its  principal  ornaments,  will  innncdiately  attract  attention.  On  both  sides 
of  this  curious  altar  there  arc  raised  tombs,  highly  sculptured,  belonging  to 
various  brandies  of  this  ancient  family:  one  of  these  is  the  tomb  of  Nicholas 
Lynch  Fitz-Stephen,  by  whom  this  aisle  and  the  adjoining  tower  were  erected."" 
A  small  marble  tablet,  inserted  on  one  side  of  tlic  altar,  contains  llie  foilowiii"' 
inscription  conmicmorating  one  of  his  descendants : 

©tirpc  clarus,  amor  militum,  tcrrou  inimicorutn,  actatc  iulicntX 
scncv  iiirtutilius,  nuuitio  non  Digno  craltatuu  aD  cocluni,  14°.  o^artii. 
anno  iDcnuni  iGi-i.— ^'tcp'oanu^;  Ljnicii. 

Many  otlier  monuments  and  sepulchral  inscriptions  arc  interspersed  throughout 
this  aisle, "  but  the  principal  are  to  be  seen  in  the  choir,  amongst  which  those 
belonging  to  the  Eyre  family  are  the  most  conspicuous.  There  are  several 
spacious  vaults  in  various  parts  of  the  church  ;  but  tliey  are  seldom  opened, 
having  been  almost  entirely  abandoned,  at  the  time  of  the  Reformation,  by 
the  Catholic  fiimilies,  who  resorted  to  the  abbey  of  the  Franciscans,  where  the 


Tlie   ancient  sacristy  (v.hicli  server  at   present  for  tbe  'A  plain  crave-stone,  near  tlic  opcninj  of  this  aislo, 

vcstry-rooui,)    on  the  left  of   the  liii;h-altar,   is  a    large  contains  the  "following  inscription  :—lIere1itth  tlie  BoJv 

ami  coninioilions  aj'artiiient,   aiul  formerly  served  for  the  of  Elislia  Coles,  Master  of  Arts  and  of  the  Laivna-e^i, 

repository  of  the  eluireh   plate,    ornaments,  &e.    which  and  late  Master  of  the  Free-Scliool  of  Galway,  who  dicJ 

were  esteemed  of  considerable  value.  20th  day  of  December,  Anno  Domini  1680.' 

I  On   a  similar  grave-stone,  immediately  adjoining:—  Elisba  Cole  was  born  in  Northamptonshire,  in  England, 

Here  lieth   the  Bodys  of  Richard  Browne,  and  his  wife,  and  was  educated  at  Oxford.     He  first   became  usher  of 

Cate  Browne,  their  son,   Matliew  Browne,  and  his  wife,  Mercliant  Taylor's  school,  and  was  afterwards  appointej 

■Mary  Terney,  and  their  children.     God  rest  their  souls,  master  of  Erasnuis  Smith's   free-school  in  GaUvav.    He 

Amen.     Ki'ij.  wrote  several  useful   books,  particularly  an  English  ami 

■"Tl'.islKuuhonie  tower,  which  is  the  principal  ornament  Latin   dictionary   in   8vo. —  /('ooi/'i  J.  O.— Ilis'naiiic  is 

of  ti.e   south   end   of  the  church,  formerly   contained   a  scarcely  legible  on  the  flag  that  covers  his  remains. 

!;rand  organ  ;  and  also  a  belfry,  which   usually  rung  for  On  a  small  niurnl  tablet,  at  some  distance:— Near  this 

ilivhie  service,  except  on  Sundays,  when  the  great  bell  place  lies  the  Body  of  Henry  Jolly,  Lieutenant  of  Grc- 

was   solemnly  toiled.     The  key  of  the  entrance  always  nadicrs  in  the  Hon,  General  James  Dormer's  Ke;;iimi!i 

vrmained  with  the  founder  and  his  family.  of  Foot. 


HISTORY    OF    GAL^S'AY. 


253 


ancient  monuments  arc  consequently  more  numerous :  and,  thougli  the  cemetery 
attached  to  the  church  is  extensive,  it  is  said  that  none,  even  still,  are  interred 
in  it  but  members  of  the  established  religion. 

The  ancient  college-house,  or  former  residence  of  the  warden  and  vicars,  is  a 
spacious  edifice,  situate  within  fifty  feet  of  the  western  extremity  of  the  church. 
Some  remains  of  antique  sculpture  are  yet  to  be  seen  here,  with  the  entrance  of 
a  subterraneous  passage  (long  since  closed  up)  which  led  to  the  high-altar  in 
the  choir.  This  house  is  now  divided  into  several  tenements,  occupied  by  various 
families,  who  hold  under  the  established  warden  ;  and  with  it  this  section  shall 
be  closed,  in  order  to  proceed  to  the  consideration  of  the  other  religious  cstablisli- 
nients  in  the  town. 


An  elegant  iiifirblc  monument,  on  tlic  nortli  side, of 
the  choii',  cont;iinb  tlie  fullowirig  inscription  : 

Near  this  place  are  inten-cil  the  remains  of  Eihvanl  Eyre, 
Esq.  son  of  Giles  Eyre,  of  Brickworth,  near  Salisbury,  in 
Wiltshire,  Esq.  together  with  his  wife,  Jane  Eyre,  a  vir- 
tuous, charitable,  pious,  anJ  in  all  respects  an  exceeding 
good  woman.  Three  sons  and  two  daughters  their  children. 
He  was  a  thorough  honest  lini^t'islnimu  : 
which  plain  character  bespeaks  him  eminently 
possessed  of  all  good  and  virtuous  qualities. 
He  lived  greatly  beloved  by  all  that  knew  him,  and 
died,  much  lamented,  on  the  14th  of  April,  108". 
In  memory  of  so  worthy  a  Father  and  Mother  their 
duteous  Son,  Edward  E:/rc,  of  Gallway,  Esq.  has 

erected  tliis  Monument. 

Here  als'o  lies  Edioard  Ej/re,  Esijr.  who  erected 

this  monument.    He  died  ye.  5  of  Nov.  1 7."9,  aged  76  yrs. 

He  married  Jane,  the  Daughter  o'i  Sir  ITw.  Mai/nard, 

of  Walthauistow,  in  E>scx,  Bart,  by  whom  he  had  ■!  Sons 

and  5  Daughters.  His  \Vife  and  3  Daughters  surviveil  him. 

He  left  large  Charity  to  build  an  Alms  House, 

and  to  maintain  12  Poor  for  ever. 

On  another  handsome  monument,  immediately  adjoining 

the  last,  the  inscription  is  as  follow  s : 

Near  this  place  rests, 

in  full  assuj'ance  of  a  blessed  Resurrection, 

Jane  Eyre, 

Daughter  of  Sir  William  Maynard,  Baronet, 

and  Uelict  of  Edieard  Eijrc,  late  of  G<dieiiij,  Esqre. 

She  was  a  loving  ami  obedient  Wife, 

a  careful  antl  indulgent  Mother, 

Attable  and  courteous  to  her  Acquaintance. 

Ilcr  pieli/,  prndenec  and  well-dispo-.ed  boiinlj/  to  the  pnnr, 

giving  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  eloalhing  the  naked, 

made  her  a  worthy  example  to  her  Sex. 

She  took  leave  of  this  World  on  the  29  clay  of  Decern.  ITfiO, 

in  the  8Kth  year  of  her  age,   resigned  herself 

clicori'nlly  into  the  hands  of  her  Redeemer, 

with  a  lively  faith,  a  stedfast  hope,  and  that  charity 

which  never  fails  to  obtain  an  Inheritance  among 

the  Saints  in  light. 

Two  Daughters,  Elizabeth  and  Margaret,  survived  her. 

The  Sum  of  ^.lOO  was  given  by  the  Widow,  Jane  Eyre, 
to  the  Corporation  of  Galway,  for  the  j  early   Sum  of 


£24,  to  be  distributed  in  Bread  to  3G  poor  Objects,  on 
every   Sunday,  for  ever. 

Near  these  is  the  following  inscription  on  a  black 
marble  monument : 

Here  is  interred  the  Body  of  Robert  S'.annard, 
Lieutenant  in  the  Konorable  Colonel  Ro.er  Hamlasyde's 
Reijiment  of  Foot.  He  was  third  Son  of  Robert  Stan- 
nard,  of  the  County  of  Corke.  He  was  born  at  Wexford, 
and  dved  here,  of  a  malignant  Fever,  on  the  10th  day 
of  March,  m  the  yeare  of  our  Lord  1720,  in  the  3  l  ycare 
of  his  aje.  He  served  his  Coimtry  in  Spain  faithfully. 
He  lived  soberly,  and  dyed  nmch  lamented. 

On  a  neat  oval  monmnent  on  th.e  south  side  of  the  choir: 

Near  this 

place  lyetli  t!ie  Body 

of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Tenison, 

Wife  of  Major  William  Tenison, 

who  departed  this  Life  June  the 

2.5.     1741. 

She  was  a  woman  of  an  exceeding 

good  character  in  all  respects  of  Life,  and 

died  much  lamented  by  all  her 

Acquaintance. 

Likewise  his  second  Wife,  Ann  Tenison, 

who  was  equal  in  character,  and 
died,   equally  lamented,  April  1st,  1744. 

The  inscription  on  the  monument  of  the  O'Hara  family : 

Beneath  lie 

the  Remains  of  Elizabeth  O'Hara, 

WiCe  of  Gert'rie  O'Hara,  Esqre; 

She  was  an  English  Woman;  honest, 

sincere,  charitable,   a   loving   and    obeilient 

Wife,  and,  in  every  respect,  a  good  example 

to  her  sex.     She  lived  beloved,  and  died 

regretted,  after  a  long  ;md  painful  illness, 

on  the  20th  of  Jidy,  1790,  aged  02. 

Here  also  lieth  Geflrie  O'Hara,  Escjre. 

formerly  a  Captain  in  the  E.  India  Service, 

who,  alter  many  voyages,  settled  in  Galway, 

the  place  of  his  birth  ;  and  died,  nmch 

lamented,  on  the  25  April,  179.'!,. 

aged  77.     He  was  a  good  Seaman, 

an  upright  Magistrate,  and 

an  honest  Man. 


254 


inSTORY    OF    GALWAY- 


CoUcgidle  Chapel  of  Si.  Xicliolas. 

ON  the  surrender  of  tlie  town  in  1()91,  the  cluncli  was  delivered  ii])  to  tlic 
estiiblislied  clei'g'y  by  John  Bodkin  Fitz- Andrew,  who  was  then,  and  ibr  many  years 
after.  Catholic  warden."  The  several  chapels  and  altars,  shortly  before  re})nircd 
and  erected,  were  immediately  broken  down,  and  tl\e  interior  was  again  fitted  up  for 
the  administration  of  divine  service  according  to  the  rites  of  the  established 
religion.  By  the  articles  of  capitulation  it  was  stijjulatcd,  that  tlie  Komaii 
Catholic  clergy  and  laity  of  Galway  should  be  secured  in  the  prhalc  exercise  of 
■their  religion,  and  that  the  former  should  be  also  ])i'otectcd  in  their  persons  and 
goods.  Upon  that  event,  the  Catholic  corporation  secretly  assembled,  and, 
witii  the  concurrence  of  the  warden  and  chapter,  divided  the  town  and  suburbs 
into  separate  districts  or  distinct  parishes,  ^  which  division  has  continued  with 
very  little  alteration  to  the  present  day.  "Warden  Bodkin  was  succeeded  by  the 
reverend  Edmund  Lynch  ;^  and  the  persecutions  against  the  Catholics  raging 
violently  during  his  wardenship,  the  scattered  remnants  of  the  collegiate 
property  were  collected  and  privately  transmitted  to  France.  Here  they  were 
converted  into  money,  which  was  placed  at  interest ;  and  tlie  fund  having, 
in  a  few  years,  considerably  increased  by  donations  and  bequests,  was  applied 
to  tlie  purchase  of  an  income  in  Paris,  v.'hich  was  annually  remitted  to  Galway, 
and  divided  amongst  the  warden  and  vicars  for  their  support."  The  sacred 
utensils  and  other  chiu'ch  plate,  then  \alued  to  be  worth  upwards  of  500/.  were 
also  conveyed  to  France,  and  deposited  in  the  Irish  college  at  Paris,  where  tiicy 
remained  until  the  period  of  the  French  Revolution,  when  tiiey  were  seized  and 
conliscatcd.  During  tlie  incumbency  of  warden  Lynch,  and  also  of  his  successor, 
Patrick  Skerrett  Fitz-Michael,  ^  the  persecutions  against  the  Catholics  continued 


"  Tlie  TcvercnJ  Henry  Joyce,  Catliolicr  warilen  in  tlie 
rei^'ii  ofCli'.irlesII.  was  siicceeJcd  l>y  Matliew  Lynch,  who 
coiitiTiiicd  pastor  for  twentj-eisht  years.  In  the  rei;;n  of 
James  II.  the  revcrcnii  Henry  lirowne  was  elected  in  his 
place,  on  wliich  occasion  none  bnt  those  of  "  the  12  or  1.3 
fumUlcs"  were  allowed  to  vote.  For  some  time  alter  this 
period  the  mode  oC  election  was  by  writing  the  canili- 
dates  names  on  slips  of  paper ;  and  this  plan  was 
adopted  in  consequence  of  the  danger  which  attended 
meeting  for  the  purpose,  under  the  penal-laws.  Warden 
Boilkiu  was  born  in  1653.  He  recei\ed  holy  orders  at 
Madrid  in  IfiVG,  from  doctoi'  James  LMich,  Catholic 
arciibi>kop  of  Tuani.     He  was  a  man  of  exemplary  piety, 

and    died   in    the   odour  of   sanctity. MS.  Acivtint. — 

Archbishop  Lynch  died  in  France  in  I7J5.  He  bequeathed 
'J5l.  a  year  towanls  the  support  of  Galway  students  in 
Varis,  where  his  bust  was  to  be  seen  in  St.  Paul's  eluirch  ; 
and  also  a  full-length  [lortrait  in  the  Irish  eollcpe,  painted 
in  the  ancient  costume,  with  a  long  beard  reaching  down 
to  his  breast. 

I"  Viz. :  the  Qiiay-qnartrr,  Tower-quarter,  Gate-quarter 
a. id  East-suburbs;  part  of  the  parish  of  Oranmore  in 
-iie  cist  libcties;  and  part  of  the  same  iu  the  comity  at 


large;  Ralioon  in  the  west  liberties;  that  part  of  the 
parish  of  Clare-Galway  in  the  east  liberties;  Kilcoikv, 
part  of  the  west  liberties  and  suburbs ;  and  part  of  the 
jiarisli  of  Uahoon  in  the  county  of  the  town  of  Galway. 
After  this  division  the  warden  |)residcd  over  the  "  Qa^iv- 
(]uarter,"  and  the  vicars  officiateil  in  the  other  districts: 
before  this,  it  is  said,  they  only  acted  as  his  coadjutors. 

'  In  his  time  the  reverend  Peter  French,  a  native  of 
Galway,  who,  for  upwardsof  thirty  years,  \i  as  a  celebrated 
missioiier  among  the  Indians  of  ]\Iexico,  returned  to  Ills 
native  town.  This  apostolical  charader  compiled  a  cate- 
chism or  exposition  of  the  Christian  faith  in  the  Mc.\ii:m 
tongue,  and  converted  multitudes  li-om  idolatry.  He  died 
in  Galway  in  1690. 

•I  Of  this  fund  the  warden  received  about  id.  and  caih 
of  the  vicars  about  25/.  annually,  until  the  preach 
Kevolution,  -when  it  was  confiscated,  with  all  the  other 
church  property  in  that  country. 

"  'I'his  warden  received  holy  orders,  in  1C79,  at  Sala- 
manca, in  Spain,  from  Peter  Sala/.ar,  bishop  of  that  place. 
Before  his  election  to  the  wardenship,  he  officiated  a> 
pastor  of  the  Ciitc-iinnrtci  ami  Eiisl-su>iiubs. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY, 


255 


unabated.  '  Tlic  Catholic  corporation,  or  "  lay-patrons,"  however,  from  time 
to  time  assembled,  and  elected  the  wardens  and  vicars  ;  but  these  persecuted 
individuals  were  repeatedly  arrested  and  imprisoned  for  attempting  to  perfoi-m 
J  their  clerical  duties,  insomuch  that  they  were  often  obliged  to  officiate  in  the 
dead  of  the  night,  and  not  unfrcqucntly  to  steal,  disguised  in  woman's  apparel, 
to  visit  the  sick  and  dying.  These  severities,  however,  gradually  declined  ;  and, 
.ibout  the  year  17 -'J,  tlic  warden  and  vicars  fitted  up  a  chapel  in  a  w:u-ehouse 
belonging  to  Anthony  Eodkin,  merchant,  situate  in  Middle-street,  where  they, 
for  the  first  time  since  the  surrender  of  the  town,  publicly  ofiiciated.  In  1731, 
the  severe  penal  visitation,  already  described,  (p.  171',)  took  place ;  and  the 
«  subjoined  extract  from  the  return  made  by  the  mayor,  on  that  occasion,  will 
gi\e  the  reader  some  idea  of  the  state  of  the  Catholic  clergy  in  the  town  at 
that  period.  ^ 

x\  short  time  previous  to  this  event;  the  reverend  Patrick  Bermingham,  of  the 
family  of  IJarbersfort,  in  the  county  of  Galway,  a  clergyman  of  profound  learning 


'  Tliose  ptTscciitions  coinmcnced  in  tlic  reign  of 
William  III.  On  25tli  October,  1701,  Francis  (jvvj'n, 
then  secrctaiv  of  stutc,  wrote  to  tlie  ir.ayor  of  Galway 
as  followb: — "Sir,  my  lord  lientcnant  having  received 
information  that  two  fri;n's,  lately  landed  at  Galway  out 
of  aFrencli  ship,  arrived  in  that  port,  and  that  two  post- 
Jays  have  since  passed  without  any  account  thereof  being 
sent  from  you,  ins  excellency  has  commanded  me  to  let 
you  know  he  is  not  well  pleaseil  with  your  remissness  in 
not  advising  him  with  the  landing  of  any  person  at  your 
port,  contrary  to  the  laws  of  this  kingdom,  and  expects 
you  will  Ibrtliwitli  send  up  an  account  to  me  if  those  two 
friars  lioce  been  seized,  according  to  act  of  parliament, 
(iiid  aye  in  eiixlncli/,  and  also  what  else  has  been  done  in 
that  Mjatter." — Orig.  Letter. — Every  reader  is  already 
acquainted  with  the  severity  of  tliose  laws  during  the 
reign  of  (juccn  Anne.  Innnediatcly  after  the  accession 
of  her  successor,  the  graml  jury  of  the  county  of  Galway, 
at  an  assizes  counuenced  in  the  town  on  the  'I'jlh  of 
March,  1715,  rejirescnted  to  the  lorJs  justices  "that 
great  numbers  ot'  popish  priests  and  friars,  and  other 
ccclesiasticks  of  the  Romish  persuasion,  had  come  into 
the  kinndom  within  the  last  fouryx'ars;  that  the  friars 
settled  themselves  in  the  following  places  in  the  county, 
viz. :  Kilj-i'iinell,  and  in  another  place  near  I'urtumna  ; 
as  also  in  'J'omimri,  near  the  abbey  of  Kinclelian  ;.  in  Uoss, 
r\Ci\r  lleail/iud  :  in  Lniiff/irea,  ill  the  abbey  of  Mi/ie/,- ; 
and  in  KUnesvliael,  war  the  abbey  of  AUieitri/  :  that  the 
great  dbcouragement  given,  in  the  close  of  the  last  reign, 
hv  the  men  then  iu  power,  to  such  as  were  active  in 
sapprcssiuii  all  friaries,  and  [jutting  the  law:s  against  popery 
in  execution,  conti-ibiited  greatly  to  their  settling  in  the 
countrv,  in  defiance  of  tlie  laws ;  and  they  (the  jury) 
humblv  conceived  that,  after  such  discouragements,  it 
would  be  of  singular  use,  and  greatly  for  the  service  of 
his  majesty  and  the  public,  and  encourage  all  persons  in 
their  several  stations  to  contribute  what  in  them  lay  to 
put  the  laws  into  execution,  if  their  excellencies  coni- 
luands  were  renewed  to  all  magistrates,  and  others,  so  to 


do ;  and  directions  given  iu  the  mi/ilajy  power  to  nssist 
l/ient  upon  all  iieecssnri/  ocensioiix,  the  number  of  his 
innjesty's  Protestant  subjects  being  very  few  in  comparison 
to  those  in  opposition  against  them."— OWg.  MS. — It  is 
almost  unnecessary  to  inform  the  reader,  that  the  sen- 
timents of  the  grand  inquest  of  this  respectable  county, 
at  the  present  day,  are  as  different  IVoni  the  intolerant 
principles  contained  in  this  address  as  light  isfrom  darkness. 
^  "  They  (the  sheriffs)  also  gave  me  an  account  of  a 
reputed  pupisli  chapel  in  ]\Iiddle-street  aforesaid,  in 
wiiicli  chapel  there  is  an  altar,  a  canopy  and  some  forms  ; 
and  informed  me  that  one  Gregory/  Freiieli  and  Robert 
Sli-erretl,  two  popish  priests,  usually  ofiiciated  therein  ; 
and  another  popish  chapel  in  the  same  street,  in  a  ware- 
house belonging  to  Anihony  Bodidn,  mercliant,  with  some 
forms,  and  that  one  I'alrieh  lierwiiig/i/iui,  titular  warden, 
and  some  other  [iriests  or  Iriars,  whose  names  1  could  not 
learn,  officiate  therein,  and  which  said  warehouse  was 
converted  into  a  chajiel  five  or  six  years  ago;  and  that> 
one  Ptdrieli  Skcrrett,  a  registered  pujiisli  priest,  a  very 
old  man,  officiates  and  says  mass  (as  they  heard)  in  his 
chambers  in  Skinner^ s-street ;  anil  that  one  Patriek. 
Iluuhanc,  an  old  registered  (iriest,  officiates  and  says  mass 
in  the  parish  of  Rahoon,  in  the  west  suburlw  of  Galway; 
and  that  one  Gregory  I'reneh  (but  whether  he  is  a  priest 
or  friar  cannot  learn)  is  said  to  officiate  in  the  house  of 
widow  Skerrell,  lately  deceased,  in  LoiiJiard-streit,  near 
the  lower  barraeic  ;  and  erne  Bodkin  and  one  Hanks  (of 
whose  Christian  names  I  have  not  been  informed,  or 
whether  priests  or  Iriars  I  am  not  informed,)  officiate  in 
some  of  the  said  chapels  or  private  houses.  And  they 
giving  no  account,  but  as  aforesaid,  and  finding  it  not 
practicable,  without  exaujining  ou  oath  some  of  the 
popisU  inhabitants,  to  get  an  account  of  any  other,  or 
what  mass-houses  in  the  said  town,  or  what  number  of 
priests  officiate  in  each  of  the  saiil  mass-houses,  or  of  the; 
private  pojusli  chapels,  or  of  the  number  of  friars  or 
nuns  in  each  friary  or  nunnery  respectively,  I  cannot  be 
particular  therein." — Com.  Jour,  Vol.  IU.  p.  170. 


.. 


256 


HiSTOnY    or    GALAVAY. 


and  considerable  talent,  was  elected  warden,  and  was  the  only  person  not  of  the 
Galway  names  and  families,  already  enumerated,  who  had  been  elected  to  that 
dignity  for  the  preceding  century.  He,  it  is  said,  was  chosen  by  the  "  tribes," 
or  ancient  families  of  the  town,  to  pacify  the  natives,  or  inhabitants  of  other  names, 
siuce  called  "  non-tribes,"  who  about  that  time  began  to  comj)lain  that  the  ibnuor 
had  wrongfully  usurped  to  tlicmselves  the  right  of  election  and  presentation  of 
the  clergy.  Doctor  Bcrmingham,  soon  after  his  election,  was  arrested  by  the 
mayor,  and  thrown  into  prison,  on  a  charge  of  not  having  conformed  to  the 
regulations  prescribed  by  law  for  popish  priests  ;  but,  it  appearing  that  he  had 
regularly  complied  with  those  rules,  he  was  released  by  order  of  government. 
During  his  incumbency,  the  old  disputes  between  the  archbishop  of  Tuam  and  the 
collegiate  clergy,  as  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  former  over  the  warden  and  vicars, 
were  again  revived,  and  proceedings  were  at  length  instituted  in  Home  between 
doctor  Bernard  O'Gara,  the  then  archbishop,  and  the  clergy  and  jjcople  of  tlie 
town.  On  this  occasion  a  connnission  issued  ;  and  Cornelius  O'Keefe,  titular 
bishop  of  Limerick,  was  delegated  to  proceed  to  Galway,  and  there  to  examine 
into  the  grounds  of  these  differences.  A  compromise  at  length  took  place  between 
both  parties,  and  certain  articles  were  agreed  to,  by  which  it  was  conceded,  on 
the  part  of  the  clergy  and  people  of  Galway,  that  tlie  archbishop  of  Tuam,  for 
the  time  being,  sliould  have  a  right  of  triennial  visitation  in  cap'itc  el  vieiiihris; 
and  also  that  appeals  might  be  made,  in  secunda  instanlia,  from  tlie  sentence  of  the 
warden  to  the  archiepiscopal  see.  On  the  part  of  the  latter  it  was  granted,  that 
the  right  of  election  belonged  to  the  lay-patrons ;  and,  amongst  other  articles, 
■which  are  subjoined,  "  it  was  agreed,  that  the  warden  should  be  thenceforth 
elected  every  third  year,  in  consequence   of  the  many  inconveniences  which 


'  "  Con<;cntiiint  Clcnis  Popiilusque  Galvicnsis :  3.  Ut  ^ynrllian^ls  possit  conccilerc  litcras  dimissoriales 

1.  Quod  Arcliiepiscopus  pro  tempore  Tuamensis  habcat  subditis   sui   Wardiaiiatus,    et    lit   virtute    sii;t   ordinaria: 

«]iK>rilict    tritiiiiio    jus    cob    vi>itaiuli    in    capite,    ct    in  jin'ibdictionis  cogunsiat  de  causis  niatriinonialiluis,  liabcat- 

jiieiiibris.  i|ue  sibi   directas   t'acnbatcs,   coiiccdi    solitas  .SuHiaL'ancis 

'J.  Ouod   appellationcs   in   secunda  initanlia,  ct  a  sen-  Kpiscopis  dispensaiKb  in  gradibusprobibitis,  tiuu  alluiitati.-., 

tentla  Wardiani,  ad  tribunal  Archicpiscopi  ascendant.  quoties  tales  casus  oecurrent. 

E   contra    vero  Arcbiepi^co|)us  Tuamcnsis,   duni-  4.  Ut  Warcbani  jurisdictio  cxtendatur  ad  rcgulares  ct 

niodo  ci  rcservctur  jus  visititionis  in  capite,  et  in  nioniales   sui    territorii    codeni    niodo    quo   episcoporuDi 

inenibris,  etcoL'nitio  causartnii  in  secunda  instanlia  potestas,  quodque  semper  consulatur  in   rcceptione  pucl- 

cedit  Cicteris  privileyiis,  qu;c  sibi  conipetere  pric-  larum,  et   |ier   sc,   vel    per  delegatum    exaniinct   cariun 

tendunt  dictus  Clerus  po|)ubisque  Galvicnsis.  vocationeni,  ac  carum  protcssioni,   tanquam  auctoritateiii 

1.  Scilicet,  (juod  jus  elcctiouis  W'anliani  pro  tempore  liabens,  intcrcsse  possit,  et  valcat. 

spectet   ad   patronos   laicos,    ct   jus   instituendi   salvuni         5.  Ut  i[)se  Wardianus  solus  cum  consilio  sui  capital! 

nianeat   penes   vicarios   collegiatos   wardiani  it  patronis  vigilet   super  ecclesias   annexas   ccclesiae   collegiata;,  in 

laicis  pra;sentati  ct  vice  versa.  ipsisque  noniinct  et  instituat  pastores,  qui  curain  agant 

2.  Quod  \yardianus,  seu  Gustos,  polleat  jurisdictione  animaruni  indcpcndentcr  a  quovis  alio,  ipsique  rationcm 
ordinaria  in  cleruni,  et  popuiiim  sui  territorii,  nimirCun  ut  reddant  de  eoruni  administratione  in  dictis  ccdesiis,  ct 
jiossit  suspendcre,    interdicere,    cxcouimunicarc,   ct   pro  correctioni  subdantiu". 

cont'essionibus  populi   approbationem,    et  jurisdictioneni  (>.  Ut  Wardianus  in  futurum  sit  eligibilis  ad  trienniuni, 

dare   clero   tuni   ssculari   turn   regulari,    eo    niodo,    quo  ob  niiiiis  gravia  inconimoda,  quic  hucusque  provcacrunt, 

Sutfraganei  Episcopi  ntuntur  in  suis  diaiccsilnis  rcspectu  el  provenirc  timentur  ex  annuali  electione  Wardiani." — 

tubditorum.  Vide  Dc  Burg.  Ilib.  Uum.  p.  -ML'. 


' 


niSTOKY    OF    GALWAY. 


9.^ 


attended  their  annual  election.  This  agreement  was  approved  of  and  confirmed 
by  the  bull  of  Clement  XII.  dated  21st  April,  1733,  and  under  it  the  aftiiirs  of 
religion 'in  the  Catholic  wardenship  of  Galway  have  ever  since  been  regulated. 

Warden  Bermingham  died  in  1717>  universally  regretted.  He  was  succeeded 
by  the  reverend  liyacintli  Bodkin,  a  pious  and  learned  di\  ine,  who  survived  but 
;i  short  time,  having  died  in  the  year  171-9.  On  his  death,  the  reverend  Marcus 
Kirwan,  of  Dalgan,  was  elected  ;  but  this  gentleman  having  given  some  dissa- 
tisfaction to  the  lay-patrons,  the  reverend  Antliony  Blake,  of  Dunmacreena, 
(who  was  afterwards  titular  archbisliop  of  Armagh  and  Catholic  jirimate  of 
Ireland,)  was  elected  in  his  place  :  and  this,  it  is  said,  was  the  only  instance  in 
which  any  of  the  wardens  had  been  dispossessed  since  the  Reformation.  Doctor 
Blake  erected  the  parish  chapel  in  JNliddle-street  about  1752,  and  was  succeeded, 
ill  I70J,  by  Francis  Kirwan,  who  filled  the  chair,  with  honor  to  himself  and 
benefit  to  the  town,  until  his  death,  which  happened  in  June,  1770 ;  when  the 
reverend  John  Joyes,  of  Oxford,  in  the  county  of  Mayo,  was  elected.  This 
gentleman  continued  warden  until  February,  17S3,  when  he  departed  this  life, 
leaving  behind  him  the  reputation  of  a  good  and  pious  pastor,  always  zealous  in  tiie 
cause  of  religion,  and  particularly  so  in  the  reproval  of  public  vice  and  immorality. 
He  Vvas  succeeded  by  tlie  reverend  Augustine  Kirwan, '  a  divine  possessed  of 
every  virtue  which  adorns  the  clerical  charactei",  and  wiiose  piety,  meekness  and 
unceasing  benevolence,  will  be  long  remembered.  Amongst  many  other  praise- 
worthy acts,  he  established  a  subscription  fund,  and  founded  a  school  for  the 
instruction  and  clothing  of  indigent  boys,  in  which  numerous  poor  children  are 
still  carefully  taught  the  rudiments  of  education,  and  the  principles  of  religion 
and  morality.  Since  the  establishment  of  this  valuable  institution  to  the  present 
time,  thousands  have,  by  its  means,  been  rescued  from  the  paths  of  idleness  and 
vice,  and  become  nseful  members  of  society.  "Warden  Kirwan  also  instituted 
Sunday  vespers  and  evening  lecture  and  prayers  in  the  collegiate  cliapel  ;  and, 
after  many  other  laudable  regulations,  this  exemplary  man  departed  tliis  life, 
amidst  the  tears  of  the  community,  on  the  7th  of  August,  17U1. 

At  this  time  the  situation  of  the  Cathohcs  of  Ireland  was  very  different  from 
what  it  liad  been  at  any  former  period  since  the  reign  of  James  II.  The  day  of 


<  This  excellent  warden  was  born  in  August,  J  725. 
He  rcccivcil  tlic  minor  orders,  sub-deaconsliip  and  dca- 
conship,  in  Aujtust  and  September,  1747,  from  doctor 
Joseph  Sanclio  Granado,  bishop  of  Salamanca,  in  Spain, 
and  was  afterwards  ordained  priest  tlie  2jd  of  December, 
the  same  year,  by  doctor  Peter  Gonzalez,  bishop  of 
Arilia.  He  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven,  and  a  liand- 
soinc  marble  monument  was  erected  to  his  memory  in  the 
parish  chapel,  containing  the  following;  inscription, 
from  llic  pen  of  tliclate  venerable  doctor  Gahan,  O.S.A. 
of  Dublin : 


"  To  the  Memory  of  the  Very  Rev.  Augustine  Kirwan, 
D.  D.  Warden  of  Galway,  Vicar  of  St.  Nicholas,  who, 
on  the  7th  of  August,  179),  closed  a  lite  of  (Jl  years, 
whereof  40  and  more  were  spent  in  the  apostolical 
labours  of  the  Church  of  Christ. — Of  gentle  manners, 
unalfectcd  : piety,  unbounded  benevolence.  The  father 
and  friend  of  the  poor.  Founder  of  the  Charity  School. 
By  all  beloved  when  living;  now  dead,  by  all  regretted. 
— As  a  tribute  of  affection  this  Monument  is  erected 
by  his  Nephew,  N.  French,  in  the  year  1726." 


'JM  lUSTOKY    Ol'    GALWAY. 

persecution  had  now  passed  away,  and  this  meritorious,  though  long  suffcrin"", 
body  at  length  found  themselves  under  the  protection  of  the  laws,  and  in  the 
enjoyment  of  the  public  a,nd  undisturbed  exercise  of  their  religion.  Immediately 
on  the  decease  of  warden  Kirwan,  the  ))rincipal  Catholics  of  Galway,  composed 
entirely  of  the  ancient  names  ant^  iamihes,  assembled  for  the  purpose  of  new- 
modelling  the  ancient  Catholic  corporation  ;"  after  wliich  they  proceeded  to  the 
election  of  a  warden  in  the  room  of  their  late  venerable  pastor.  On  this  occasion 
there  were  two  candidates  for  the  wardenship,  the  reverend  Patrick  Kirwan  and  the 
reverend  John  Joyes,  nephew  of  the  former  warden  of  that  name,  and,  after  a 
severe  contest,  the  latter  was  chosen  by  a  large  majority. '  During  these  pro- 
ceedings, the  old  disputes  between  the  "  tribes"  and  "  non-tribes,"  whicii  had  lain 
dormant  for  upwards  of  half  a  century,  were  revived  with  considerable  animosity." 
The  reader  has  already  seen  that,  by  the  many  revolutionary  changes  which  hail 


I' 


»  The  resolutions  entered  into  upon  this  occasion  were 
as  follow : 

"  At  a  very  numerous  meeting  of  the  descendants  of  the 
ancient  Roman  Catholic  corporation,  convened  by  Thomas 
Joyce  and  Walter  Joyce,  sheriffs  of  the  town  of  Galway, 
for  the  lime  being,  held  at  the  parish  chapel  of  said  tow  n, 
on  Wednesday,  The  I7th  day  of  August,  1791. 
Resolved  unanimously, 
Tliat  Gregory  French,  esq.  shall  be  mayor,  John 
Kirwan-Antliony  and  Walter  Jo}'ce-Thoinas  sherifts, 
James  Morris-Patrick  recorder,  and  John  Lynch-Alex- 
ander  town-clerk,  until  the  1st  day  of  August  next. 

That  an  election  for  officers  shall  be  held  at  the  parish 
chapel  every  succeeding  1st  day  of  August  for  ever. 

That  no  more  than  twenty  gentlemen  shall  be  admitted 
to  the  freedom  of  this  corporation  ;  and  the  freeilom 
shall   not    descend   to  their  posterity. 

That  no  person  whatsoever  shall  be  admitted  to  the 
freedom  of  this  corporation  without  the  appearance  of 
twenty-one  of  tlie  Galway  names,  inclusive  of  the  ofSeers 
of  this  corporation. 

That  the  elections  for  freemen  to  be  admitted  into  this 
corporation  shall  be  by  ballot,  and  not  by  viva  voce  elec- 
tion ;  and  that  no  person,  or  persons,  shall  be  admitted  to 
the  IVcedom  of  this  corporation  without  a  majority  of 
two-thirds  of  such  meeting. 

That  no  person  whatsoever  shall  be  admitted  to  the 
freedom  of  this  corporation  until  he  shall  have  first  paid 
one  guinea  to  the  sujiport  of  the  chm-itv-school  of  this 
town  ;  or,  if  that  charitable  institution  should  cease,  to 
such  other  charity  as  the  warden  and  vicars,  for  the  time 
being,  shall  think  proper. 

Tliat  every  camlidatc  for  the  freedom  of  the  corporation 
shall  be  proposed  and  seconded  by  one  of  the  council- 
men  of  this  corporation,  and  no  other;  and  that  no 
candidate  shall  be  admitted  or  ballottcd  for  until  the 
succeeding  meeting. 

That  the  council  shall  meet  the  first  Monday  in  every 
month  fur  ever. 

Gregory  Anthony  French,  ]iTa:/nr." 

[followed  by  forty  other  signatures.] 

'  Fortv-four  of  the  lay-patrons  voted  for  the  reverend 

Patrick  Kirwan,  and   upwards   of   a   luuidred    (uiostl}' 


non-residents)  for  doctor  Joycs,  who  was  accordinglj 
declared  duly  elected.  On  this  occasion  several  of  die 
"  non-tribes"  attended,  and  protested  against  "the  iilci,'al 
proceedings  of  a  number  of  people  calling  themselves  the 
thirteen  tribes  of  Galway." — MS. 

"  The  ])rocess  of  electing,  presenting  and  instituting  the 
Catholic  clergy  of  Galway  by  the  lay-i)atrons,  under  the 
bull  of  Innocent  VIII.  is  usually  as  follows:— On  the 
demise  ol  a  warden  or  vicar,  or  previous  to  the  trienniJ 
choice  of  the  former,  notice  of  an  election  to  fill  the 
vacancy  or  continue  the  pastor  is  publicly  given  at  the 
time  of  divine  service  in  the  chapel,  by  order  of  the 
sheriffs  of  the  Catholic  corporation.  At  the  time  appointcJ 
the  electors  assemble  at  the  collegiate  chapel,  and  the 
business  is  opened  by  the  sheritfb.  The  clergyman  in- 
tended to  succeed  (who  himself  seldom  ajipcars  on  llic 
occasion)  is  then  put  in  nomination,  generally  by  the  mobt 
respectable  of  his  friends,  and,  ilno  other  be  projJOscH,  he 
is,  of  course,  duly  elected  ;  but,  in  case  of  a  contest,  wliich 
not  unfrequently  occurs,  the  candidates  are  proposed  and 
seconded  by  their  respective  friends  as  fit  and  jjroper  per- 
ions  to  fill  the  v.aeant  situation  of  warden  or  vicar,  as  the 
case  may  be,  and  a  poll  is  accordingly  demanded  and  pro- 
ceeded on.  On  this  occasion  none  but  members  of  the 
fourteen  ancient  names  and  families,  or  "  tribes,"  are 
permitted  to  vote,  (excepting  only  such  of  the  other 
inhabitants  as  have  been  admitted  to  the  frceedom  of  the 
Catholic  corporation  ;)  and  whether  the  former  arc,  or 
ever  were,  resilient  or  not  in  the  town  is  iimnaterial,  their 
suffrages  being  deemed  equally  legal.  The  votes,  however, 
arc  cautiously  examined  ;  and,  amongst  other  points  of 
disqualification,  illegitimacy  in  the  elector,  or  any  of  hi» 
ancestors,  is  esteemed  a  sufficient  ground  for  rejection. 
On  the  close  of  the  poll,  the  sheriffs  declare  the  candiiLie 
who  appears  to  have  the  majority  of  votes  duly  elected, 
and  the  proceedings  are  accordingly  entered  in  the 
council-book  of  the  corporation.  The  next  step  that 
remains  is  the  presentation  of  the  person  elected  :  that 
of  3  warden  is  made  to  the  vicars  for  institution,  auJ 
that  of  a  vicar  to  the  warden  for  induction,  which,  if  no 
legal  impediment  interferes,  generally  follows;  .and,  in 
case  of  a  warden,  a  brief  of  the  entire  proceeding  is  fiuall) 
transmitted  to  Rome,  to  be  ratifieil  by  the  pope. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


259 


taken  place  since  the  RcformrLtion,  the  Catholic  inhabitants  of  Gahvay  lost  all  their 
i'ormer  municipal  privileges,  except  that  of  the  election  of  their  wardens  and  vicars, 
which  the  descendants  of  the  principal  ancient  names  and  families  contrived,  amidst 
everv  vicissitude,  to  preserve  inviolate  amongst  themselves,  to  the  exclusion  of  all 
the  other  natives  of  the  town,  even  those  of  their  own  persuasion.  During  the 
last  century,  however,  many  respectable  individuals  of  the  latter  class  having 
become  resident  in  the  town,  they,  in  course  of  time,  became  discontented, 
and  at  length  importunate  to  be  admitted  to  vote  at  the  elections  of  those 
clergy  whom  they  contributed  so  amply  to  support.  This  claim,  which  was 
strenuously  lu-ged  on  the  decease  of  warden  Kirwan,  was  as  forcibly  resisted  by 
the  others ;"  but,  as  a  matter  of  favor,  they  proposed  to  concede  the  privilege  to 
such   of  the  opposite  party  as  they  themselves  should  approve  of,  and  as,  under 


Form   of  a    ]Vn>',!ciCs  prescniation,    to   which  that  of  a 

I'lcor  is  Jicarly  .limilnr. 
To  the  reverend  the  Roman  Catholic  vicars  of  the  R.  C. 
collegiate  cluirch  ot'St.  Nicholas,  in  the  town  of  Galway. 
j.  .,  A  vacancy  having  occurred  by  the  death   of  the  late 

fi-y  very  reverend  warilen,  V.  B.  tor  the  ofHce  of  w;u"ilen  to 

'  -  ofTiciate   in   the  collegiate   chin'ch  of   St.  Nicholas,    in 

Gahvav,  we,  the  R.  C.  niaj'or,  bailiff's  and  peers  of  the 
R.  C.  corporation  of  lay-patrons  of  the  said  R.  C. 
collegiate  ciuirch  of  St.  Nicholas,  in  said  town  of  Galway, 
in  pursuance  of  public  notice  thereof,  being  assembled  in 
the  parish  cluipel,  have  unanimously  elected  the  reverend 
E.  F.  to  fill  the  ofRce  of  warden  of  the  said  R.  C.  colle- 
giate church  of  St.  Nicholas,  in  the  said  town  of  Galway, 
and  all  its  out-parishes  annexed  thereto,  for  the  succeeding 
tlirce  years,  to  be  computed  from  the  first  day  of  August; 
and  we  do  hereby  present  the  said  reverend  E.  F.  to  your 
reverences  for  institution. 

[Signed  by  the  mayor,   recorder,   bailiffs  or  sheriffs, 
town-clerk,    and    some    of  the    most  respectable 
2>eers,  (pares,  or  equals,  supposed  to   mean  fiee- 
vicii  or  common  council-men,)  for  the  tune  being, 
of  the  Catholic  corporation.] 
"  Immediately  after  the  decease  of  warden  Kirwan,  in 
1791,  the  non-tribes,  pursuant  to  public  advertisement, 
assembled  at  the   tholsel,  and  formed  a  Catholic  corpo- 
ration of  their  own.   \Valter  Burke  was  nominated  ma}-or, 
James    Burke    recorder.    Waller   I'laheity    and    Robert 
Power  sheriffs,  and  John  E.  Burke   town-clerk.     They 
then  gave  notice  that  they  would,  on  loth  September, 
17!il,  in  the  parish  chapel,  proceed  to  the  election  of  a 
warden   in   place  of  tile  deceased ;  on  which  day,  being 
denied  admittance  there,  they  proceeded  to  the  Augusti- 
nian  chapel,  and  the  reverend  Denis  Mannion,  one  of 
the  vicars,  was  elected  warden,  and  the  reverend  Andrew 
Kenny,  vicar  in   his  place ;    but   these  gentlemen,  not 
considering  the  proceedings  valid  without  the  sanction  of 
the  holy  sec,    declined   the   honors   thus  conferred   on 
1...  them.    The  non-tribes  then  cautioned  the  vicars  agiiinst 

instituting  the  clergy  elected  by  their  opponents,  con- 
cluding with  these  words: — "  We  charge  your  consci- 
ences, as  we  shall  yourselves  at  a  superior  tribunal,  to 
account  for  instituting  any  person  not  properly  qualified 
or  legally  chosen." — They  then  transmitted  a  petition  to 


Rome,  and  on  the  25th  September  following,  again 
assembled  in  the  Augustinian  chapel,  and  resolved, — 
"That  the  bull  of  1-184,  which  was  originally  intended 
by  Innocent  VIII.  for  the  general  benefit,  peace,  harmony 
and  unity,  at  all  times,  of  the  citizens  of  Galwav,  was 
shamefully  perverted  by  the  party  stiling  themselves  the 
13  tribes,  (and  the  clergy  of  their  appointment,)  Ihe 
remnant  of  a  dcca_i/e<l coloni/. — That  as  the  parish  chajiel 
has  been  on  two  difflM-eiit  occasions  shut  against  us,  both 
by  the  clergy  and  thirteen  names,  we  will  in  future  atteml 
prayers  at  some  other  of  the  Galway  chapels. — That  the 
conduct  of  the  clergy  of  said  chapel  on  this  occasion  has 
been  insidious,  petulant  and  partial,  and  that  they  have 
not,  in  any  one  instance,  evinced  a  desire  of  causin"  a 
reconciliation  between  the  parishioners  on  Just,  equal 
and  honorable  terms ;  but,  on  the  eontraiy,  openly  coun- 
tenanced the  usurped  claim  of  the  thirteen  names  to  the 
exclusive  privilei;e  of  election,  in  violation  of  the  express 
words,  intent  and  meaning  of  the  bull  of  \-K-i,  which 
ought  to  be  the  rule  of  their  conduct,  without  prejudice 
or  partiality  to  either  party. — That  as  the  said  thirteen 
names  assume  the  exclusive  privilege  of  electing  the 
Galway  clergy,  it  is  but  reasonable  also  they  should  take 
on  them  the  bmlhen  of  their  support ;  and  on  our  part, 
we  pledge  ourselves  to  each  other  most  solenmly,  that 
we  will  not,  directly  or  indirectly}  contribute  any  longer 
towards  the  support  of  the  clergy  of  their  a()])ointment, 
particularly  by  w  ithholding  from  them  marriage-plate  and 
christening  money,  remendirances,  Christmas  and  Easter 
dues,  and  all  other  dues  whatsoever  ;  and  that  we  will  not 
deal  with  any  jiarishioner  who  may  act  contrary  to  these 
resolutions,  until  oiu'  rights  relative  to  the  election  of  the 
Galway  clergy  are  finally  ascertained,  and  this  illiberal 
cause  of  contention  removed. 

Signed,  by  order  of  tlie  parishioners, 
— Printed  Resolutions.  John  Burke  Edmoiid,  Sec." 

Several  other  meetings  were  afterwards  held,  and  the 
irritable  feelings  and  declarations  on  both  sides  were  very 
violent.  A  deputation  of  the  non-tribes  waited  on  the 
archbishop  of  Tuam,  doctorEgan,  oH'ering  to  surrender  the 
collegiate  rights.  This  prelate,  though  he  at  first  declined 
the  proposal,  afterwards,  it  is  said,  secretly  favoured  the 
proceedings,  and  promoted  their  cause  at  Rome  with  all 
his  influence. 


"260 


MISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


such  terms,  would  accept  of  it,  by  admitting  them  free  of  the  CathoHc  corpo- 
ration.  A  few  individuals,  who  had  acceded  for  the  purpose  of  conciliation, 
v/ere  accordingly  admitted  ;  but  the  proffered  boon  was  indignantly  rejected  by 
the  remainder,  who  formed  the  great  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town. 
A  schism  from  the  newly-elected  warden  was  accordingly  the  consequence. 
The  disappointed  party,  acting  with  more  precipitancy  than  judgment,  proceeded 
to  the  election  of  a  pastor  of  their  own.  They  finally  appealed  to  Rome, 
claiming  the  privilege  as  a  right,  and  not  seeking  it  as  a  favor;  and,  in  the  mean 
time,  the  town  became  a  scene  of  spiritual  anarchy  and  confusion.  A  counter 
petition  was  soon  after  transmitted,  and  the  question  was  at  length  heard  before 
the  congregation  De  propaganda  Jide,  who  decided  (with  a  reservation,  however, 
of  appeal,)  in  favor  of  the  ancient  names  and  families,  or  lay-patrons,  by  a  decree, 
which  received  the  sanction  of  pope  Pius  \l.  on  the  17th  June,  179'-2.  °    Warden 


1 


"  Tins  decree  was  of  the  following  tenor : — D.  D.  Cardi- 
naloi,  (S:c.  ceiisiierunt,  nianutencndos  esse  in  possessionc 
juris  pra'sentandi  ad  dictum  wardianatum  ct  vicarias,  sii- 
riorein,  prreposituni  scu  majorem,  balii\os  et  pares  ejusdein 
civitatis,  juxta  expressiiin  tenorem  siipradictaruin  litera- 
niin  apostolicaruni  Innocentii  P.P.  VIII.  et  juxta  moreni 
hactemis  scrvari  solituni ;  atque  liinc  propterea  Ecv.  D. 
.Toanncm  Jor/cs  confirmanduni  esse  in  miinere,  quo 
fungitur,  wardian!,  usque  ad  fincm  triennii  a  die  sua" 
electionis  computandi,  quo  elapso  committatur  R.  P.  D. 
Gcrardo  Tcafian,  Episcopo  Kerrienfi,  tainquani  delegato 
ab  apostolica  S.  Sedc,  ut  se  opportuno  tempore  conferat 
Galviam,  cum  novus  wardianus  erit  priesentandus,  vel 
pra;scns  confirmandus,  juxta  solitum  morcm,  et  prssit 
conventui,  qui  ad  hunc  eH'ectum  liaberi  solct  ali  iis,  qui 
in  posscssione  sunt  juris  praesentandi,  dissidia  tollat, 
&c.  ud  wardiunaium  aiifcm,  ac  vicarias  frccdicla.'!  eiiiinen- 
iissimi  1).  D,  dccrcDerunt  j)rcEsnitari  posse  qitemcitmqvc 
c/ericiim  Gn/victisem  diiiiimndo  sit  idniicus  (jiinmvis  non 
rcccnscatur  in  album  familiarinn,  qitce  ballivi  et  pares 
vncfilcr ;  ac  prajtcrea  utrique  parti  reservarunt  potestatem 
profercndi  jura  sua  in  pctitorio,  &q. 

In  August,  1791,  doctor  Teaban  repaired  to  Galway 
for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  decree,  but  the  lay- 
patrons  protested  .against  the  promulgation  of  his  commis- 
sion, "  I.  Because  we  consider  the  said  commission  to  be 
a  fraudulent  fabrication  of  interested  persons. — ■2.  Because 
we  are  persuaded  that  its  promulgation  will  disturb  that 
peace  and  harmony  which  happily  subsists  in  this  town." 
— Orig.  Protest. — This  proceeding,  however,  was  after- 
wards complained  of  by  the  non-tribes  as  an  attempt  to 
rc-.ist  the  spiritual  autliority  of  the  pope. 

The  congregation  at  Rome  finding  that  no  appeal  had 
been  lodged  under  their  decree,  pronounced  another  on 
1  ith  May,  1795,  to  the  following  effect : — "  EEmi  patres 
consuerunt  remanendura  esse  in  decisis  ab  hac  S.  C.  &c. 
partes  autem  cum  jura  sua  nondum  protuleriiit,  pne- 
figcndum  esse  iisdem  peremptoriiim  unius  anni  termi- 
uum  ab  hac  die  incipiendi,  a  prajdicta  jura  deducenda;  et 
interim,  per  modum  provisionis,  in  Wardianuni  R.  D. 
.foanuem  Joyes  esse  confirmandum,  pront  confirmant  in 
mufierc  wardianatus,  <]uo  fungitur,  ad  bcneplacitUm 
ejusdLMii  S.  Congrogationis  ac  S.  Sedis." — TJiis  decree  was 
altca'wards  conlirmcd  by  the  pope ;  and  having  been  pub- 


lished on  28th  July  following  by  the  \*arJcT  and  vicars  in 
the  parish  chapel,  the  lay-patrons  inuncdialtiv  protested 
against  that  part  of  it  which  dtclured  tliat  the  warden  wai 
confirmed  during  Ike  pleasure  of  the  sacred  congregation, 
(the  words  "  holy  see"  were  omitted,)  c:;d  on  1st  Aujii^i, 
re-elected  warden  Joyes;  but  the  rihiipter  refused  to 
institute  hun,  assigning  as  their  reason,  "  that  the  warden 
ha\ing  been  previously  appointed  by  the  lioiy  see  at  viil, 
they  could  not  institute  him,  there  being  no  vacancy," 
Upon  this  the  Catholic  corporation  again  assembled,  and 
"  solemnly"  protested  ag.ainst  this  refusal,  and  the  reason 
given  for  it,  as  illegal  and  unjust  to  high  Ai::^\-ee." -0 rig.ilS. 
The  question  to  be  decided,  wa-;,  whether  the  Catholic 
corporation  composed  of  the  descendants  of  the  fourteen 
ancient  names  and  lamilies,  were  exclusively  entitled,  under 
the  bull  of  Innocent  VIII.  to  the  right  of  electing  and 
presenting  the  wardens  and  vicars,  or  whether  that  pri- 
vilege did  not  equally  belong  to  all  the  Catholic  citizens  or 
inhabitants  of  the  town,  without  distinction  ?  The  pritv 
cipal  arguments  adduced  in  tliis  curious  case,  by  both 
parties,  were  briefly  as  follow: — In  sup[)ort  of  the  exclusive 
right,  it  w.as  eoutendcd,  that  tlie  ancestors  of  the  fourteen 
families,  who  were  emphatically  stiled  Angln-dalviemti, 
or  English  families  of  Gal  way,  wc.-e  the  original  founders 
of  the  town  and  church  ;  that  they  had  riclilv  endowed 
the  latter,  and  for  valuable  consideration,  (which  it  is  saiJ 
now  constitutes  the  greatest  part  of  the  revenues  of  the 
Protestant  .archbishop  of  Tuam,)  acquired  the  domestic 
nomination  of  their  clergy,  which  they  transmitted  to  their 
posterity  ;  every  one  of  whom,  it  was  asserted,  had  as  Icgnl 
a  right  to  this  privilege  as  any  individual  to  his  hereditary 
estate.  That,  although  the  original  memorial  to  Innocent 
Vin.  purported  to  have  been  tliat  of  all  the  parishioners, 
yet  the  pope,  knowing  the  evils  attendant  on  popular  elec- 
tions, confined  the  right  solely  to  the  mayor,  bailiffs  and 
equals,  or  freemen  &  council,  of  thetowu.  That  tliisanciint 
privilege  was  [ireseiTed  and  handed  down,  through  varioui 
persecutions,  pure,  inviolate  and  (until  lately)  uncontro- 
verted,  by  means  of  the  Catholic  corporation  ;  and  that 
it  was  absurd  ami  unreasonable  in  the  highest  degree  that 
"  new  men"  and  modern  families,  not  mejubers  of  th.it 
boily,  but  who  had  come  to  reside  in  the  town  ages  after 
its  formation,  shoidd  intrude  themselves,  or  chiini  a 
participation  of  tliosc  spiritual  rights  and  privileges  wliiib 


1 


j 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAV. 


261 


Jojes  was  soon  after  re-elected ;  and  although  this  decision  lias  been  ever  since 
acquiesced  in,  it  was  at  the  time  asserted,  on  the  part  of  the  appelhints,  that 
tliey  would  have  succeeded,  had  not  the  court  of  Rome,  alarmed  at  the 
then  revolutionary  proceedings  in  France,  been  inclined  to  discountenance  any 
measure  v.iiich  Iiad  the  smallest  appearance  of  popular  innovation.  The  subject 
has,  however,  been  a  source  of  uneasiness  ever  since  to  several  conscientious 
members  of  the  cliapter,  wlio,  considering  the  great  revolution  wrought  by  time, 
and  the  alteration  of  circumstances  since  the  original  institution  of  the  collegiate 
church,  have  I'cpresented  that  such  a  change  has  been  eflected  in  the  nature  of  the 
patronage  of  its  clergy  as  to  render  its  canonical  validity  doubtful ;  but  they,  at 
'the  same  time,  admit  that,  although  usage  or  prescription,  since  the  suppression 
of  the  Catholic  corporation,  forms  the  only  tenable  foundation  on  which  the 
right  at  present  rests,  yet  any  material  change  in  the  usual  and  ordinary  manner 
of  exercising  it  can  only  be  effected  by  the  interposition  of  the  supreme  ecclesi- 
astical power  and  the  sanction  of  the  holy  see,  in  order  to  render  it  valid  and 
canonical.  This  opinion,  however,  which  militated  so  forcibly  against  the 
exclusive  privileges  of  the  lay-patrons,  neither  coincided  with   their  wishes  nor 


Ind  been  obtained  by  the  ancient  families,  tlien  the  only 
inhabitants  of  the  town,  which  were  solemnly  confu'nied 
hy  the  special  grace  and  letters  of  the  apostolic  see, 
and  afterwards  peaceably  enjoyed  for  upwards  of  three 
hundred  years,  and  to  which  their  descendants,  whether 
resident  or  not,  were  equally  entitled,  having  been  born 
citizens,  or  pares,  (equals)  of  the  town,  and  not  elected 
or  admitted  free  as  other  strangers,  but,  when  of  age, 
assuming  their  places,  and  exercising  their  rights  as 
members  dc  jure  of  the  corporation.  That,  since  the 
time  of  its  original  institution,  the  Catholic  corporation 
had  invariably  admitted  persons  of  other  names  and 
families  to  their  freedom  si)eciaU  gratia,  although  no 
instance  appears  on  record  of  any  such  extension  to  any 
person  of  the  fourteen  families  of  the  town,  which 
clearly  demonstrated  that  the  right  was  inherent  in  them 
not  as  individuals,  but  as  members  of  one  corporate 
body.  That,  even  by  the  canon  law  the  founders  and 
maintainers  of  churches,  such  as  these  ancient  families 
had  been  of  the  church  of  St.  Nicholas,  were  exclusively 
entitled  to  the  nomination  of  their  clergy,  all  which 
clearly  evinced  their  real,  true  and  undoubted  title  to 
those  rights,  which  they  prized  more  particularly  as  an 
lionorable  testimony  of  their  attachment  to  the  faith  of 
their  forefathers,  and  of  their  devotion  and  obedience  to 
the  holy  see.  That  no  power  on  c;u'th  could  deprive  them 
of  this  [irivilege,  until  it  should  be  proved  that  they  had 
abused  it :  and  that,  therefore,  considering  their  consci- 
entious exercise  of  the  trust  reposed  in  them,  by  keeping 
the  church  constantly  fdlcd  with  pious,  learned  and 
virtuous  clergy,  not  one  of  whom,  for  upwards  of  three 
hundred  years,  was  or  couKl  be  charged  with  any  breach 
either  of  doctrine  or  morals,  they  relied  that  they  ought 
not  to  be  disturbed,  but  rather  confirmed  in  the  possession 
of  an  ancient  invested  right,  which  they  and  their 
ancestors  had  been  in  the  undisturbed  exercise  and 
crjoyment  of  for  so  manv  ccnturic^. 


On  the  part  of  the  "non-tribes,"  it  was  objected,  that 
so  far  from  the  "  tribes,"  or  fourteen  families,  havi'Ug 
been,  as  asserted,  the  founders  of  Galway,  the  town  had, 
in  fact,  originally  belonged  to  the  old  family  of  DeBiu-go, 
by  whom  it  was  principally  built,  and  to  whom  it  was 
chiefly  indebted  for  its  original  increase  and  improve- 
ment. That  intervals  of  man)'  years  had  elapsed  between 
the  different  periods  of  settlement  in  the  town  of  these 
several  names  and  families,  who  were  almost  entirely  the 
descendants  of  Anglo-Norman  adventin-ers  in  Ireland  ; 
and  that,  in  particular,  some  of  them  had  never  been 
resident,  or  even  licard  of,  in  the  town  when  the  collegiate 
church  was  established,  viz. :  the  Darcys,  Brownes,  &c, 
although  they  were  now  ranked  amongst  the  families  to 
whom  it  was  pretended  the  exclusive  privilege  of  electing 
its  clergy,  &c.  had  been  granted.  'I'hat  this  right  had 
been  at  first  acquired  by  all,  [univcrsorum,)  and  not 
a  part,  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  who  after- 
wards unanimously  petitioned  the  pope  to  confirm  their 
acquisition,  which  was  accordingly  done,  under  the 
general  denoaiination  of  mai/or,  bailiffs  and  equals, 
meaning  all  the  citizens,  common  council-men  and  free- 
men of  the  town.  That  the  bull  made  no  mention  of 
these  fourteen  families,  or  of  any  familj',  tribe  or 
name,  or  any  other  dcscriiition  of  persons  whatever ;  but, 
on  the  contrary,  the  various  letters  of  the  holy  sec,  con- 
cerning the  collegiate  cluu-ch,  testified  ag-unst  any  such 
exclusive  claim ;  and  even  the  last  of  these,  in  1 753, 
particularly  recognized  the  right  oi'  the  inhabitants  in 
general,  under  the  name  of  "  Clerus  populusquc  Galvie," 
"  the  clergy  and  ju-uple  of  Galw  ay."  'That,  for  nearly  two 
centuries  next  alter  the  institution,  as  appeared  by  the 
original  corporation  books  of  the  town,  the  patronage 
was  exercised  by  the  mayor,  sherifis  and  freemen,  or 
burgesses,  as  a  privilege  annexed  to  their  corporate  body, 
to  which  every  inhabitant  was  eligible,  and  never  was 
pretended  to  as  a  right  inherent  in  any  particular  class  of 


262 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


met  their  approbation,  although  it  has  been  confidently  asserted  that  the  vicar^, 
and  even  the  warden  of  the  town,  during  the  contest  in  179SJ,  had  been  unani- 
mously of  opinion,  that  some  modification  and  arrangement  in  the  constitution 
and  exercise  of  this  patronage  had  become  highly  necessary  for  the  interest  of 
religion  in  Galway. 

The  dissensions  already  detailed  having  excited  the  attention  of  the  then  titular 
archbishop  of  Tuam,  they  suggested  to  that  able  and  vigilant  prelate  a  project  never 
until  then  thought  of,  and,  consequently,  at  the  time  totally  unexpected  :  this 
was  nothing  less  than  the  total  abolition  of  the  collegiate  rights  and  the  annexation 
of  the  wardenship  to  the  archiepiscopal  see,  to  accomplish  which  every  exertion 
was  made  at  Rome ;  but,  througli  the  successful  endeavours  and  advocacy  of 
the  reverend  ^'alentine  Bodkin,  agent  of  the  lay-patrons,  and  afterwards  warden 
of  the  town,  this  bold  and  unprecedented  attempt  of  the  archbishop  was  frus- 
trated. In  the  mean  time,  tlie  amiable  and  conciliatory  demeanor  of  warden 
Joyes  by  degrees  reconciled  matters  within  the  town  ;  and  the  angry  feelings  of 
jealousy  and  discontent,  which  had  proceeded  to  considerable  lengths  amongst 
several  ol'  the   inhabitants,  gradually  subsided.     On  the  decease  of  this  worthy 


the  citizens.  Tliat  tlie  fourteen  confederated  families 
Imd,  therefore,  after  tlie  polilieul  extinction  of  the  old 
Ciitliolic  corporation,  monopolized  these  privileges,  and 
that  afterwards,  to  give  a  colour  to  their  usurpation,  they 
formed  themselves  into  a  sclf-createil  body,  and  assumed 
the  name  of  a  corporation  for  no  other  purpose  tlian  to 
keep  the  patronage  of  the  church  amongst  themselves,  for 
the  benefit  of  individuals  of  their  own  names  and  families. 
That  it  v.as  unjust,  in  the  highest  degree,  for  tiiose  persons 
so  to  do,  to  the  excln-ion  of  all  the  other  inhabitants, 
«  hose  ancestors  had  settled  (and  many  of  them,  viz.  :  the 
Binlies,  Butlers,  Colemans,  Fallons,  Nolans,  Quins, 
Tullys,  &c.  at  a  very  early  period)  in  the  tov.n,  v.itli  their 
families  and  properties,  where  they  have  ever  since,  for 
many  generations,  remained — a  circumstance  which  ought 
to  have  entitled  them,  at  least,  to  the  coimnon  rights  of 
naturalization.  That  the  descendants  of  the  fourteen  I'ami- 
lies,  I'rom  a  long  habit  of  thiuLin,'  their  title  ju^r,  at  length 
be<'ame  convinced  that  it  was  so,  and  fuially  grew  so 
coiiliduut  as  to  declare,  that  while  an  in<lividiial  helong- 
iiig  to  tla.111,  or  any  of  their  names,  existed  in  the  town, 
or  elsev.liere,  the  title  to  elect  and  present  the  clergy  of 
llie  ■collegiate  church  would  remain,  to  the  exclusion  of 
iiU  otherpretendcrs.  'i'hat  they  at  length  went  so  far  as  to 
assert,  that  even  the  name  gave  in  itself  a  suflicicjit  title; 
iind  finally  carried  the  alisurdity  to  such  a  length,  as  to 
reject  pi(u;s,  learned  and  exemjilary  clergymen  as  unfit  to 
be  either  wardens  or  vicars,  without  any  other  possible 
objection  but  tha.t  they  were  of  d'IIi;rent  names  from  tl:e 
fourteen  families,  who  had  resolved  "  that  the  name  of  a 
^tranger  sliouU!  not  appear  on  the  face- of  their  boohs." 
'J'hat  under  these  circinnstanccs  it  followed,  that  any 
individual  of  these  self-priulcged  names,  wheresoever 
born,  brc;!,  or  actually  resident,  if  he  appeared  in  Galway 
at  the  time  of  the  election  of  the  clcr^'V,   was  allowed 


a  right  of  franchise  by  virtue  of  his  name,  ahhoiiph 
he  might  be  a  total  stranger  in  the  town,  and  might 
never  have  contributed  to  maintain  the  clergy,  in 
whose  conduct,  carriage  or  behaviour,  he  had  not  the 
smallest  interest ;  while  the  rank,  fortune,  length  of 
residence  and  reputation  of  the  other  inhabitants  wers 
totally  disregarded,  who  were,  therelbre,  obligfd  to  become 
silent  spectators,  while  a  few  resident  voters  and  a  majority 
of  aliens  appointed  those  very  clergy  whom  they,  thoujh 
excluded,  principally  contributed  to  support.  It  was  then 
represented,  that  though  the  number  of  the  non-resident 
patrons,  as  they  were  called,  was  indefinite,  yet  that  the 
resident  voters  had,  for  a  great  many  years,  IJeen  rapidly 
declining  in  number  and  res|)ectabi!ity,  while  the  excluded 
resident  inhabitants  had  increased  in  like  pro]jortion ;  and 
it  was  finally  represented  that  this  abuse  and  perversion 
of  the  original  grant  had  commenced  in  times  of  turbu- 
lence and  persecution,  when  the  other  inha4)itant3  were 
obliged  (through  necesbity,  and  to  avoid  attracting  the 
uotice  of  persecutors,)  to  permit  the  rights  of  ihe  entire 
body  to  be  exercised  by  a  few  indi\iduals,  who  secretly 
assembled  to  elect  the  clergy,  by  which  means  those 
persons  seemed  to  have  acquired  a  yufisi  |  rescriptive  right, 
which  they,  (the  non-tribes,)  therefore,  luimbly  besought 
the  holy  sec  to  abolish,  and  to  restore  the  collegiate 
cimrch  to  its  original  puritj'. 

The  author  having  thus  far  faithfully  endeavoured  to 
collect  the  arguments  adduced  by  these  contending 
parties,  without  being  conscious  of  partiality  to  either, 
he  shall  not  here  presume  to  draw  any  conclusion  ;  thiit 
lie  leaves  to  others ;  but  cannot,  however,  conclude 
witliout  expressing  a  hope  that,  should  the  questieii 
be  ever  again  revived,  the  feelings  of  party  prejudice; 
may  never  preponderate  to  the  injury  of  religion. 


HISTOllY    OF    GALWAY. 


263 


man,  in  1805,  the  reverend  Valentine  Bodkin,  before  alluded  to,  was  elected 
warden."  During  his  incumbency  he  promoted  the  establishment  of  an  oj'phan 
asykunj  for  the  maintenance,  clothing  and  education  of  destitute  female  children. 
The  lay-patrons  having  soon  after  resolved  not  to  elect  any  of  the  then  vicars 
(who  were  mostly  of  non-tribe  families)  to  succeed  him  as  warden,  he,  at  their 
desire,  procured  a  dispensation  from  Rome  to  render  eligible  three  regulars  of  the 
town,  viz.  the  reverend  John  Fallon  and  the  reverend  Cliarles  and  Edmund 
Ffrench,  two  brothers,  all  of  the  Dominican  order.''  The  latter  gentleman 
was  accordingly  cliosen  vicar,  and  afterwards,  on  the  death  of  doctor  Bodkin, 
in  ISI'2,  was  elected  to  the  dignity  of  warden,  a  circumstance  which  occasioned 
fresh  troubles  in  the  town.  The  other  vicars  loudly  protested  against  this  election, 
charging  the  lay-patrons  with  partiality  and  injustice.  A  disunion  was  accord- 
ingly the  consequence  ;  the  chapter  declared  the  proceedings  invalid,  refused 
to  confer  institution  on  the  newly-elected  warden,  and  finally  appealed  to  the 
pope,  complaining  against  the  innovation  of  a  regular  intruding  on  a  secular 
chapter.  Many  of  the  most  respectable  inhabitants  also  murmured  at  these 
proceedings,  the  effects  of  which  are  not  yet  entirely  over.  The  election,  however, 
was  afterwards,  on  18th  June,  1S13,  confirmed  by  the  pope  ;  and  the  piety,  zeal 
and  exertions  of  warden  Ffrench,  since  his  accession  to  the  wardenship,  justly 
entitle  him  to  the  respect  and  esteem  in  which  he  is  so  generally  held.  To  his 
anxiety  for  the  promotion  of  religious  education,  and  the  improvement  of  public 
morals,  the  town  is  principally  indebted  for  the  establishment  of  that  valuable 
institution,  the  presentation  convent ;  and  the  superb  collegiate  chapel,  now 
erecting,  which  may  be  said  to  have  been  hitherto  raised  by  his  single  exertions, 
will  long  remain  a  splendid  monument  of  his  zeal  for  the  interests  of  religion. '' 


JN^  'This  accomplished  scholar  and  excellent  divine  had 

rcsideil  in  Italy  I'roin  an  early  age  until  about  tlie  period 
of  the  French  Revolution,  when  he  returned  to  Galway, 
and  officiated  as  one  of  the  vicars  of  the  town,  to  which 
office  he  had  been  elected  during  his  absence.  He  pos- 
sessed a  highly  cultivated  mind,  manners  the  most  refined 
and  elegant,  was  well  acquainted  with  all  the  modern 
languages,  and  ilecply  skilled  in  every  branch  of  human 

j^  ,  learning.     Being  descended  from  one  of  the  oldest  and 

most  respectable  families  of  the  town,  and  united  to  the 
reinaiudcr  by  the  ties  of  kindred  and  the  warmest  feelings 
of  friendship  and  ailection,  doctor  Uodkiu,  while  in 
Italy,  acteil  as  the  strenuous  and  indefatigable  advocate  of 
their  collegiate  influence,  and  was  chiefly  instrnniental  in 
bringing  the  litigation  already  detailed  to  a  favorable  issue. 
"  Tlie  first  of  these  three  gentlemen,  though  a  "  non- 
tribe"  by  name,  sprung  from  an  ancient  Galway  family, 
one  of  whom  was  Cathohc  warden  in  1620.  The  two 
latter,  besides  being  descended  from  one  of  the  fourteen 
famiUes,  were  also  reconnnendeil  by  a  circumstance  rather 
<.ingular  in  its  nature  :  Their  father,  the  reverend  Edmund 
i'frc'ich,  had  been,  for  man)-  years,  warden  of  the  estab- 


lished church  ;  he  also  served  the  office  of  mayor  in  1774; 
and  his  name  appears  signed,  amongst  otiicrs,  to  the 
intolerant  "black  petition"  against  the  Catholics  in  1761. 
Both  his  sons,  however,  when  very  young,  became  con- 
verts to  the  Catholic  faith,  and  aftcnvards  friars  of  the 
Franciscan  order.  The  youngest  having  been  elected, 
as  above,  in  the  place  of  doctor  Bodkin,  tiius  became 
Catholic  warden  in  the  same  town  in  which  his  father  had 
been  for  so  many  yevirsProtcstant  warden  ;  and  that  he  may 
long  so  continue,  with  honor  to  himself  and  benefit  to  the 
conmiunitv,  is  the  sincere  wish  of  the  author. 

^  The  foundation  of  the  new  collegiate  chapel  of  .St. 
Nicholas  was  laid  on  1st  July,  1816,  (being  the  old 
anniversary  of  tlie  battle  of  the  Boyue,)  by  Hyacinth 
Daly,  esq.  mayor  of  the  town !  Tills  memorable  day 
presented  a  sight  in  Galway  which  forcibly  evinced  the 
increasing  liberality  of  the  times,  and  which  was  as 
grateful  to  every  liberal,  patriotic  and  enlightened  mind  as 
it  was  novel  and  unprecedented  in  the  annals  of  the 
country — the  head  of  a  Frutestant  corporation  laying  the 
foundation  of  a  CatJinVic  chapei,  in  a  town  where,  within 
the  memory  of  many  persons  yet  living,  a  Catholic  wouhl 


264 


HI  STORY    OF    GALWAY. 


To  conclude — the  Catholic  warden  of  Gahvay  (wlio  lias  been  sometiincH 
described  by  the  term  quasi  episcopus)  is  a  prelate  chosen  triennially  by  the  lay- 
patrons  of  the  town,  who  exercises  episcopal  jurisdiction  over  an  extensive 
district  and  ])opulation  in  the  ca})ital  of  the  province,  but  subject  to  the  triennial 
Aisitation  of  the  nictroi)olitan  of  Tuain,  who  is  generally  obliged,  however,  to 
conclude  the  business  of  visitation  within  a  limited  time.  His  institution  by  the 
chapter  or  vicars  confers  on  him  all  the  necessary  faculties  in  ordinary  lor  thin 
jurisdiction  :  of  course,  what  the  confirmation  of  the  holy  see  confers  on  a  bishop 
elect,  or  nearly  so,  is  conferred  on  him  by  such  institution.  lie  possesses  a 
visitatorial  power  over  all  religious  foundations  within  the  limits  of  the  warden- 
ship  ;  has  privilege  of  sending  two  students  to  the  Royal  College  of  St.  Patrick, 
Maynooth  ;  is  intitled  to  a  chair  and  vote  in  synod,  with  mitre,  crozicr  auJ 
pontificals,  as  other  prelates  :  but  he  cannot  administer  the  sacrament  of  confir- 
mation, confer  orders,  or  consecrate  the  sacred  unction.  A  vicar  of  the  colleo-iate 
church  (who  is  also  elected  by  the  lay-patrons,  but  for  life,)  is  of  diff^'erent 
signification  from  what  is  commonly  understood  by  that  name,  the  vicara<Te 
being,  in  fact,  a  canonry  or  prebend  in  a  collegiate  chapter.  The  reverend 
gentlemen  at  present  composing  this  venerable  body  are  inferior  to  none  in  the 
kingdom  lor  piety,  learning,  and  zeal  in  the  arduous  discharge  of  their  sacred 
duties. 

Franciscan  Friarij. 
THE  power  of  the  De  Burgos  having  been  firmly  established  in  Connaught, 
about  the  close  of  the  thirteenth  century,  by  the  favorable  issue  of  their  lone 
p.nd  sanguinary  coiilests  with  the  native  Irish,  Gahvay  became  (as  there  had  been 
before  occasion  to  mention)  the  chief  residence  of  this  powerful  family,  and, 
consequently,  the  principal  object  of  its  protection  and  improvement.  In  1296, 
Sir  William  de  Burgh,  surnamed  Liagh,  or  the  grey,  founded  this  monastery 
for  Franciscan  friars,   outside  the  north  gate  of  the  town,    as  particularly  detailed 


he  Halilo  to  persecution  for  daring  to  avow  the  piinciplcs 
of  his  religion.  Tlie  following  account  of  this  triiDiuction 
is  au-tracti'i!  from  the  public  prints  of  the  clay  : — "  On  the 
1st  of  Jnly,- 1  RIG,  the  first  stone  was  laid  in  the  foun- 
dation of  a  n-jv.-  parish  cliapel,  on  the  site  where  tb.e  old 
one  stood,  in  Middle-street,  in  this  town.  About  one 
o'clock,  the  popidar  Roman  Catholic  warden  (the  very 
reverend  doctor  Ffrench)  and  the  other  Catholic  clergy  of 
the  town,  attired  in  their  sacerdotal  habits,  assembled  at 
the  old  couniy  court-house,  which  is  now  temporarily 
converted  into  a  parish  cliaj)el.  'J'hey  were  there  met  by 
Hyacinth  Daly,  esq.  our  rc-pecteil  mayor,  attended  by 
the  shci'ifis  and  other  magistrates  anci  officers  of  the 
co'poratiou,  clothcil  in  their  oiTicial  costume,  and 
hearing  the  insignia  of  their  nnniicipal  character,  together 
with  a  great  concourse,  coiuprising  almost  the  entire 
()Ot!y  of  the  respectable  gentry  of  Gaiway.    This  collected 


assemblage  moved  from  the  court-house  in  regular  pro- 
cession, preceded  liy  a  liand  of  music,  through  Iligh-slrett, 
Shop-street  and  Abbe\ -gate-street,  to  where  the  new 
chapel  is  to  stand.  'I'licre  the  usual  form  was  gone 
through  of  laung  the  first  stone,  which  was  deposited  bv 
the  mayor,  in  front  of  whose  house  the  populace  liJitcJ, 
in  the  evening,  an  amazingly  large  bonfire." 

This  extensive  structure  not  being  yet  (IS20)  entirely 
finished,  the  author  regrets  that  he  cannot  include  a 
description  of  it  in  this  work.  The  style  of  architecture, 
however,  which  is  that  of  the  onianitntcd  Gothic,  rtliccts 
nnieh  credit  on  the  ingenuity  and  taste  of  the  builder, 
Wr.  Cusack;  and  the  entire  edifice,  when  comjileted,  will 
prove  a  considerable  ornament  to  the  town,  and  be  one 
of  the  most  spacious  aod  elegant  Catholic  chapels  in 
the  kiiigdom. 


HISTORY    OP    GALAVAY. 


265 


in  the  obituary  of  the  friary,  *  and  the  dedication  took  j^lacc  on  the  l6th  of 
May.  The  founder  died  12th  Feb.  lo^l-,  and  was  here  interred.  Several  other 
particulars,  concerning  this  monastery,  for  the  two  centuries  succeeding  this 
period,  were  collected,  from  various  sources,  by  Allemande,  Archdall,  and  others, 
wliicli  are  here  subjoined."  In  addition  to  these,  the  following  have  been 
gleaned  for  this  work  : 

1538,  John  French,  who  was  mayor  this  year,  erected  the  great  clia[)el  on  the 
south  side  of  the  abbey,  and  also  the  stone  building  which  stood  on  arches  over 
the  river,  to  the  west  of  the  pinnacle,  afterwards  called  "  John  French's 
Chamber." 

1570,  jNIarch  9th,  Queen  Elizabeth  granted  part  of  the  possessions  of  this 
monastery  (then  lately  dissolved,')  to  the  corporation,  and  their  successors, 
which  grant  was  renewed  on  1st  September,  1578,  for  forty  years. 

1(103,  February  11th,  James  I.  granted  the  entire  possessions  of  this  house  to 
Sir  Geoi'ge  Carew,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever. 

iGll,  Valentine  Blake  Fitz-Walter  Fitz-Thomas,  who  was  mayor  this  year, 
built  the  cliapel  on  the  south  side  of  the  choir,  wherein  he  and  his  family  were 
interred.     This  chapel  was  afterwards  converted  into  a  sacristy. 

I62G,  April  iGtli,  died  Murrough  ?ia  more  O'Flaherty,  of  Bunowen  castle,  and, 
by  his  directions  in  his  last  will,  was  interred  amongst  liis  ancestors  in  this  abbey. 

iGltJ,  llicluird  Martin,  of  Dungorie,  who  was  this  year  mayor  of  the  town, 
bestowed  800/.  to  build  two  chapels,  one  in  this  abbey,  and  the  other  in  the- 
church  of  St.  Nicholas. 


*  War.  MS.  Vu!.  Lodge,  Vvl.  2,  Appendix ;  but,  accor- 
ding to  tlie  annals  of  the  town,  tins  I'riary  was  fbinuled  in 
IL'SO.  Tlie  obituary  above  alluded  to  is  supposed  to  be 
lost.  In  tlic  Clarendon  MS.  4G,  /.  41,  there  were  pre- 
served extracts  "jfeV  nccroiogia  conventus  fratrum  viiiiorum 
Gah'ic,"  which,  if  still  existing,  are  thought  to  be  the 
only  remains  (with  what  little  has  been  here  collected)  of 
that  ancient  registry. 

'  1381,  in  this  year  pope  Urban  empowered  the 
guardian  of  this  friary  to  excommunicate  every  person 
within  the  province  of  Connaught  who  should  adhere  to 
the  anti-pope,  Clement  VII. — Ji/emandc. —  HCO,  Jan. 
2Clh,  died  William,  son  of  Jleyler  the  great,  who  be- 
queathed to  this  convent  half  a  mare  yearly,  to  be  paid 
on  the  feast  of  St.  Brigid. — Lili.  Obit,  i'iiig,  p.  3 1 2. — 
1491,  the  friars  of  this  house  obtiuned  a  license  from 
pope  Alexander  VI.  to  annex  to  the  friary  the  Chapel  of 
our  Lady,  then  adjoining  one  of  the  gates  of  the  town. — 
Allemaii'dc. — 1404,  April  20th,  died  Edward  Philibyn, 
who  built  the  donnitory  of  this  monastery. —  ]\'aie  MS. 
Vol.  34.-1505,    jMardi     loth,,    died    Tli'ady   Walter  do 

Burgh,  h  ad    of  his    sept. King,  p.<5lS.  —  \50j,  Sept. 

50th,  died  Walter  de  Burgh,  the  son  of  John.— /(/. — 
1509,  July  7th,  died  Rickard  Walter  de  Burgh. — Id. — 
1513,  Feb.  23il,  Edmund  de  Burgh,  the  son  of  Rickard, 
and  head  of  his  sept,  was  treacherously  nmrdered  b)'  his 
nephews. — Id. — In  the  month  of  May  this  year,  Maurice 


de  Portu,  alias  O'Fehealy,  archbishop  of  Tuam,  was 
interred  in  this  friar3',  on  the  south  side  of  the  choir.  Tlie 
humble  monument  under  which  he  lies  is  \et  shewn  here. 
— /(/.  and  Lib.  Obit.— 1520,  William  dc  Hiu-gh  granted 
to  this  house  the  fishery  of  the  ri^•c^  of  (iahvay. — King, 
p.  312. — 1521,  Sept.  29th,  died  the  lord  Edmund  de 
Burgh,  son  of  Vv'illiam,  and  grandson  of  Edmund.  The 
friars  of  this  house  received  great  enioluinents  by  his 
funeral  obsequies. — Lib.  Obit. — 1523,  M;ach  25th,  died 
Andrew  Lynche  Fitz-Ste|)hen,  who  bequeathed  a  perpe- 
tual anniversary  to  this  monastery. — Id. —  1 534,  Oct.  27th, 
died  Ulick  Burgh,  the  son  of  Edmund,  and  grandson  of 
Rickard.— /rf.—153C,  April  28l1i,  died  Thomas  O'Mul- 
laghy,  archbishop  of  Tuam.  He  was  interred  in  the 
same  sepulchre  with  his  predecessor,  Maurice. — King, 
p.  312,  and  Ware  Bps.. — Provincial  cha])ters  of  the 
Franciscan  order  were  held  in  the  years  1470,  1522  and 
\562.—Vide  Munast.  Hib.  p.  2bf;-7. 

'  Viz. :  twelve  gardens,  containing  three  acres ;  two 
parts  of  a  water-mill,  upon  the  river;  the  ninth  part  of 
the  tithes  of  two  acres  of  land,  commonly  called  Gort- 
calle,  near  the  town  ;  a  salmon  every  Wednesday  out  of 
the  great  weare,  and  three  every  Saturday  out  of  the 
high  weare,  and  one  every  Saturday  out  of  the  haw  l-net  ; 
and  as  many  eels  as  should  be  taken  one  day  in  every 
week  out  of  the  twenty  cel-weares  on  the  river. — HoJ. 
Pat. 


266 


niSTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


iGiS,  June  2.5th,  (Sunday,)  mass  was  solemnly  sung  in  this  abbey  for  the 
first  time  since  its  suppression  ;  after  whicli  a  sermon  was  preached  by  father 
Valentine  Browne,  guardian.  Several  improvements  were  then  made  in  tlie 
abbey,  and,  amongst  others,  the  tomb  of  the  founder  was  repaired  and  beautified. 
1G52,  The  friars  of  this  house  were  banished,  "^  and  the  monuments  and 
ornamental  works  of  the  abbey  were  defaced  by  Cromwell's  soldiery.  The 
superb  marble  tomb  of  Sir  Peter  French,  knt.  which  was  richly  gilt  and  adorned 
with  sculptures,  was  entirely  destroyed ;  part  of  the  polished  marble  was 
converted  by  governor  Stubbers  into  chimney-pieces,  and  the  remainder  sent 
to  England,  and  disposed  of  at  a  considerable  price. " 

1657,  All  the  buildings  of  the  abbey  demolished,  except  the  church,  in  which 
the  courts  of  justice  were  held. 

lGS5,  Disputes  arose  between  the  warden  and  vicars  of  St.  Nicholas's  church 
and  the  friars  of  this  abbey,  concerning  the  right  of  precedency  to  attend  at 
funerals,  and  the  emoluments  thence  arising,  '  which  being  brought  before  the 
congregation  of  the  cardinal's  interpreters  of  the  council  of  Trent,  they,  on  the 
15th  of  Nov.  this  year,  determined  that  "the  right  belonged  to  the  parish  priest." 

IGS9,  The  friars  took  possession  of  the  church,  in  which  they  made  several 
repairs  and  improvements,  ^    but  were  soon   after  dispossessed. 

IG9S,  The  several  members  of  this  and  the  other  religious  orders  of  the  town 
were  banished  ;  but  they  afterwards  gradually  ventured  to  return,   and  for  nianv 


'  Of  the  friiirs  of  this  convent  the  three  following  are 
particularly  mentioned  by  Harris : — 1.  Stephen  Lynch,  or 
Strpliiniiis  a  Giihiri,  of  the  college  of  Rome.  He  wrote 
Prum]:tiinriuni  Srnlixtioim,  which  being  left  unfinished, 
one  Varcsio,  an  Italian,  of  the  convent  of  St.  Francis 
Do  Ripa,  at  Rome,  completed  and  published  it,  in  two 
tomes,  Hoiiine,  J'ulw. — 2.  Francis  Bermingham,  or  Frayi- 
ciscus  a  Gn/i'in.  Me  taught  philosophy  at  Milan,  from 
whence  he  went  to  Rome,  and  was  jubilate  lecturer  of 
divinity  of  the  college  of  St.  Isidore,  and  definito 
general  of  his  order.  He  wrote  and  published  a  book, 
entitled  Dc  Sanctissima  Trinitate,  Romne,  fulio.  He  was 
living  about  the  year  ICSfi.— 3.  Francis  Burke  died  in 
Italy  in  1697.  He  wrote  Directorium  Concioiiatorium, 
Pragae,  1  (iDO,  in  two  vols.  8vo. 

'  Part  of  the  under-works  of  this  monument  were  dug 
up  about  the  year  1779,  and,  by  order  of  father  Anthony 
Carroll,  a  pious  and  learned  Franciscan,  were  placed  in 
the  wall  of  the  sacristy,  and  near  the  lower  entrance  to 
the  chapel.  In  the  latter  are  sculptured  figures  of  saint 
Patrick  and  saint  Nicholas,  the  patron  of  the  town,  with 
the  family  arms  of  Browne  and  crest  of  French,  beneath 
which  are  engraved  the  names  "Peter  French"  and 
"  Mary  Brow  ne."  The  other  ))arts  exhibit  the  Crucifixion, 
but  the  cross  and  body  defaced  ;  the  two  Marys,  the 
Tv.'elve  Apostles,  saint  Clara,  saint  Anthony  of  Padna, 
saint  Francis  of  Assisiuni,  and  others.  These  remains 
isvf.  much  hijured  by  time;  but,  even  still,  may  enable  tiie 


spectator  to  form  an  idea  of  the  magnificence  of  this 
once  stately  mausoleum. 

'  The  warden  and  vicars  contended  for  the  riglit, 
not  only  when  the  deceased  was  to  be  interred  in  the 
parish  church,  but  also  in  any  monastery  or  burial-place 
belonging  to  the  friars;  the  others,  on  the  contrarj-, 
maintained  that,  in  the  latter  case,  they  alone  were  enti- 
tled.    The  point,  however,  was  decided  as  above. 

'  16S9,  August  1st,  common  council,  "  The  Capucini 
petition  being  read  for  their  reception  into  this  town,  it 
is  ordered,  that  they  be  received  into,  admitted  and  estab- 
lished within  this  town  of  Galway,  in  as  full  and  ample 
manner  as  their  predecessors  have  been  formerly  estab- 
lished."— Cvrp.  Book  C. — The  friars  were  scarcely  rein- 
stated, when  the  most  violent  contentions  again  broke  out 
between  them  and  the  warden  concerning  the  right  to 
"  mortuary  money,"  which  proceeded  so  far,  that  the 
corporation  w  as  at  length  obliged  to  interfere  to  compose 
their  ditterences.  It  is  with  pleasure  we  are  enabled  lo 
state,  that  no  similar  occurrence  has  ever  since  taken  place, 
though  it  is  asserted  that  the  right  to  this  miserable  tax 
on  mortality  still  remains  undecided. 

In  1C90,  the  friars  supplied  lime  and  other  matcrialt 
for  building  the  fortifications  roimd  Barachalla. — Corp. 
Book. — In  the  same  year  AUemande  describes  the  church 
of  this  monastery  as  "  a  very  large  and  noble  structure, 
then  almost  entire,  and  serving  for  a  court  of  judicature." 


mSTOUY    OF    GALV,-AV. 


26r 


years  suffered  the  most  severe  persecutions,  having  been  frequently  imprisoned, 
tried,  transported,  and  often  in  danger  of  their  lives. 

17'34',  The  abbey  chapel  was  repaired,  and  mass  publicly  celebrated,  wliich 
gave  great  offence  to  the  heads  of  tlic  corporation.  The  friars,  four  in  number, 
were  arrested  by  order  of  the  mayor,  and  tried  on  capital  indictments  at  the 
ensuing  assizes,  but  were  severally  acquitted. 

1731,  The  town-sheriffs  searclied  the  friary,  and  the  mayor,  in  his  return  to 
the  house  of  lords,  stated,  that  in  it  "  there  is  a  large  chapel,  with  an  altar,  laid 
out  and  adorned  with  pictures  ;  in  which  said  rcj)uted  friary  there  are  fifteen 
chambers  and  nine  beds,  wherein  they  (tlie  sheriffs)  supposed  the  friars  belonging- 
to  the  said  friary  usually  lay  ;  but  could  not  find  or  discover  any  of  them.  It  is 
an  old  friary;  but  the  chapel  enlarged  and  repaired  about  the  year  1723  or  I721.." 

1779,  June,  the  tomb  of  the  founder.  Sir  William  de  Burgh,  was  discovered, 
upwards  of  four  feet  under  ground,  with  his  fiimily  arms  and  a  long  broad 
sword  elegantly  carved  thereon.  The  following  inscription  appears,  in  raised 
letters,  round  the  margin  :— "  QJClllOriaC  Co".  JllmO".  3?n0  CdUU  ©C  IBurgO 

p      smc  nationi0  JL^ttiuipi  ct  ftujujs  monaisjtcrn  jTunDatort  ([Ui  otiiit  1321— 
posuit  j7.  tl.  15.  0.  iGio."" 

I7SI,  The  chapel  was  rebuilt,  before  which  it  was  a  small  thatched  edifice,, 
both  narrow  and  inconvenient.  Thougli  at  present  its  external  ap])earance 
is  plain,  it  presents  within  a  spacious,  convenient  and  handsome  place  of 
worship,  120  feet  long  and  30  feet  broad,  and  is  capable  of  accommodating 
upwards  of  two  thousand  people.  The  altar-piece  represents  tlie  Assumption  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  ;  on  one  side  of  it  there  are  two  paintings,  one  of  St.  Joseph 
and  the  infant  Jesus,  and  the  other  of  St.  Bonaventure  ;  on  the  opposite  side  a 
St.  Peter  de  Alcantara  and  an  Ecce  Homo.  There  are  two  side  altars,  on  which 
mass  is  occasionally  celebrated  :  over  that  on  the  right,  from  the  lower  entrance, 
the  altar-piece  is  a  St.  Anthony  of  Padua,  and  over  that  on  the  left  a  good 
painting  of  St.  Francis,  the  founder  of  the  order.  The  devotion  called  the 
stations  of  tlie  Holy  Cross,  which  is  confined  solely  to  the  Franciscans,  is  observed 
here.  The  friars  reside  in  a  large  connnodious  house,  contiguous  to  the  chapel ; 
they  occasionally  preach,  and  daily  celebrate  the  divine  mysteries  ;  and  the 
accommodation  and  convenience  of  the  public  are  attended  to  on  all  occasions. 

The  cemetery  attached  to  this  house  is  extensive,  and  contains  tlie  burial- 
places  of  some  of  the  most  considerable  families  in  the  province.  The 
monuments  are  much  more  ancient  than  numerous,  and  the  inscriptions  generally 


'  It  vvasliefore  noticed  that  this  tomb  was  repaired  and  Part  of  an  arch  and  some  other  remains  of  this  venerable 

beautified  in  1645.  The  letters  F.  V.  B.  G.  which  concUule  monument  are  still  to  be  seen,  at  the  lower  entrance  to 

the   above   inscription,    arc   the   initials    of   the    words  the  chapel. —  Vide  the  viisccl/artious  jilaie. 
Father   y'ltlcnline  Bruwiu;  Guardian  of  the    monastery. 


'J0?> 


rnSTORY    OF    GALW^Y, 


contain  little  more  than  the  names  and  obits  of  the  deceased  :  a  few  will  be 
found  selected  underneath, '  which  are  interesting  only  for  their  antiquity,  and 
the  respectable  individuals  whom  they  commemorate. 

The  little  that  remains  to  be  said  of  this  foundation  will  equally  apply  to 
the  other  convents,  of  which  the  separate  accounts  which  follow  ha\e  been 
collected.  The  Franciscans  are  governed  by  a  guardian,  and  the  Dominicans 
and  Aug'ustinians  b}'  priors,  who  are  all  triennially  chosen.  The  dwelling-houses 
in  which  they  reside  are  commodious,  and  conveniently  situated  near  their 
respective  chapels.  They  are  principally  supported  by  the  interest  arising  from 
charitable  donations ;  and  they  resort  to  the  neighbouring  districts,  at  certain 
seasons  of  the  year,  whence  they  return  with  sup))lies  of  sheep,  grain,  potatoes 
and  other  articles  of  consumption  :  they  also  partake  ol"  the  several  sorts  of  fish 
taken  in  the  bay,  which  the  tishermcn  cheerfully  and  liberally  share  with  them, 
(but  particularly  with  the  Dominicans,  who  reside  immediately  near  the  sea,) 
inider  a  firm  belief  that  their  prayers  render  the  watery  element  more  abundant. 
Other  minor  sources  of  support  are  chaplaincies,  daily  masses,  occasional  high, 
masses  chaunted  for  the  dead,  voluntary  offerings,  mortuary  money,  remembrance 
masses,  chapel  rent,  collected  annually,  and  candle  money,  half  yeaily.  All 
which,  with  other  trifling  contingencies,  enable  them  to  live  as  becomes  their 
sacred  character,  and,  if  a  judgment  can  be  formed  from  external  apj)earances, 
leave  them  very  little  reason  to  regret  the  forfeited  estates  and  other  extensive 
])rivileges  of  their  more  opulent  predecessors. 

All  those  acquainted  with  the  history  of  the  middle  ages,  or  of  the  times 
immediately  preceding  the  sixteenth  century,  must  be  aware  that  the  state  of 


'  Monvmcnts  and  Inscriptions. 
1. 

The  tomb  of  the  ancient  family  of  O'Nolan,  of  Lough- 
lioy,  is  situate  in  the  centre  of  the  church-yard,  and  bears 
the  following  inscription : — "  This  tomb  was  first  erected  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1394,  by  the  O'Nolansof  Longhboy, 
and  is  now  rc-biiilt  and  ornamented  by  Michael  O'Nolan, 
merchant,  Galway,  one  of  the  representatives  of  said 
family." 

2. 

A  very  curiously  carved  stone,  which  lies  near  the 
modern  tomb  of  O'Connor,  contains  the  arms  of  the 
corporation  of  goldsmiths,  the  several  instruments  of 
torture  used  at  the  Crucifixion,  and  an  antique  ship,  with 
tile  following  words,  in  raised  letters,  round  the  margin  : 

ffirate  pco  animaSiusi  CElaltct  tij  marcacl)au  ct  ffi9ar= 
gatctc  ni  Batin  tUroris  cius,  at  corunSrm  parentuin, 
fiHut  Ijunc  Inpiacm  firri  fcrcrimt,  niiorum  animafeua 
propicittur  reus.  amen,  anno  Cni  1579.  C!)otua0 
laliin  jfflorcianiticran. 

On  a  large  tomb  in  the  S.  VV.  corner : — Pray  for  the 
Soule  of  Alderman  Dominick  Browne  and  his  Posterity, 
who  dyed  in  the  year  \506.  Here  lies  the  Body  of 
Captain  Andrew  Browne,  of  Gloves,  Es<|.  whose  family 
tomb  this  is,  which  was  erected  in  the  year  IJPb'. 


On  Darcj's  va\ilt,  iu  the  same  corner: 
?Epi't8pl)tuin  25.  Jacolii  Sarcj  ^ajorfg,  Conaciae  ptac 
atii«,  (Taltiac  practorig,  d-c.     Qui  o6iit  an'  ©nf  ICOJ. 

Ijit  amot  Cpftoum,  "Dctne  tXxUe,  norms  fefnatu», 
^en«B  pcrtgtini,  psuprris  area  jacct. 

This  tomb  was  repaired   by  the  descendants  of  Jamc< 
Darcy  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1728.     Pray  for  the  dead. 
5. 

The  centre  of  the  yard,  to  which  the  chancel  of  the  old 
church  extended,  is  the  place  of  interment  of  the  friars  of 
the  order  and  also  of  the  nuns  of  St.Clare,  of  the  Franciscan 
observance.  There  are  several  monuments  with  raised, 
full-length  effigies  of  some  of  the  friars,  dressed  in  their 
habits,  and  of  the  nuns,  in  their  costume.  The  former 
bear  a  chalice  in  their  hands,  their  shoes  are  high-hcclcd, 
and  they  wear  the  cap  of  their  order  ;  the  inscriptions  are 
generally  in  raised  letters,  round  the  margin.  On  one  of 
these  the  following  is  just  legible : 

ffl)  Lorn  fiafet  mtxcv  on  tjie  gioule  of  JTatljct  Sfiomit 
ffl'^aeon^,  iufjo  BecO  tje  28  ef  igcptEmbcr,  anns 
Domini  [         ]  e. 

On  another : 

jJTrate  pro  anima  Cfjomac  jTrencJ  factrhotis  ^ui  obiit 
HirrOmc  JTttaDo  Dctolirif  1629.    jr.  E. 


uisronv  or  i;al\vay 


269 


llic  n\!;nl;ir  cli-ro'v  \v;is  thou  very  ililVorout  I'roni  what  it  is  at  the  present  day. 
The  change  of  rehgion  in  these  countries  shook  the  monastic  tbnndations  to  their 
centre  ;  and  since  that  great  event  they  liave  silently  undergone  a  reformation, 
wliich  the  powers  of  the  A^itican,  however  otherwise  formidable,  were  never  able 
to  accomplish.  AVhen  deprived  of  their  wealth  and  influence,  and  doomed  to 
undergo  the  severity  of  persecution,  their  lives  exhibited  at  once  all  the 
\-irtues  of  primitive  Christianity.  In  Ireland,  where  a  parallel  to  their  sufferings 
can  only  be  found  in  the  early  history  of  the  church,  no  crime  immoral  or  irreli- 
gious could  ever  be  imputed  to  this  extensive  body  of  men  ;  on  the  contrar}', 
their  very  persecutors  often  bore  testimony  to  the  innocence  and  sanctity  of 
their  lives.  All  this  can  here  be  asserted  with  confidence,  as  Galway  had 
been,  until  the  mitigation  of  the  penal  laws  took  place,  one  of  the  principal 
places  which  afforded  refuge  to  these  proscribed  ecclesiastics.  When,  therefore, 
the  quiet  and  peaceable  demeanor  of  their  lives,  the  laudable  example  whicli  their 
piety  and  morals  continually  afford,  their  constant  and  regular  attendance  to  the 
duties  of  religion,  and  their  unceasing  acts  of  charity  and  benevolence,  shall  be 
considered,  even  the  prejudiced  themselves  cannot  but  pronounce  them  most 
praise-worthy  and  deserving  members  of  society. 


On  another,  on  wliich  there  is  carved  a  full-length 
figure  of  St-  Clare : 

i^crt  Itctf)  tijc  TCdBi;  of  Cact  JBilp,  Bun  of  tjc 
CrDcr  of  St.  Clara,  tojo  BtcO  22  cf  J^rtrunrj,  enno 
1638.     ©t.  Clats. 

8. 

On  a  similar  monument,  except  that  St.  Clare  appears 
kneeling  in  the  attitude  of  prayer,  the  following  inscription 
is  legible : 

1672.  l^erc  lictlj  tbe  TBofi^  of  xle  JR.  t^otliEr 
£pati»  CatricI  alia0  [  ]  tjclcn  QDarttn,  Grf:  abbrfi 
anD  relijjioua  of  tfjc  poor  ClarrB  of  (5altoai>,  toljo  DjcD 
tie  H  of  Sanu.  aDgcD  63,  in  rclijjlon  -tO.  Jprej  for 
lift  ©oulc, 

0. 

On  a  flat  stone,  near  the  foregoing : — Here  lieth  the 
Body  of  i3Jct)0taa  ©"jBctrnc,  and  liis  wife,  a3arc5arct  JSj 
Rulinan,  whose  Souls  we  commit  to  God.  Amen.   1G29. 
10. 

At  a  short  distance  from  these  lies  the  monument  of 
the  Quin  l';imily,  and  on  it  inscribed : — "  This  tomb  was  first 
erected  in  the  year  164D,  by  James  Quin,  of  Galway, 
merchant,  and  Eleanor  Joyes,  his  wife.  In  memory  of 
whom,  James  Quin,  of  Galway,  aforesaid,  merchant,  one 
of  the  descendants  of  said  James,  caused  the  same  to  be 
entirely  repaired  and  ornamented,  in  the  year  1762. 
Requiescant  in  pace." 

11. 

A  branch  of  the  family  of  the  Lynches  have  a  large 
tomb  here,  with  this  iuscription  : — "  This  tomb  was  first 


built  by  James  Lynch,  merchant,  A.  D.  1G79.  ;  and  re- 
paired, in  the  year  1764,  by  Alexander  Lynch  Fitz-John, 
one  of  the  descendants  of  said  James,  and  thus  ornamented, 
in  the  year  1779,  by  said  Alexander.  Requiescant  in 
pace." 

12. 

On  a  handsome  marble  monument,  near  the  lower 
entrance  to  the  chapel : — "  Pray  for  the  Soul  of  Anabelhi 
Martin,  who  dyed  Sept.  28,  1766,  and  is  buried  in  the 
family  vault,  near  this  place." 

There  are  many  other  monuments,  but  the  inscriptions 
are  mostly  defaced  and  illegible;  there  are  also  a  great 
number  of  modern  grave-stones,  but  few  of  the  inscrip- 
tions worth  noticing.  The  two  following  .are  selected  as 
the  only  specimens  of  monumental  verse  in  tlie  entire  : 


Cate  Kirwan,   daughter  to   Val.   Kirwan   and   Jcane 
Martin,  dyed  a  child,   1727. 
I  need  no  pitty,  for  no  guilt  I  knew ; 
Pray  for  my  neighbours,  and  Pll  pray  for  you. 
H. 

As  I  was  once  like  thee. 
So  thou  shall  surely  be 
A  skcl'ton  like  me; 
Then  haste  and  snatch  the  present  hour, 

Implore  the  mercy  seat, 
Lest  death  should  rob  thee  of  the  power. 
And  doom  thy  eternal  fate. 
God  be  merciful  to  the  Soul  of  Charles  Bird,  who  died 
y'.  ISth  Feb.  1781. 


270  HISTORY    OF    GAL\VAY. 

Dominican   Friari/. 

THIS  friary  is  situate  on  an  elevated  spot,  near  the  sea-shore,  in  the  west 
suburbs  of  the  town.  It  stands  on  the  site  of  the  ancient  convent  of  St.  Mary 
oi'  llie  Hill,  a  daugliter  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  of  the  Premonstratenscs  of  Tuaiii, 
'\\hich  was  founded  by  the  O'Hallorans,  bnt  at  what  period  of  time  tlie  annals  of 
the  town  are  silent ;  there  is,  however,  every  reason  to  pronounce  it  of  very 
great  antiquity.  On  the  nuns  forsaking  it,  the  secular  clergy  entered,  and  kept 
])ossession  for  a  considerable  time  ;  but,  on  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  to  pope  Innocent  VIII.  it  was  granted,  in  1  iSS,  to  the  Dominican  friars  of 
Athenry,  by  a  bull,  which  may  be  seen  at  full  (p.  3^3)  in  De  Burgo's  history  of 
this  celebrated  order  in  Ireland. 

The  Dominican  convent  being  thus  established  in  Galway,  was  richly  endowed 
by  many  individuals  of  the  town,  and  several  considerable  additions  were  made 
to  the  monastery  and  church.  James  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen,  who  was  mayor  in 
1 193,  and  who  has  been  already  celebrated  lor  immolating  his  only  son  at  the 
shrine  of  public  justice,  erected  the  choir.  Various  other  improvements  were 
gradually  made,  until,  in  course  of  time,  this  became  one  of  the  most  perfect 
religious   foundations   in  the  province. 

1570,  March  9th,  Queen  Elizabeth  granted  to  the  coi-poration,  and  their 
successors,  part  of  the  possessions  of  this  monastery,  then  lately  dissolved. 

1642,  Lord  Forbes  landing  here,  took  possession  of  this  house,  which  he 
converted  into  a  battery,  with  intent  to  reduce  the  town  ;  but  having  failed  in 
his  design,  he  defaced  the  church,  and,  in  his  brutal  rage,  dug  up  the  graves, 
and  burned  the  coflins  and  bones  of  the  dead. 

lG.>2,  The  church  and  monastery  were  surrendered  by  the  friars  to  the 
corporation,  and  were  soon  after  rased  to  the  ground,  to  prevent  them  from 
being  converted  by  Cromwell's  foices  into  a  fortification  against  the  town.  It 
v.'as,  however,  previously  agreed  upon  by  the  corporation  that,  on  the  return  of 
peace,  the  whole  shouUl  be  rebuilt  and  restored  to  Its  former  state,  at  the 
expense  of  the  inhabitants — an  undertaking,  says  O'lleyn  in  his  account  of  this 
circumstance,  w^hich  they  would  certainly  have  fulfilled  if  the  desired  tranquillity 
had  ever  taken  place ;  for,  adds  he,  the  citizens  were  very  pious,  and  power- 
fully  rich,  from  the  extensive  maritime  commerce  with  which  Galway,  beyond 
any  other  part  of  the  kingdom,  aboLUuled. 

llenceforih  the  friars  of  this  commimity  suffered,  in  common  with  their 
brethren  of  the  other  orders,  all  the  persecutions  of  the  times.  They  were, 
however,  enabled,  early  in  the  eighteenth  century,  to  regain  possession  of  their 
ancient  con\ent,  which  they  soon  afterwards  repaired.  They  also,  with  the  rest, 
shared  in  the  visitation  of  1731.  "  From  that  period,  nothing  particular 
occurs  until  about  the  year  IcSOO,  when  the  present  chapel  was  erected  on 
ih.e  site  of  the   former.      This  neat  and  comniodious  building,  which  is  100  foot 


UlsrOKY    OF    GALWAY, 


271 


long,  and  '!S  loci  broad,  ooiUaiiis  a  sjiacious  galloi-),  uitU  a  well-toned  orrran. 
The  liigli-aUar  is  tastefully  decorated,  and  there  arc  handsome  side  altars  to 
correspond.  The  residence  of  the  friars  is  conveniently  situated  near  the  chapel, 
and  commands  a  pleasing  prospect  of  the  bay,  terminated  by  the  opposite  shores 
of  Oranmore,  llenvile  and  Ardfry,  the  Clare  mountains,  with  the  new  light-house, 
and  part  oi'  the  town-quay  and  shipping.  The  scenery  from  this  spot,  parti- 
cularly at  high  water,  when  the  numerous  boats  appear  gliding  along  in  various 
directions,  is  highly  picturesque  and  beautiful.  This  monastery  produced 
several  men  eminent  for  piety  and  learning,  amongst  whom  the  subjoined  have 
been  particularly  distinguished.''  In  the  adjoining  cemetery,  which  is  surrounded 
with  an  extensive  wall,  there  are  several  tombs  and  monuments,  but  few  of 
ancient  date,  lord  Forbes  having,  when  he  landed  here  in  1G12,  destroyed  and 
defaced  all  the  old  and  curious  remains  of  earlier  times.  "^ 


'  On  tliis  occasion  the  mayor  reported,  "  that  they 
also  searched  the  friary  in  the  west  suburbs,  called  the 
Dominican  friary,  wherein  is  a  large  chapel,  with  a 
gallery,  some  forms,  and  an  altar-piece,  defaced;  in 
which  said  rejiuted  friar}'  there  arc  ten  chambers  and 
eight  beds,  wherein,  they  believe,  the  friars  belonging  to 
the  said  friary  usually  lay,  but  could  find  none  of  them. 
That  it  is  a  very  old  friary,  but  some  repairs  lately  made 
in  it." 

'  Father  Peter  Martin  was  in  his  time  very  celebrated 
as  a  preacher,  and  O'Hcyn  relates  that  he  was  consulted 
by  the  highest  dignitaries  of  the  church  upon  all  questions 
of  religion,  "  veluti  quoddam  oraculum  securltatis."  He 
finished  his  pious  career  in  1645. 

Nicholas  Lynch,  elected  provincial  of  Ireland  in  lC-7, 
and  confirmed  by  the  general  chapter  of  the  order  in 
Rome  in  1645,  was  remarkable  for  his  piety.  He  restored 
the  devotion  of  the  rosary  in  Galway,  and  was  a  most 
zealous  proi)agator  of  it  throughout  the  kingdom. 

Dominick  Linze  (Lynch)  lived,  for  many  years,  with 
great  reputation  in  Spain.  He  was  appointed  synodical 
judge  in  Seville;  v.as  gradually  promoted  to  all  the 
honors  of  that  university ;  became  first  lecturer  in  arts 
and  philosophy,  master  of  the  students,  secondary  pro- 
fessor of  divinity,  and  was  finally  elected  principal  regent 
of  the  college  of  St.  Thomas  in  that  city,  which  he 
governed  with  universal  approbation  until  his  death,  in 
1697.  He  was  so  highly  esteemed  in  Spain,  that  Nicholas 
Antonio,  with  much  honor,  ranked  him  among  the 
writers  of  that  country.  His  great  work,  entitled  Suiiimn 
Philosoph'uc,  Szc.  was  printed  at  Paris,  4  vols,  quarlo, 
166G,   1686. — Harris. 

When  this  learned  man  was  elected  regent  of  the 
college  in  Seville,  the  rector,  chancellors  and  religious, 
on  13th  May,  1674,  deputed  one  of  their  body,  the 
reverend  father  Francis  de  Ayora,  "  to  go,  in  their 
names,  to  the  kingdoms  of  England,  Ireland  and  Scot- 
land, and  there  to  make  particular  inquiry  concerning 
the  pedigree,  life  and  demeanor  of  said  Domiujck  Linze, 
and  to  bring  same  back  to  the  college." — This  gentleman 
arrived  in  Galway  in  August  following,  and  made  the 
necessary  inquiry  :  he  examined  several  witnesses,  whose 


testimony  proved  highly  honorable  to  the  distinguished 
individual  in  question.  A  copy  of  the  proceediiigs  on  this 
occasion,  (attested  as  a  true  transcript  from  the  oriirfnal 
in  Spain  by  John  INIorgan,  esq.  who  was  recorder  in  1774,) 
containing  many  curious  particulars  relating  to  the 
Lynches  of  Galway,  was  communicated  to  the  author  by 
his  esteemed  friend,  John  Lynch  Alexander,  esq. 

Father  John  Browne,  of  the  Dominican  order  of 
Galway,  was  also  particularly  noticed  for  his  virtues. 
He  was  sent  into  banishment  in  1608,  and  died  atLouvain 
in  1700. 

Christopher  French,  another  member  of  this  convent, 
finished  his  studies  at  Louvain.  He  was  afterwards  pro- 
fessor of  divinity  at  Rome,  and  then  for  eight  years  at 
Osimo,  in  the  marquisate  of  Ancona,  in  Italy,  beiu" 
invited  thither  by  cardinal  Palivicini :  he  returned  from 
thence  to  Louvain,  where  he  became  regent  of  the  Irish 
schools,  and  was  alive  in  1713.  He  wrote  Theses  'Flieo- 
logicie,  i^e.  Lovariii,  1703,  4to. — Harris. 

Andrew  Kirwan,  another  pious  Dominican,  after  many 
zealous  exertions  in  the  cause  of  religion  in  Galway,  was 
sinnmoned  to  discover  against  some  of  his  friends, 
whereby,  under  the  jienal  l.i«s,  they  would  have  been 
deprived  of  their  properties.  To  avoid  this  cruel  dilemma 
he  went  into  voluntary  exile,  and  died  abroad,  in  the 
year  1 736. 

Edmund  de  Burgo,  (Bourke,)  a  Dominican  friar,  began 
his  studies  in  the  convent  of  Galway,  which  he  finished 
in  Spain.  He  afterwards  (1706)  lieeame  princi[)al  regent 
of  the  Irish  school  of  his  order,  in  Louvain.  He  died 
in  Home  about  1738.  For  a  list  of  his  numerous  writings 
see  Harris,  and  also  the  learned  and  ingenious  historian 
of  this  order,  John  O'Heyn,  who  was  also  a  Dominican 
friar,  and,  as  Harris  thinks,  a  native  of  Galway. 

'  The  following  are  the  earliest  inscriptions  now 
remaining: 

IJt'c  facet  Corpua  ^suricii  ©'JFerrsII — JJlropicictur 
Dims— a°.  15S8. 

flirciit  pro  nnima  fratris  CIjo.  Line  antoii,'  OrB' 
]3rcti  Dcfunctt  anno  1627. 


272 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


Augustinian  Friary. 
THIS  friary  was  situate  on  an  eminence  near  the  sea,  in  the  soutli  suburhs  of 
the  town,  and  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  walls.  It  was  founded,  in 
1508,  by  Margaret  Athy,  wife  of  Stephen  Lynch  Fitz-Dominick  Dtthli,  (who 
was  many  years  mayor  of  the  town,)  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  Richard 
Nangle,  a  friar  of  the  same  order,  who  afterwards  became  archbishop  of  Tiuun.* 
Tlie  position  which  was  chosen  commanded  a  line  prospect  of  the  bay,  the 
surrounding  mountains,  and  the  three  distant  islands  of  Arran  ;  and  the 
monastery  itself,  from  its  elevated  situation,  (particularly  wlien  viewed  from  the 
bay,)  appeared  to  peculiar  advantage. 

1517,  July  17th,  Richard  Edmund  de  Burgo  confirmed  unto  Richard  Nangle, 
Sacre  pagine  professuri,  of  the  order  of  hermits  of  St.  Augustine,  and  to  father 
Donot  O'Maille,  prior  of  the  same  convent  of  the  new  monastery  of  Galway, 
of  the  same  order,  and  to  their  successors,  in  free  and  perpetual  alms  for  ever, 
"  his  parish  church  of  Roscam,  in  the  diocess  of  Enaghdowne,  with  the  cemetery 
on  the  west  part  of  the  wall  of  said  church,  a  certain  parcel  of  land  near  the 
same,  called  Tirnatialle,  situate  in  breadth  to  the  great  stones  in  the  west  of 
Tirnahalle,  and  in  length  from  the  sea  upwards  to  the  wall  near  the  wood,  and 
also  another  large  tract,  commonly  called  Gortinlagart,  with  liberty  of  pasture 
for  eight  cows  and  six  horses,  to  pray  for  the  souls  of  himself,  his  parents  and 
successors."  " 

1570,  JNIarch  9th,  Queen  Elizabeth  granted  to  the  corporation  and  their 
successors,  part  of  the  possessions  of  this  monastery,  then  lately  dissolved,  which 
grant  she  afterwards  renewed  on  Hth  September,  1578,  for  forty  years:  and 
on  nth  February,  1G03,  James  1.  granted  all  its  possessions  to  Sir  George 
Carcw,  knt.  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever. 


*  Tiii-^  monastery  was  commcnccil  by  the  pious  foiinJress 
during  licr  husband's  alisoncc  in  Spain.  Tlie  church 
and  steeple  having  been  finished  before  his  return,  he  was 
surprised,  on  entering  the  bay,  to  behold  so  stately 
a  building  in  a  place  where,  at  his  departure,  not  a  stone 
had  been  laid  ;  but  when,  on  landing,  he  found  that  it  had 
been  erected  by  his  own  wife,  in  honor  of  St.  Augustine, 
Ilia  surprise  was  converted  into  joy  ;  and  the  good  man, 
kneoliug  down  on  the  sea-shore,  returned  thanks  to 
Heaven  for  inspiring  her  with  that  pious  resolution. 
This  lady  afterwards  made  a  pilgrimage  to  St.  James's, 
in  Galicia,  and  intended  to  visit  the  Holy  land,  but  was 
prevented  by  illness. — Annuls. 

F.  Lubiu  mentions  that  there  was  in  this  convent  a 
spring,  called  St.  Augustine's  Well,  the  water  whereof 
wrought  niiraculoufi  cures ;  but  in  this  lie  was  mistaken, 
for  the  well  known  by  that  name  (v\ith  two  others,  dedi- 
cated to  the  Blessed  Virgin  and  St.  John  the  Baptist)  is 
situate  at  a  considerable  distance  to  the  S.  E.  of  the  mo- 
nastery, on  the  shore  of  the  inlet  of  the  sea  called  Logh- 
a-thalia.  These  springs  are  resorted  to  at  btatcd  times,  (but 


particularly  on  the  'J8th  of  August,  being  the  festival  of  tht 
saint,)  and  certain  devotions  are  performed  around  them, 
and  it  is  asserted  that  the  water  has  effected  several  cures, 
particularly  that  of  restoring  siglit  to  the  blind.  Besides 
these,  there  are  several  other  holy  wells  in  the  vicinity 
of  Galway,  viz.:  St.  Bride's,  in  the  east  suburbs— 
St.  Bridget's,  at  the  end  of  the  Earl's-lane,  within  a 
few  paces  of  the  present  custom-house — St.  Anne's, 
about  half  a  mile  towards  the  west  of  the  town, 
near  the  strand — and  anotbcr  farther  on  in  the  same 
direction,  near  the  sea-shore ;  to  each  of  which  niiraclct 
have  been  also  attributed. 

Ware  finds  fault  with  Cruscnins  for  calling  this  convent 
CahnensU;  but  for  whicli,  sa\s  Allemande,  he  was  not 
to  blame,  having  taken  it  from  the  registers  of  the  orJcr, 
The  latter  writer  adds,  that  neitluT  of  them  mentions 
the  lime  of  the  founding,  or  the  founder's  name;  but 
states  that  he  himself  had  heard  it  was  founded  by  the 
Birniinghanis,  in  the  thirteenth  century.  It  is  very  pro- 
bable  that   he    mistook  this  for  some  other  foundation. 

>  O.-i-Mua!  deed. 


IIIsrOUY    OV    OAT.WAY. 


27  ;3 


On  the  su})prcssion  of  the  monastery,  tlie  friars  removcil  to  a  hiro'c  iiouse 
within  the  town,  in  which  they  resided  for  many  years  after.  The  clmrcli,  how- 
ever, remained  standing;  and  on  the  Iniilding  of  St.  Angnstine's  fort,  in  KiOJ,  ii 
was  converted  into  a  store  for  the  use  of  the  soldiery.  When  this  fort  was  de- 
molished, in  lOl'S,  the  monastery  was  spared,  and  delivered  up  to  the  friars,  bv 
whom  it  was  repaired  ;  but  in  lG.52  was  again  surrendered  to  the  corporation,'  who 
caused  it  to  be  pulled  down,  lest  it  should  be  fortified  against  the  town.  Since 
that  time  it  has  been  entirely  abandoned,  and  not  a  vestige  of  the  church  uow 
remains.  The  cemetery  is  extensive  ;  and,  though  there  are  several  modern  grave- 
stones, it  does  not,  for  very  obvious  reasons,  contain  any  monument  of  antiquit}-.'' 
The  friars,  like  their  cotemporaries  of  the  other  orders,  experienced  formanv  vears 
all  the  rigors  of  state  persecution.  ^  About  the  middle  of  the  last  century,  the\' 
removed  to  a  large  commodious  house,  in  Middle-street,  where  they  erected  a  hand- 
some chapel.  This  building  has  been  recently  enlarged  and  improved,  and,  from 
its  central  situation,  is  particularly  convenient  for  the   inhabitants  of  the  town. 

Ca?V7ielite  Friary. 

THIS  friary  is  said  to  have  been  founded  here  by  the  De  Burgo  familv  ;  but 

upon  what  authority  it  is  attributed  to  them,  or  at  what  period  it  was  erected, 

are  not  mentioned.     In  I6I.7,  the  friars  opposed  the  pope's  nuncio,   Rinuncini, 

{See  J).  124;)  ^nid   his  treatment  of  them  on  the  occasion  Ibrmed  one   of  the 

principal  articles  of  accusation  brought  against  him  by  the  supreme  council. 

{Hib.  Dom.  p.  084.) — These  friars  were  soon  after  banished   with    the    other 
religious  and  clergy,  and  have  never  since  been  reinstated  in  the  town. 

The  Capuchin  Friars. 
ON   the   restoration  of  the   Catholics,  in  1089,  the  Capuchins  petitioned  the 
corporation  ibr  leave  to  return,  and  be  established  in  as  full  and  ample  manner 


The  Auiustiiiiaii  convent  of  Gahvay  ranks  next  to  that 
of  Dublin  ;  and,  from  its  thns  taking  precedence  of  all 
other  convents  of  the  order  in  Ireland,  some  are  inclined 
to  infer  that  it  must  have  been  founded  earlier  than  the 
sixteenth  century — an  inference  which  wonld  be  imdc- 
nial)le,  if  these  foundations  ranked  aecordiiv;  to  time. 

'  The  corporation  covenanted,  tliat,  on  tlie  restoration 
of  peace,  tl;e  chnr,.h  and  convent  should  be  rebuilt. 
Their  bond  to  that  effect  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the 
Kev.  Mr.  Tierne;;,  a  res|)ectable  member  of  this  oriler. 

^  The  two  following  inscriptions  are  the  oldeat  now 
remaining : 

"  We  earnestly  beg;,  dear  christians,  to  say  one  Ave- 
Maria  for  the  souls  of  ,Iohn  Bidkin,  of  Anagh,  his 
wife,  Megg  Blake,  ofArdfry,  and  their  Posterity.  This 
is  the  first  tomb  made  hi  this  aliby,  in  the  year  1T4S." 

"  Hie  jacct  Dominus  Hugo  Fergus,  fxperitissimus  Medi- 
ciis.  obiit  -JT  August!,  17.'jB.  Kequiescat  in  pace.  Amen." 


Tlie  burial-place  extending  daily  beyond  its  ancient 
limits,  the  proprietor  of  the  adjoining  ground  inclosed  it 
with  a  stone  wall,  and  erected  a  handsome  gate  at  the 
entrance,  with  the  follosving  inscription  : 

"  This  Burial-ground  inclosed  at  the  expense  of  Robert 
Hedges  livre,  Escj.  as  a  mark  of  his  respect  and  esteem 
for  the  iuliabitants  of  the  town  of  Galway,  in  Au-ust, 
1811." 

'In  17.31,  the  mayor  reported  tliat  the  sheriffs 
"  searched  the  reputed  friary  in  Bach-strcet,  called  the 
Augiistiiiian  FrUiiy,  wherein  there  was  a  chapel,  with 
forms,  but  the  altar  and  pictures  taken  down  ;  and  within 
which  said  i-eputed  friary  there  are  seven  chambers  and 
nine  beds,  wherein  they  apprehend  the  friars  used  to 
lie,  but  could  not  find  or  discover  any  of  the  said  Iriars ; 
which  saiil  Iiouse,  they  believe,  was  eimverted  to  a  friary 
many  j'cars  ago,  and  before  the  reign  of  king  George  I.'' 
—Com,  Jour, 


274 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


within  the  town  as  their  prcclccessors  had  formerly  been. — (See  j).  QGG,  doIc.)— 
This  request  was  accordingly  granted  ;  but  they  soon  after  shared  tlio  fate  of 
•their  coteniporaries  of  the  other  convents,  and  tlic  order  has  never  since  been 
revived  in  Gahvay. 

Kni gilts  Tcviphirs. 
THIS  famous  order  liad  a  convent  here,  beyond  the  cast  gate  ;  but  it  wa'; 
suppressed  in  lol'i,  and  its  possessions  granted  by  Edward  II.  to  the  hospitallers 
of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem.  The  circular  foundation  of  this  ancient  buiklin"-  may 
be  seen  marked  on  the  old  maj)  of  the  town,  at  the  south-west  corner  of  the 
green. 

Franciscan  Ntintiern,  or  Convent  of  Si.  Clare. 
THE  principal  religious  foundations  for  which  Galway  had  been  formerly  so 
celebrated,  and  for  which  it  is  even  still  distinguished,  may  be  traced  to  the 
piety  of  its  ancient  inhabitants.  In  1511,  Walter  Lynch  Fitz-Thomas  (who  was 
mayor  of  the  town  in  l.vOl,  and  again  in  1,513,)  bestowed  on  his  daughter  a 
dwelling-house  near  St.  Nicholas'  church,  which  was  afterwards  known  us  "  the 
house  of  the  poor  nuns  of  the  third  order  of  St.  Francis","  Nothing  particular 
occurs  concerning  this  commtuiity  until  lGl-9,  when  the  nuns  presented  a  memorial 
to  the  corporation,  praying  a  grant  of  as  much  ground  in  Island-altenai>h,  at  the 
west  of  the  town,  as  would  be  sullicient  for  erecting  a  monastery  and  other 
necessary  buildings. "  Their  request  having  been  acceded  to,  they  soon  after 
erected  a  handsome  monastery  on  that  island  ;  ''  but   they  enjoyed   it  only  for  a 


"  In  tliG  gcnca!o£;icaI  account  of  the  Dillon  r;\n!i!y  in 
I.o.lie's  Pccra!,'e  of  Irclaiul,  It  ib  stated,  th;it  Ellen' and 
Cccl:ia,  the  eighth  and  ninth  daiighttis  oC'I'heuhild,  fii'bt 
viscDiiiit  of  that  name,  and  mini  of  the  o.der  of  .St. 
Clare,  had  eslabli^died  the  Fiancl-ean  order  of  nuns  in 
(Julway;  hut  for  tills  ^lalclMent  no  authoritv  uhatsoi-ver 
has  heen,  (nor  as  is  a]i|i|-ehended  could  he)  1,'iveii. —  Vi:lc 
Lwhjr.  Vul.  ll'-.  p.  IHl. 

'  'J'his  nieinorial  was  to  the  following;  eflect : — "  'J'hat 
vonr  petitioners,  inembiTs  of  Ihh  curpttrntinn^  ili.d  some 
yeares  sithenee  forsake  the  world  I'or  to  serve  the  Almighty, 
and  what  thrciyh  tlie  disteiii|.ers  of  the  times,  and 
throngh  God's  holy  will,  have  siiflered  i;reat  aliiietion 
these  seven  yeares  past,  anil  in  their  neee.^>ity,  as  bound 
by  nature,  rei)alred  to  this  towne ;  shewing  further  that, 
through  necessity,  hy  reason  of  the  times,  their  parents 
and  friends  are  nnahle  to  furnish  their  wants,  .is  in  jieace- 
ahle  tyiiies  they  have  Intended  ;  and  that  yonr  poor 
petitioners  doe  sillier  nuieh  by  the  exorbitant  rent  they 
pav,  and,  noHvithstanding  their  due  payment,  are  to  be 
thrust  out  of  their  dwelling  next  May,  their  lease  being 
then  cndeil ;  the  premises  considered,  and  taken  to  yonr 
consideration  tlie  inconvenience  of  religions  women  who 
want  bahilation,  the  convenience  of  their  residence  in 
this  place,  the  preferment  of  young  children,  tlioiigli 
poor,   shall  be   relieved,    by    God's   assistance,    in   our 


convent,  the  everlasting  prayers  to  he  made  for  you,  the 
glory  of  God,  the  preservation  of  the  town,  'by  voiir 
l)etitioners  and  their  successors  their  intercessions,'  the 
iionour  of  Gallway,  to  befonnde  such  a  monasteric; 
the  [letitioners  humbly  pray  that  you  may  be  pleased 
lo  grant  them  sufhcient  rooinc  for  liuilding'a  inonasterie 
and  rooms  convenient  iheriimlo,  a  garden  and  orchard 
in  the  next  island,  adjoyiiing  to  the  bridge  of  Illanall- 
teiiagh  ;  and  for  that  your  petitioners  is  building  will  be 
rather  a  strength  than  any  annoyance,  hindrance  or 
imjieaelmient,  either  to  the'highvay  leading  to  the  other 
island,  or  to  the  safety  anil  preser'\ation  of  this  corno- 
ratiun  ;  which  gi.imeil,  they  will  ever  pray. 

Sister  .Mary  Uonaventiire, 
uiiu'orllii/  cibbcsse." 

Immediately  after  this  memorial,  the  following  entry 
appears  in  the  corporation-book  A  :— "  Consid'cralioii 
being  had  of  the  contents  of  this  petition,  it  is  thought 
fit  by  the  mayor  and  couueill,  for  the  reasons  thcicin 
inserted,  that  petitioners  ileinands  he  granted,  provided 
they  make  up  a  common  and  bridje  to  the  other  island 
1st  July,   1649."— /'(V/f  the  M  mnp  of  Gulumij,  p.  31. 

'  This  is  the  nunnery  mentioned  "by  Pococke  in  his 
Journal  to  have  been  siluate  in  an  island  in  Loii^di- 
t'orrib,  to  the  west  of  the  town,  and  afterwards  alliidLd 
to  by  Archdall  in  the  Monasticon,  p.  L'bs. 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAV.  2  1 3 

■-iioi't  ])criocl,  for  soon  after  the  surrender  of  the  town,  in  Ki.VJ,  thcv  wore  ohli^-cd. 
to  disperse,  and  retreat  to  foreign  parts,  wliere  tlicse  jierseciitod  and  dei'encclL'ss 
females  suffered  all  the  miseries  of  a  long  and  comfortless  exile.  After  a  la])sc  of 
many  3'cars,  they  at  length  began  to  entertain  ho])es  of  once  more  revisiting  tlieii' 
native  land;  and  accordingly,  on  the  change  of  political  circumstances,  which 
took  place  in  iGSG,  the  few  who  survived  returned  to  Galway,  and  settled  in 
a  large  house  in  the  Market-street,  where,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  temporarv 
removals,  their  successors  have  ever  since  continued. 

During  the  persecution  of  KiOS,   all   the   convents  in   the  town   were,  on  the 
1st  of  May,  broken  into  by  the  military  :  the  chapels  were  torn  down,   and  evcrv 
religious  emblem  was  destroyed :  the  nuns  were,  at  the  same   time,  forced  out, 
obliged  to  change  their  habits,  and  take  refuge  among  their  friends  in  the  country  ; 
but,  when  the  heat  of  the  persecution  was  over,  they  re-assembled  and  returnetl  to 
their  former  dwellings.     Here  they  remained  unmolested  until  the  beginning  of 
April,  I7I'-,  when  Edward  Eyre,  the  mayor,  was  directed  "  to  suppress  the  nunne- 
ries."''   The  nuns  were  accordingly  again  turned  out  of  the  town,  and  were  a  second 
time  obliged  to  liave  recourse  to  their  friends.    In  this  distressing  situation,  doctor 
John  Burke,  the  then  provincial  of  the  order  of  St.  Francis  in  Ireland,  obtained 
permission  from   doctor  Edmund  Byrne,   titular  archbishop   of  Dublin,  to  admit 
them   into   his  diocess,  hoping  they  would  be  less  noticed  there  than  in  a  place 
upon    which    government  kept   so  strict  an   eye  as   Galway.      A  few  of  these 
unhappy  ladies  were  accordingly  translated  to  Dublin  ;  but  they  had  scarcely 
reached  that  city,  when  the  lords  justices  received  information  of  their  arrival, 
and  immediately  issued  orders  for  their  apprehension  ;  in  consequence  of  which 
several  of  them  were  taken  in  the  habits  of  their  order.     A  proclamation  then 
issued,   dated  the  20th   of  September,   I712,   "to   apprehend   said  John  Burke, 
doctor  Byrne  and  doctor  Nary,  popish  priests,   who  presumed  to  exercise  eccle- 
siastical jurisdiction,   contrary  to  the  laws  of  the  kingdom  ;"  and  it  was  ordered, 
"  that  all  the  laws  in   force  against   the  papists  should  be  strictly  carried  into 
execution." — Such  were  the  fears  and  alarm  caused  by  the  arri\al  of  a  few  weak 
women  in  the  capital,  as  if  the  circumstance   had  been  suilicient  to  o^■erturn 
the  government,  or  to  shake  the  foundations  of  the  established  church  ! 

In  the  mean  time,  the  convents  in  Galway  were  converted  into  barracks  ;  but, 
when  the  storm  subsided,  the  nuns  again  ventured  to  come  forth  from  their 
hiding-places,  and  at  Icjigth  succeeded  in   regaining  possession  of  their  former 


■•On  this   occasion  Mr.  Dawson,    seci'ctarv   of  state,  were  sucli,  ami  wlieii  also  it  is  so  publicly  and  generally 

wrote  to  the  Mia_vor  as  follows: — "  Their  oxecUeiicics  are  known:  they,  therefore,  expect  your  particular  care  in 

surprised  to  hoar  there  should  be  any  difficulty  made  in  that  matter,  otherwise  tiiev  will  be  inclined  to  think  it  is 

finding  out  the  nunneries  in  Galway,  when  you  yourself     oniitlcd  through  your  unwillin"iiess  to  engage  therein." 

said  at  the  council-board,  with  great  assurance,  that  there  Urig.  Letter. 


276 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY, 


habitations.  Tlicy  wore  again  visited  in  17^1,  bnt  liave  ever  since  retnaineil 
unmolested  ;  and  nothing  particular,  except  what  wiK  be  found  subjoined,  has 
occurred  concerning  them  from  that  ])eriod  to  the  present  time. ' 

The  convent  of  the  Franciscan  nuns  is  under  the  guidance  of  an  abbess,  and 
those  of  llie  Dominicans  and  Augustinians  under  prioresses,  chosen  trienniallv, 
each  of  whom,  ibr  the  time  being,  has  tlie  general  superintendence  of  all 
aflfiiirs  relating  to  their  rcs])ecti\e  comnnuiities.  The  nunneries,  which  are 
large  and  roomy  buildings,  are  situated  in  convenient  parts  of  the  town,  ami 
are  the  same  wherein  the  nuns  have  resided  for  upwards  of  a  century  past.  The 
funds  of  the  three  orders  are  considerable,  and  amply  sufficient  to  supply  thcin 
with  every  conveniency  of  life.  They  are  gradually  increased  by  the  sums  paid 
on  the  entrance  of  ladies  into  the  religious  state,  usually  about  three  or  four 
hundred  ])ounds  each,  and  often  considerably  more.  These  sums  are  placed  out 
at  interest ;  and  the  expenses  of  the  community  being  in  general  defrayed  out 
of  the  growing  interest,  aided  by  the  annual  income  arising  from  female  boarders, 
and  other  incidental  resources,  the  principal  sums  arc  but  seldom,  and  never 
except  on  extraordinary  emergencies,  resorted  to.  Tlicse  ladies  being  also,  for 
the  most  part,  related  to  resjiectable  Catholic  families,  often  receive  yearly 
allowances  or  annuities  from  their  friends,  which  enable  them  to  i)erfbrm  many 
private  acts  of  charity  and  benevolence. 

To  the  three  nunneries  there  are  attached  handsome  and  commodious  chapels, 
which  arc  adorned  with  several  fine  paintings,  and  in  each  of  which  mass  is 
daily  celebrated  by  the  chaplains  of  the  different  orders.  These  chapels  are  also 
vciv  convenient  for  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  particularly  the  female  part  of 
tlie  connnuuity,  by  whom  they  are  principally  resorted.  The  ninnber  of  professed 
muis  of  the  Franciscan  order  is  at  j)rescnt  about  eighteen,  of  the  Dominicans 
Ibinteen  or  fifteen,  and  of  the  Augustinians  six  or  seven  ;  of  whom  it  is  not  too 
mucli  to  say,  that  they  arc  as  respectable,  venerable  and  exemplary  a  body  of 
religious  females  as  any  other,   of  the  same  extent,   in  the  world. 


'  In  the  rctvirn  before'  iilliic'.oJ  to,  inailc  by  the  mayor  >it\iate  in  hland-allcnii^h,  or  the  "  Xiins'  Is!n;id"  near 

in  1731,  lie  stiitcxl, '•  liuit  tlicsliLTifrsseiirchoil  llie  rcpiitJil  the  town,  uliicli   vms   torinoi-'.y  L'ranteil   to  t!ieiii'b\  the 

nunnery   in  Loniluu-iUtrcct,  calleil  the  Fr;uu';ie;in  nun-  eor|ior;itiun,  :uul  on  wliieli  tliey  luul  hiiil  tlie  tbundiiiioii 

nery,    and   saw   only    home    servants   there;    bnt   Ibun,!  oF  a  monastery.     A  djpntation' of  their  body  rejiaireil  to 

therein  twenty-six  beds,   in  twelve  rooms,  wherein,  they  England,  and  "(as  is  saul,    attired    in  the   habit  ol' their 

believe,  llic   reputed   nuns  belonsini;   to  said  house  lay,  order,)  ventured  to  prcaent  their  memorial  to  the  iiiiccii. 

and  some  young  genllcwomcn,  who  lodged  and  boarded  They    were  graeiously    reeeiveil,    and   her   majesty   \\m 

with  tlie:n  beibre  they  dispersed."  pleased  to  jjrant  their  reiiuest.     The  premises  to  wliiih 

!n    lvi.\    the   ladies  of   this    house   petitioned  queen  they  were  thus  restored  eoLitain  about  five  or  six  acres  of 

Cuoline  o;'  Kn;;lau.l,  stating  the  various  hardships  which  tolerable  ground,  which  afllirds  a  sulheient  pastura:;e  lora 

they  had  snlK-red  iiy  re|ieated  persecutions,  and  the  entire  lew  mileh  cows,   'i'hey  erected  a  neat  lodge  on  tliLMslaiid, 

deprivation  of  their  |)ro[)erty,  and  hiindjly  besought  her  in  a  healthy  situation,  and  have   a  good   garden,  Hliicli 

majesty  to  compassionate  the  situation  oi'  distressed  and  supplies  siiJEeient  fruit  and   vcgetableb  for  the  use  of  the 

il;-l\Miceic-:>  females,  retired  from  the  world,  by  ordering  convent. 
them  to  be  restored  to  that  part  of  their  ancient  property 


uis'iouY   ov  (;ai,way.  277 

Dominican  Nnnnenj,  -^ ' 

IN  lGl-4,  the  affliirs  of  the  Catholics  of  Irehuul,  and  particularly  those  of  tlie 
Dominicans,  were  in  a  flourishing  state  ;  but  there  was  no  convent  established 
for  nuns  of  that  order,  until  the  inhabitants  of  Galway,  by  tiie  consent  of  the 
general  and  provincial  chapter,  ibunded  tliis  nunnery.  Father  Gregory  French, 
a  learned  and  virtuous  Dominican,  \vho  was  afterwards  banished  from  his  native 
country,  and  died  in  exile  in  Italy,  was  appointed  the  first  superior.  "  "When 
the  town  was  taken  by  Crounvell's  forces  in  l(io^2,  the  nuns,  with  tlicir  then 
vicar,  father  Gregory  O'Ferrall,  went  to  Spain.  Two  only  of  tiic  number 
survi\ed,  namely,  Julia  Nolan  and  Maria  Lynch,  who  returned  to  Galway 
in  IGSG,  by  direction  of  John  Browne,  provincial  of  the  order  in  Ireland. 
On  their  arrival,  the  former  was  instituted  prioress  and  the  latter  sub-prioress  ; 
a  house  having  been  provided  for- them  in  the  town,  the  community  soon  in- 
creased, and,  before  the  end  of  two  years,  was  effectually  re-established. 

In  lG9S  they  were  again  dispersed.  It  was  most  deplorable,  says  the 
historian  of  these  melancholy  scenes,  to  witness  the  cries  and  tears  of  tiiese 
distressed  females,  by  which  even  their  very  persecutors  were  mo\  ed  to  com- 
passion. The  convent  was  converted  into  a  barrack  ;  but  the  nuns  remained 
secretly  in  town,  amongst  their  friends,  under  the  direction  of  their  venerable 
prioress,  Julia  Nolan,  who  was  released  by  death  from  all  her  sufferings,  in 
1701,  at  the  age  of  ninety  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  sub-prioress,  jMaria 
Lynch.  They  were  soon  after  obliged  to  quit  the  town  altogether,  and  seek 
refuge  among  their  relations  iu  the  country,  without  the  most  distant  hopes  of 
being  ever  able  to  return.  In  this  forlorn  situation,  Hugh  O'Callanan,  the  then 
provincial  of  the  order,  having  obtained  permission  fiom  doctor  Fdmond  Byrne, 
titular  archbishop  of  Dublin,  to  admit  them  into  his  diocess,  eight  of  the 
dispersed  nuns  repaired  to  the  capital,  where  they  arrived  in  March,  1717>  ii'id 
dvvelt  together  in  a  house  in  Fisher's-lane,  on  the  north  side  of  the  river. 
In  September  following  they  removed  to  Channel-row,  aftcrwartls  Brunswick-street, 
wlicrc  they  originated  the  convent  of  Jesus,  Murij  and  Josvpli,  of  Dublin.''  In 
the  mean  time,  the  ladies  who  remained  near  Galway  returned  to  the  town, 
and  obtained  possession  of  their  former  habitation,  in  which  their  successor^ 
ha\e  ever  since  continued. 


'  T!io  foim.lation  was  aftorwartis  coiirimicJ  b_v   letters  and  that   tlicy   slioiiUl   tliciH-tt'onli   be  incoijioratctl  and 

of  tl;c  n-.incio,   Rimmcini,  wlu)  enjoiiiL-d  the  mins  to  oticr  united   to   th<>  m\iiiu,  and  lie  anhject  to  the  provincial  of 

iiji,    hi  jirr/)r/initii,  Ci^n-Mn   i\i-\otMUi,  "  nl  Cnl/id/ironiiii  Ireland,   for  the  time  beini;."     In  1 7,3l,  the  town  sheriHs 

c.icrci/.VA-,    de  /loslifiiis   virlnrin    re/)urleiit,  pcslifi-riiinqiic  \i3ited  this  convent,  and  stated  "  tliat  thev  iiad  searched 

lints    nwrctimrtim    ub  line   regno    cilvniiiiulitr." — U  liis  the  same,   and   saw  some  young  .;entle«iinien    and  fiirls, 

curioM-)   doenmc'it  may  be   seen  at   large  in  Uc  Biirgo's  who  alleged  they  lodged  and  boarded  in  the  house;  that 

lli^t.M■y  of  this  order.  they  found  therein  twcnty-beveii  beds,  in  eleven  chambers, 

^  At  a  general  council  of  the  Dominican  order,  helil  in  in   some   of  which   the   said  young  women  and  girls  lay, 

Romein  17-JI,  it  was  |,rovided,  "  that  the  two  convents  and   the   said  repnted  nuns   in   the   rest  before  they  dis- 

of  (i.ilway  and  Dublin  mi.'lit  be  able   to  elect  prioresses  jiersed." — For    more   of  this    nunnery    see  De    Burgo's 

according'  to   the  laws   and   cou>titutions   of  the  onler  ;  llibcrnia  Buminicana,  p.  ,3ir». 


278  I 


lilSTOUV    OF    GALWAY. 


AuL:;itSiiii'iau  Nunnery. 
THIS  ininuciy  was  established  in  jMiddle-street,  early  in  llic  last  ccnturv. 
In  the  year  1731,  the  mayor  reported  tliat  he  had  searched  the  house,  and  that  he 
had  found  none  but  servants  therein  ;  but  discoveretl,  in  se\en  rooms,  ten  beds, 
in  which  it  was  apj^rehended  the  reputed  lums  lay  before  their  dispersion. 
■Since  this  period  nothing  particular  occurs  relating  to  this  foundation. 

Prescntal'ion  Convent. 
THIS  useful  order  of  religious  females,  whose  principal  object  is  the  edu- 
cation of  poor  female  children,  was  established  here  on  the  '27th  of  October, 
1815,  under  the  patronage  and  protection  of  the  very  reverend  Warden  Ffrcncli. 
They  commenced  their  christian  avocations  in  a  house  in  Kirwan's-lane,  in 
November,  ISlo  ;  but  opened,  on  a  more  extended  scale,  in  a  large  house  at 
Mcyrick-square,  in  March  following.  Here  they  continued  mitil  ISID,  when 
tliey  removed  to  a  spacious,  elegant  and  well-situated  building,  (the  former 
charter  school,  which  they  hold  by  lease  for  60  years,  at  SO/,  annual  rent,) 
in  the  west  suburbs  of  the  town.  The  entire  of  this  extensive  concern,  has 
been  thoroughly  repaired  and  fitted  up  with  convenient  school-rooms  :  it  is 
surrounded  by  a  high  wall,  and  is  esteemed  one  of  the  best  circumstanced 
foundations  of  the  kind  in  the  kingdom.  Each  lady  on  admission  to  this  order 
pays  a  sum  of  500/.  towards  the  general  fund,  which  is  now  considered  suffi- 
cient, with  the  aid  of  annual  sermons  and  occasional  donations,  to  support 
this  valuable  establishment.  From  the  charitable  labours  of  these  exemplary 
ladles  many  benefits  have  already  accrued,  and  are  hereafter  likely  to  accrue,  to 
society,  by  the  moral,  religious,  and  usefully  domestic  education  of  so  many  of  its 
most  helpless,  and  most  generally  neglected,  members.  At  present  thirty  female 
orphan  children  are  dieted,  lodged,  clothed  and  educated  ;  and  upwards  of 
three  hundred  female  day  scholars  are  instructed  in  useful  needle-work, 
reading,  writing,  the  common  rules  of  arithmetic,  and  the  principles  of  religion. 
It  is  to  many  a  subject  of  regret,  that  the  pious  ladies  of  our  other  convents  had 
not  heretofore  (if  at  all  compatible  with  their  rules)  adopted,  even  on  a  limited 
scale,  this  humane  plan.  How  many  hundreds,  by  imbibing  virtuous  principles, 
and  acquiring  ideas  of  industry,  might,  by  their  exertions,  have  been  rescued  from 
those  courses  of  idleness  and  vice,  to  which  the  poor  unprotected  female  is, 
alas  !  but  too  often  liable. — For  this  invaluable  institution  the  memorable  dying 
words  of  the  celebrated  Venetian  for  the  liberties  of  his  country  cannot  be  too 
frequently  repeated.  "^ 


Ebto  pcrpftiia. 


^*T^,.*>.  ,=;:  j;«^. ...  _ -j  r  r,_' 


Ssj-,i'<_:..j-rai 


THE 

HISTORY 


OF 


'^ 


,:i 


PART  IV. 

THE    MODERN    STATE    AND    DESCRIPTION    OF    THE    TOWN. 

I.  Topography. 
1.  Situation  and  Natural  Advantages. 
GALWAY  is  advantageously  situated  on  the  side  of  a  broad  and  rapid  river,  to 
which  it  gives  name,  and  by  which  the  extensive  lake  Corrib  pours  its  redun- 
dant waters  into  the  ocean. "  It  lies  in  do"  1G'  north  latitude,  aiul  S"  58'  west 
longitude  from  Greenwicii ;  is  distant  fj-om  Dublin,  in  nearly  a  direct  line,  about 
101-  Irish  miles,  and  is  the  most  westerly  town  of  consequence  in  Europe.  The  bay 
is  esteemed  one  of  tiie  noblest  entrances  in  the  world  :  it  extends   nearly  thirty 


'  The  importance  of  this  extensive  lake  towards  facili- 
tatinj;  the  internal  naviiiation  of  tlie  western  parts  of 
Ireland,  wasbricflj-  pointed  out  in  a  preceirm;;  note,  p.  •). 
Here  a  t'cw  interesting,  and,  to  this  part  of  the  kingdom, 
highly  valnahle  extracts,  on  the  same  suliject,  will  be  given, 
principally  Irom  the  reports  of  the  scientific  and  ingenious 
Mr.  Alexander  Niiiuno  to  parliament,  on  the  snrvey  of 
the  bogs  of  this  district.  The  lake  (which,  according  to 
these  reports,  has  50  miles  of  shore,  occu|)ies  50,000  Irish 
acres,  and  contains  about  1000  acres  of  arable  land  in  its 


isles,)  contracts  into  a  very  spacious  river  about  2'  miles 
above  Gahvay,  which,  flowing  by  the  to«  u,  connnunicates 
with  the  Atlantic.  The  fall  from  the  suunnit  level  ol  the 
lake  to  the  sea  is  considerable;  but  to  the  Wood-quay, 
above  the  town,  it  is  tritling,  anil  the  river  is  in  parts  very 
shallow,  running  over  a  bed  of  rocks  ami  hard  gravel. 
It  is  not  navigable  from  the  sea  to  the  Wood-quay, 
owing  to  the  shallowness  and  rapidity  of  the  water,  and 
none  but  small  boats  can  come  down  ;  but,  .unless  in 
very  dry  seasons,  it  is  thence  navigable  by  boats  drawing 


2S0 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


miles  eastward  of  the  isles  of  Arran,  and  contains  innumerable  roads  and 
]iarbour.s.  The  haven  is  safe  and  s])acious,  and  is  capable  of  affording  protection 
to-  the  largest  fleets.''  The  town  itself,  to  which  vessels  of  upwards  ol'  ibur 
hundred  tons  burden  can  come  up,  is  admirably  situated  for  commerce  with 
Europe  and  tiie  Indies,  and  is  celebrated  for  having  formerly  been  one  of  the 
greatest  commercial  towns  in  the  British  dominions."  Even  after  the  civil  wars 
of  the  seventeenth  century,  when  the  town  was  much  reduced  from  its  former 
opulence,  the  cities  of  Ireland  ranked  in  the  following  order,  Dublin,  Galway, 
Vv'aterfbrd,  Cork,  and  Londonderry  ;''  but  it  is  now  surpassed  not  only  bv  all 
these,  but  also  by  many  other  jilaces  then  scarcely  known  or  heard  of.  This 
change  is  easily  accounted  for:  Gahvay  was  always  a  Catholic  town,  and,  therc- 
ibre,  felt  more  severely  than  others  the  fatal  effects  of  those  impolitic  enactments, 
which  so  long  and  so  heavily  afflicted  the  greater  part  of  his  majesty's  subjects  in 
Ireland.  It  would  not  however  be  siu-prising,  even  after  all  it  has  suffered,  if  it 
should,  from  its  situation,  yet  become  one  of  the  principal  emporiums  for  trade- 
between  these  countries  and  the  new  world.'' 

f3.  Climate  and  Salubrity. 
Though    Galway,    in    common   with  the  western   coast  of  Ireland,    is  more 
liable  to  rains  than  most  other  parts  of  the  island,  from  its  contiguity  to  the 
great  Atlantic  ocean,  yet  it  is  not  subject  to  those  inconveniences  which  gene- 
rally attend  a  humid  atmosphere.     The  climate  is  esteemed    rather  favorable, 


four  foct  water,  and  carrying  generally  from  ten  to  twenty 
tons,  with  one  sijiiare  sail  and  four  men,  to  Cong,  (which 
though  now  but  a  small  village,  was  anciently  a  place 
of  considerable  note,  and  the  occasional  residence  of 
our  provincial  kings.)  They  seldom  sail  unless  before  the 
wind  ;  and  though  the  lake  has  many  islets  and  sunk  rocks, 
the  only  serious  difPciilty  in  the  navigation  is  at  Buuchaly 
Shoal  about  four  miles  up  the  lake,  and  at  Newcastle, 
'i'hese  shoals  could  be  deepened  for  a  small  sum,  and  the 
whole  made  to  admit  vessels  of  nuich  greater  magnitude. 
This  fine  navigation,  which  extends  about  thirty  n)iles, 
and  into  a  sea-port  town,  seems  to  deserve  nmch  more 
attention  than  it  has  yet  received.  A  good  chart,  with 
soundings  and  sailing  directions,  should  be  published,  the 
shoals  or  rocks  cleared  or  beaconed,  and  ;i  conununication 
o|)ened  with  the  sea.  Two  docks  only  would  be  required  ; 
which,  exclusive  of  property  of  no  great  value,  it  was 
estinuited  would  cost  about  OOOO/.  These,  if  of  sufficient 
dimensions  to  admit  vessels  of  burden,  would  give  Galway 
all  the  advantages  of  wet  docks. 

The  surface  of  the  lake  is  only  13  feet  9  inches  above 
high  water,  and  the  medium  rise  in  floods  is  about  3  feet. 
Could  it  be  lowered  a  few  feet,  (its  drainage  is  out  of  the 
question,)  a  great  extent  of  land  would  be  gained  round 
its  shore,  and  much  valuable  bottom  saved  from  being 
overflowed  when  it  swells.  The  mill  interest,  however, 
of  Galway  would  be  a  powerful  obstacle  to  lowering  the 
lake,  as  the  whole  fall  is  occupied.  Somctliing  might, 
nevertheless,  he  done  by  clearing  and  deejiening  the 
channel,  taking  away  some  eel-wires  and  s!ioal.-> :  the 
upjicr  mill-wires   shoidd   also   be   carefully   attended  to. 


there  being  a  natural  temptation  to  heighten  tlieni.  Two 
wires  in  the  river,  near  Galway,  at  the  upper  level  of 
the  locks,  above  reconmieuded,  would  secure  a  much 
better  supply  and  greater  fall  to  the  different  mills,  ;mj 
give  every  one  of  tlicm  a  water  carriage  up  and  do«ii, 
neither  of  w  liicli  is  enjoyed  by  any  of  them  at  present : 
the  river  and  lake  being  deepened  across  the  shoals,  small 
vessels  n]ight  run  up  into  the  lake,  and  carry  sea-manure 
as  a  back  freight  for  turf,  which  would  greatly  benefit 
the  agriculture  of  the  interior. 

'  The  neap  tiiles  rise  in  the  bay  from  6  to  7  feet,  and 
the  spring  tides  from  12  to  15.  The  light-houses  lately 
erected  on  Mutton  Island  and  Arran  aflbrd  considerable 
additional  security  to  vessels  entering  the  hav,  ajid  the  new 
projected  quays  will  leave  little  more  to  be  desired  in  this 
respect  than  a  retiu'n  of  that  commerce,  without  which  all 
other  advantages  are  unavailable. 

'  Such  was  the  statement  of  the  Irish  privj'-council 
to  Oliver  Cromwell  in  1G57. — (Vide  p.  23.) 

■■  Boates  Natural  History  of  Ijcland,  Ed.  IG52. 

'  The  town  of  Galway  is  most  advantageously  situated 
for  trade  with  America ;  anil  the  bay,  which  is  by  far  the 
most  spacious  and  secure  of  any  other  on  the  western 
coast  of  Ireland,  seems  to  extend  its  ample  arms  to  invite 
the  commerce  of  that  flourishing  part  of  the  globe.  It 
commonly  happens  that  vessels  arrive  at  Galway  ti-om  New 
York  in  18  and  21  da^s;  and  it  is  well  known,  th.it  uiorc- 
delay,  trouble,  danger  and  expense  are  often  incurred  by 
bringing  ships  round  from  the  West  and  S.  West  coast  of 
Ireland  to  the  city  of  London,  than  attend  the  enlirc 
voyage  fi-oni  America  to  Ireland. 


I 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  281 

aiul  epidemical  distempers  arc  seldom  prevalent.  The  town,  situate  between 
the  lake  on  the  north,  and  the  bay  and  Atlantic  on  the  west,  always  enjoyed 
a  free  circulation  of  air,  whicli  must  have  contributed  to  render  it  healthy. 
The  many  facilities  for  convenient  and  excellent  sea-bathing,  (which  draw  crowds 
of  visitors  annually  during  the  summer  season,)  also  conduce  to  the  health 
of  the  inhabitants.'  Contagious  disorders  are  of  late  scarcely  heard  of,  owing, 
perhaps,  to  tlie  demolition  of  the  old  fortifications,  which,  by  giving  a  freer 
admission  of  air  through  the  long  and  narrow  streets  of  tlie  town,  has  likewise 
helped  to  increase  its  salubrity. 

3.  Ex  toil.  S!  reels,  and  BiiikUngs — Improvements  suggested. 
Galway  is  built  on  the  extremity  of  a  narrow  peninsulated  neck  of  land, 
which  rises  with  a  gentle  ascent  from  the  sea  and  river.  It  formerly  contained 
within  tlie  walls  (which  described  nearly  an  oval  figure)  ol-'2G  square  perches,  or 
'21  acres  1  rood  and  '2G  perches,  Irisii  plantation,  by  actual  admeasurement.  The 
character  of  this,  like  all  other  ancient  cities,  is  that  of  a  fortress,  the  greatest 
quantity  of  building  crowded  into  tlie  smallest  space,  with  walls,  gates  and 
ditches  of  defence.  For  more  than  half  a  century  before  1792  the  fortifications 
had  been  going  fast  to  decay  :  the  abbey-gate  was  pulled  down  in  1770,  and  the 
remainder  of  these  mouldering  bulwarks  were  falling  to  the  ground.  Since  that 
time,  however,  they  have  been  almost  entirely  demolished,  and  handsome 
buildings  are  rapidly  extending  on  all  sides,  sp  that  the  town  now  covers  nearly 
double  the  space  which  was  formerly  occupied  within  the  walls.  The  old 
Spanish-built  castles,  which  periods  of  turbulence  and  danger  rendered  necessary 
for  personal  security,  are  gradually  disappearing,  and  convenient  modern  edifices 
are  rising  on  their  ruins.  Several  of  these  ancient  structures,  though  some  cen- 
turies built,  are  still  in  good  repair,  and  many  of  them  are  inhabited  by  nume- 
rous families.  They  are  generally  square,  with  a  small  court  in  the  centre,  and  an 
arched  gate-way  leading  to  the  street :  but  are,  however,  daily  giving  place 
to  more  commodious  dwellings,  better  suited  to  the  present  improved  state  and 


'A  cliahbcate  spring,  (of  the  same  class  as  the  cclc-  This  incdiciiial  water  is  still  used  by  some  of  the  poorer 

hratcd  Sca"rboi-oii'_'h  waters)  about  20  feet  below  the  level  classes  with  good  effect. 

of  the  street,  oiUsidc  the  east  gate,  was    once  in  great  Many  instances  of  extreme  longevity  in  Galway,  beyond 

repute  here  ;  bnt  it  has  long  since  fallen  into  disuse.     A  the  advanccil  period  of  a  hundred  years,  could  be   here 

spa-hi>u.;e  hail  been  fm-nierly  erected  over  it  by  -Mr.  Eyre,  adduced,  but  they  are  omitted  to  make  room  lor  the  tables^ 

the  proprietor,  and  it  was  for  some  lime  mnch'frei|uente(l  which  follow.   One,  liowcvcr,  has  been  esteemed  worthy  of 

bv   coni|>:uiy ;    but   they    afterwards   gradually   declineil.  selection  :— On  10th    February,    ISM,  Thomas   W'ilkins, 

For  an  analysis  of  this  water  made  in  in  1  751,  by  iloctor  esip  M.  D.  died  at  the  age   of  102.     He   was  for   many 

Ituttv,    see   his   treatise.       Doctor  Ambrose  Lynch,    to  years  an  inhabitant  of  Galway,  and  surgeon  of  the  county 

whom,  according  to  that  author,  the  pulilic  was  indebted  hospital.     This  gentleman  entered  the  anuy,  in  his  pro- 

for  its  reconunemlation,  iuformeil  him  that  he  had  used  fcssional  capacity,  early  in  life  ;  and  it  was  in  his  arms  that 

it   only   as  an   alterative,    having  given   it    IVom  one  to  the  immortal  general  Wolfe  died,  in  the  year  1753.    Ilis 

three  '|)ints;    he   found  it  operate  chiefly  by  urine,  but  mode  of  living  was  the  most  temperate,  and   his   senses 

that    taken    as  far   as   six  pints    it    purged."   Several    of  remained   unimpaired   to    the    last.      He    was    a    lineal 

the    poorer   people    had    used   it   for    some    years    with  descendant  of   T.  Wilkins,    cajnain    in   the    arm}-,    who 

great  success,  anil  several  of  the  doctor's  patfents  drank  defended  Pontefract  Castle  against  Cromwell's  army,  and 

ft  with  great  benefit,  particularly  in  all  nervous  disorders  younger  brother  of  the   late  John  ^Vilkius,   bishop  ui' 

of  both  sexes,  scurvier,  vertigoes  and  chlorosis. — p.  oil.  Chester. 


282 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


maii'iicrs  of  society.  Doininick-street,  at  the  west  end  of  the  town,  wliich  contains 
a  number  of  excellent  houses,  chiefly  inhabited  by  many  of  our  most  respecuible 
gentry,  was  laid  out  and  l)uilt  within  the  last  mentioned  period.  The  town  has  also 
improved  considerably  since  the  Union.  Towards  the  east  entrance,  round  Meyrick- 
square,  formerly  the  green,  on  the  heights  of  Bohermore,  and  in  the  interior  streets, 
several  fuie  h.onses  have  been  erected.  Mr.  Thomas  Hyncs,  an  eminent  W'est-liulia 
merchant,  and  the  INIessrs.  O'Connor,  are  deserving  of  particular  notice  for  tiieir 
laudable  exertions  in  this  line  to  improve  the  appearance  of  their  native  town. 

Although  most  of  the  dwelling-houses  are  old,  there  are,  however,  several 
excellent  private  buildings  interspersed  throughout  the  town.  Amongst  these 
the  following  will  attract  particular  attention  : — the  handsome  dwelling  of  i\Ir. 
Daly,  the  late  mayor,  situate  in  Back-street,  (which  street  was  so  called  from 
its  backward  situation,)  and  that  opposite  to  it,  built  by  the  late  Martin  Lynch ; 
the  elegant  dwellings  and  spacious  stores,  in  the  same  street,  built  by  Messrs. 
Walter  and  John  Joyce  ;  the  residence  of  the  late  lord  Ffrench,  facing  Middle- 
street,  (so  named  from  its  central  situation ;)  the  large  houses  in  Shop-street, 
(so  called  because  in  this  street  the  first  shops  were  opened,)  built  by  the  late 
Nicholas  Lynch,  of  Barna  ;  and  those  recently  raised  by  Mr.  Morgan  Connolly ; 
the  new  buildings  and  shops  erected  by  Mr.  Thomas  Hynes,  on  the  site  of  the 
old  free-school,  in  High-street,  (a  street  so  termed  from  its  high  or  elevated 
situation  ;)  the  handsome  houses  in  "Watergate-street,  built  by  the  late  Nicholas 
Burke  Edmond  ;  several  good  houses  at  the  Spanish-parade,  (a  small  square  at  the 
S.  W.  corner  of  the  town,  where  the  Spanish  merchants  were  formerly  accustomed 
to  assemble  ;)  those  built  by  the  late  Michael  Rush  at  the  church-yard  leading  to 
Lombard-street,  (apart  of  the  town  so  called  from  the  Lombards,  a  mercantile 
people  of  Italy,  who  formerly  resorted  hither  for  the  purpose  of  trafHc.^)  To  these, 
as  more  recent  improvements,  may  be  added  the  road  in  the  east  suburbs,  leading 
by  Erasmus  Smith's  new  school  to  Oranmore,  the  alterations  making  by  Mr.  Eyre 
at  the  green,  the  projected  quay,  the  handsome  bridge  lately  built  over  the  river 


■^  There  arc, besides  these,  the  remmns  of  several  ancient 
houses,  or  castles,  in  the  town,  many  of  which  arc  still  in 
pooil  repair,  and  inhabited.  'J  hey  are  too  nnnicrous  to 
be  separately  pointed  out  here  ;  but  the  following  arc  the 
principal: — Penrice's  ancient  castle,  in  Willlani-strcet ; 
Alhy's,  whicli  lay  in  Lombard-street,  near  the  barrack ; 
Bl.ikc's  mansion-house,  at  tlie  rear  of  the  Shamble  barrack; 
tl'.e  mansion  of  the  Bodkins,  of  CiTrowbeg,  in  Back- 
street, opposite  Whitehall,  and  that  of  another  branch  of 
the  same  name,  opposite  the  old  Ai'gustinian  convent; 
the  mansion-house  of  the  Brownes,  of  Castlemagarrct,  in 
William-street;  and  that  of  the  Darcys,  near  the  abbey 
gate,  on  the  right ;  the  Frenches'  mansion,  in  Market- 
street,  now  the  Franciscan  nunnery ;  also  tliat  of  the 
Frenches,  of  Grenagc,  (a  younger  branch  of  tlie  Rahasane 
family,)  in  Middle-street,  in  which  the  assemblies  arc 
at  present  held ;  Joyes'  or  Joyce's  house,  at  tlie  corner 
of  Market-street,  in  Abbey-gate  street.  Tliis  family  was 
tlie  head  of  the  name.      Kirwau'i   inansiun,  t'acin''  the 


south  aisle  and  tower  of  the  church ;  the  court  of  the 
Lynches,  of  Castlecarra,  built  in  the  Spanish  style, 
at  tlie  corner  of  Abbey-gate-street ;  the  Martins',  of 
Gregans,  dwelling,  in  Market-street,  nearly  ojipositc  the 
Franciscan  convent ;  that  of  the  Martins,  of  Gort-nn- 
clevy,  at  the  corner  of  Watergate-street,  near  llie 
Dominican  convent ;  and  the  Skerretts'  ancient  residence, 
which  faced  the  south  side  of  the  church.  The  arms  of 
these  different  families  may  be  seen  in  many  places  sculp- 
tured in  stone  on  these  buildings,  together  with  the 
names  of  the  founders  and  the  dates  of  their  erection. 
Under  many  of  these  old  houses  there  are  subterraiicoui 
passages,  extending  a  considerable  distance  beyond  the 
town  walls,  which  were  evidently  intended  for  escape 
or  refuge,  in  cases  of  siege  or  other  dangers,  in  tuc 
early  times,  when  these  edifices  were  erected. 

The  singular  tenures  of  several  of  these  old  buildingj 
are  worth  noticing. — A  large  house  in  Abliey -gate-street 
is  the  estate,  in  fee,  of  three  several  landlords ;  thenpiitr 


niSTOUY    OF    GALWAY.  283 

at  Newtown-Sniitli,  and  the  intciuled  street  to  the  new  court-liouse,  which, 
Avith  nnmy  other  private  buiKlings  in  progress,  add  considerably  to  the  extent 
and  appearance  of  the  town. 

From  these  pleasing  prospects  of  improvement,  it  is  painful  to  turn  to  the 
^luunei■lllly  neglected  state  of  the  streets,  which,  for  many  years  past,  have 
been  perhaps  the  worst  paved,  and  least  attended  to,  of  any  other  in  this 
country.  From  the  numerous  holes  in  the  pavement,  and  the  heaps  of  accumu- 
lated dirt  with  M'hich  they  are  almost  continually  filled,  many  streets  arc  often 
nearly  ini])assablc,  particularly  in  dark  winter  nights,  when  it  is  absolutely 
hazardous  to  venture  abroad.  Surely  these  are  subjects  which  require  the  most 
serious  and  immediate  attention.  Although  much  has  been  said  about  the 
misapplication  of  the  tolls  and  customs,  which  by  the  charters  were  to  be  applied 
"  to  the  walling  and  paving  of  the  town,"  yet  it  should  be  considered  that 
there  is  not  now,  nor  has  there  been'  for  many  years  past,  (since  the  unprincipled 
alienation  of  the  corporation  property,)  any  other  fund  whercout  to  defray  the 
salaries  of  the  mayor  and  the  other  municipal  oflicers.  The  only  remedy, 
therefore,  for  this  daily  increasing  evil  appears  to  be  that  of  a  local  tax,  to  be 
imposed  by  authority  of  parliament,  for  paving,  lighting  and  cleansing  the 
streets,  and  for  establishing  a  sufficient  police  to  keep  a  nigiitiy  watch.  The 
advantages  which  the  inhabitants,  after  a  little  experience,  would  find  them- 
selves to  enjoy,  would  be  so  considerable,  and  the  rateable  contribution  on 
each  individual  so  trifling,  that  it  is  hoped  this  salutary  and  indispensible  measure 
may  be  speedily  carried  into  effect,  with  prudence,  economy  and  zeal,  for  the 
improvement  and  interest  of  the  town. 

4.  Population. 
The  population  of  Galway  is  much  greater  than,  fi-om  a  superficial  view  of 
the  place,  would  be  immediately  supposed."  This  circumstance  has  given  rise  to 
various  contradictory  computations  on  that  head.  In  a  former  page  (19'^  note')  a 
view  of  these  different  statements  has  been  given  ;  and  although  the  estimate  there 
made  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  county  of  the  town,  at  4-0,000  souls,  has 
been  bv  some  esteemed  as  overrated,  the   author  has  not  as  vet  heard  sufficient 


part  bL'Ioii_:s  to  tlic  family  of  Darcy  of  Kiltolla,  Ivalf  tlie  Ffrench  ;  the  rest  of  the  builc!iii<;  is  the  fee  property  of 

11111I1.T  story   to   tlic   revirciul   Janit-s   rfrcncli,    iiiid    the  the    Staunton  family.      'J'hcru    are    uiaiiy    other   similar 

renniiiiih-r  of  the  house  to  Mr.  Patrick  Francis,  liy  pnrchase  tcnnrcs  thron!;hout  tlie  town,  and  rhey  are  generally  hthi 

fro:a  the   l.ito  eelehratcd  ilean   Kirwan.     A  small  sliop  umler  distinct  original  titles. 

nearly  opposite  the  Exchanfre  is  the  estate  in  fee  of  Miss  ■"  In  the  following  ri'tiirn  of  the  population  of  the 
Chawner,  of  Tipperary,  and  the  remainder  of  the  house  to\vn  and  county  of  the  town  of  Galway,  taken  under 
beloiv^s  to  Mr.  Rickard  Burke  in  fee  simple.  The  fee  of  tlie  Census  Act  of  181  l',  (communicated  to  the  author  hy 
another  shop,  in  the  same  street,  is  vested  in  Mr.  Donii-  his  highly  esteemed  friend,  \V.  Sliaw  Mason,  es(].  to  whom 
nich  Ffrcncli  ;  that  of  the  remainder  of  the  house  is  the  reguhition  of  the  census  was  conmiitted  by  govern- 
in  the  Joyes'  faniiiy.  In  the  old  building  in  High-street,  ment,)  every  town-land,  street,  lane,  ic.  in  the  county 
connnonly  called  the  .Salmon-house,  the  stone  stairs  lead-  of  the  town  is  described.  From  the  confession,  however, 
ing  to  the  new  coffee-room,  with  two  adjoining  closets,  of  one  of  the  persons  by  whom  it  was  made,  no  doubt 
is  the  estate  of  Edward  Jones,  esq.  of  Roaconmion,  and  remains  of  its  having  been  deficient  in  the  number  of 
the  remainder  of  the  same  house  belongs  in  fee  simple  inhabitants.  .The  people  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town, 
to  Mr  Montgomery.  An  apartment  at  the  rear  of  Lynch's  apprehensive  that  a  military  ballot,  or  some  similar 
castle,   in  Shop-street,  is  the  estate  of  colonel  Anthony  project,    v,as  in  view,   evaded  giving    a   true   account:. 


284 


HISTORY     OF    GALWAY. 


reasons  to  induce  him  to  alter  that  calculation  :  on  tiie  contrary,  when  the  rajiiil 
increase  for  the  last  seven  years  shall  be  considered,  and  that  the  return  under 
the  Census  Act  of  181'^  was  confessedly  deficient,  it  is  still  thought  the  most 
accurate  estimate  of  the  ))opu]ation  of  Galway  (including  the  county  of  the  town) 
at  the  present  day. 


;i:ul    in    inauv    plat'Cs    tlu-    i 
iiK-iUiccS  iVoiii  venturing  nnioni; 
ever,  esteemed  aceuraie  in  nil 
pivcn  as  a  curious  document, 
(lie  modern  description  of  the 


]nir(  T'.  were  deterred  by 
tlie  viil:ii;cs.  Beiiii.',  liow- 
otlier  respects,  it  is  here 
intimatelv  coiniecte{l  with 
town. 


Nitnie  and  descriftiot; 

„. 

E   . 

■| 

=  ^ 

i|l 

1^-  2 

S 

g 

r!;r.tpart  of  the  I'arish 

S5 

1 

i| 

'S< 

liSc 

1--\ 

.1  KTihooti  w  hk!>  Ii(--> 

.^ 

'?    V 

^ 

"^ 

"■l 

■-^^.i; 

lis 

^ 

Jl 

£  a 

1.;  i;.cTovv;!iif  G;.l- 

^ 

- 

= 

= 

5 

il. 

i;iE= 

5 1'l 

3 

& 

Thc\Vt-t  Siibiirl's 

-l.S 

51 'II 

IJ 

4.: 

f9 

2i>'4 

147 

1050 

12SG 

Xev.--rai!k  Koad, 

:'H 

41 

4 

10 

S 

94 

129 

Tlar;..:,,,, 

4!1 

49 

4 

10 

ij 

2fiS 

22! 

r,„.h,,,.-,rl:, 
.';   lu,rl-, 

Kf..    h;il!'. 

C 

6 

8 

\i 
6 
8 

j 

12 
12 

4.5 
24 
10 
26 

■■    ^u:.,,..i.ln^cf 

11 
11 

11 
11 

- 

11 

1" 

1 

17 
26 

£0 

I'«i'.!(.»"-ij, 

7 

IG 

32 

\VO0.!,tMk, 

t 

8 

1 

8 

IS 

'24 

I.!  .■.:ir.-i-lianand1 

8 

6 

27 

44 

•  ■  h::v-.Strantl, 

£o 

00 

) 

Ki 

4 

n 

47 

58 

IV-tir;!i;:-houic-roaJ 

^ 

"f 

. 

1 

4 

(  ;:|,|i;.Fh, 

C7 

_ 

21 

G 

00 

72 

I'.Hiln.ivoIiirv, 

CI 

ii 

2 

21 

. 

40 

GG 

Kii.iiknaa:rra, 

V-i 

19 

19 

4S 

49 

llybai-.f, 
Ilahrif.n, 

ti 

21 

i; 

IS 

li 

iS 

ISS 

s;t.i:it;.'-la. 

ii~ 

27 

9 

2 

12 

5 

10 

70 

7G 

J,"tn..;li, 

L'i' 

2J 

':\ 

2 

44 

ll.-i.l-tr-hill. 

Ifl 

21 

IS 

3 

C'3 

GO 

Drum, 

11 

IJ 

12 

::u 

54 

i'"c"'e"-Sr<U3 

1: 

]'2 

10 

2 

27 

30 

It; 

11; 

11 

39 

40 

MmXiuT 

lu 

In 

10 

_ 

11; 

25 

llolK-niKi, 

C7 

27 

_ 

1;7 

12 

129 

.•-:.>  irtit's  Foul-  1 
i,.a„l,iiiy,            i 

CO 

30 

1 

27 

3 

I12 

126 

Ilania, 

C\ 

54 

0 

22 

_ 

32 

22s 

2;s 

l,ail..ilra, 

t. 

6 

r; 

10 

IG 

Vfw-Nillago, 
1  ..rccmiry, 

10 

10 
28 

- 

10 

2:! 

»G 

KtCI.'IK-, 

IZ 

IJ 

. 

13 

■".G 

3'.iirkL-'s  ^'illage. 

4 

4 

_ 

''9 

12 

liallyi.ionLCn, 

8 

8 

1 

8 

21 

Kinimucmnoro, 

C 

6 

. 

6 

u.l 

Ifi 

<ii|.l)ciush, 

1(1 

10 

0 

10 

27 

29 

Aile, 

H 

M 

14 

55 

<  IciiBliskuUv, 

18 

16 

13 

. 

41; 

52 

I!:.llaril,  Lough,  7 

tn.li.V  Kui.ck-   ^ 

4 

4 

4 

- 

10 

9 

l\Ioinilain  Arrcs, 

3 

3 

.; 

., 

4 

Wo.-t  ■l-rii>ky. 

16 

1« 

\'\ 

_ 

r.7 

VaslTtiisky, 

1( 

Hi 

11; 

57 

AUi^lionii-k, 

4 

4 

4 

9 

11 

The    sln'eir  0!    ihe 

inwn,  (Stein  the  pa- 

rish uf  St.  Nkhi.h.i, 

riaila-h. 

SOI 

322 

5 

G 

S7 

22f) 

955 

10G7 

Nuns'-Island, 

ill 

20 

12 

"iG 

94 

Utile  KriilqL'-slrcct, 

4 

4 

3 

20 

Uoi.iinkk-strert, 

SO 

42 

li 

31 

129 

172 

(Iri-at  nriclRC-str. 

14 

_ 

8 

31 

47 

J)oi-k  and  yuav. 

f  j 

36 

^ 

31 

00 

150 

Oiiriv.lauc, 

C 

6 

i> 

4 

20 

Si.aiiisli-parado, 

7 

11 

11 

■Jil 

III) 

Jlack-i'.rctt, 

3a 

60 

(,- 

M 

121 

23", 

Wliitc.liall, 

5 

12 

4 

8 

42 

Abbcy-Bt-str.  (up.) 

19 

11 

28 

>4 

130 

Cross-street, 

SO 

77 

^2 

21 

M 

l.'i3    ' 

3'Vf 

Midi'le-strfor, 

SG 

S3 

4 

40 

lie 

214 

Court-hoii*p-lal!C, 

7 

7 

.•;i 

IMay-honse-laiiC, 

n 

28 

. 

)'! 

V, 

(-G 

H5 

MooncY's-lano, 

7 

2S 

r 

n 

r.i 

84 

Ouay-.-frr-..:. 

v: 

£6 

- 

I ; 

1           04 

K,^."  -■.-i.- 

36 

- 

1 

97    1 

145 

N-'nic  nnd  dcicriuUon 

'e  . 

.E 

•| 

e  r 

Hi 

-  -  ^ 

"of  I'ariines,  ic. 

1 

>% 

i 

it 

%  = 

IJa 

5ig 

~ 

£  ^ 

£ 

c3 

■5< 

t'i^? 

^^j 

town  '^'^^S;!     in     the 

~ 

t--- 

£ 

"~ 

■I'v 

■^'~)  3 

S6E 

c 

parish  of  bt.Nii.hol.iS 

£ 

f  ~ 

= 

a 

E  J 

E  tci 

-  f  ? 

1 

i 

continued,  viz. 
Maiu-guard, 

_£_ 

_£_ 

_f_ 

S 

i- 

iiS 

<l* 

K 

'  1 

11 

.57 

■'9 

]i 

13. 

U.tl 

Cluirch-yd.  fproc.) 

10 

39 

1 

]5 

2^ 

Buttermilk-Uiiie, 

8 

31 

9 

21 

71 

Sllup-stlfft, 
Chuicli-l-iiif, 

'I 

95 

13 

32 

63 
10 

216 

37 

'i^l 

5 

31 

21 

U 

80 

''■■ 

.Mur'r.'nv'kinc,  ' 

Markvt-lleft, 

Glil-laiif, 

4 
4 

22 
11 

i:_ 

t 

41 
41 

47i 

22 

nil 

1 

97 

'? 

277 

4iy 

Eowliiig-f-rten, 

13 

IS 

t 

] 

V2 

Gil 

0"! 

Ahlioy.yt.-st.  low.) 
Wijliani.streot, 

26 

G2 
64 

- 

40 

■i^j 

1,;.. 
190 

ni 

Barrack-lane, 

6 

1; 

-• 

loll 

Newtown-sniith, 
Wood-iiuay, 

11 

7( 

18 
121 

2 

3 

- 

_4 

(4 

J; 

Hoacinary-ianc, 

1 

2'7 

•^1 

ini 

Siickceii, 

'^'li 

turlialljiiim-i^an. 

11 

11 

1 

11 

12 

lo 

~t>i 

.>12' 

Ballynahot.iie, 

3 

i 

y 

7 

of^l.NiLh.las  Jiihii 

Bohermore, 

37." 

432 

7 

17 

141 

2S9 

9,7 

1077 

Bubeil.ei;, 

9( 

10 

; 

211 

IMeyriek-squarc, 

49 

51) 

7 

4 

■  au 

lis' 

iiiv 

BallyLnt,' 

2.5 

.3" 

' 

5 

.3'. 
20 

'- 

s 

lull 
85 

7i 

iVIoneenagiaha  &  7 
Old  Gallows,       i 

*^ 

'*l 

31 

31 

- 

3 

8 

tl'2 

61 

Cu 

Ballvbaiieraoro, 
Part'. If  Itinniore,! 
or  Mile.ond,        j 

2( 
19 

2r 

19 

4 

2 

2 

24 
13 

4 

2 

65 

73 
61 

Glaninaille, 

o.> 

21 

11 

] 

20 

^ 

48 

,_ 

Tarkmore, 

7 

2 

211 

Ballvbalip,    N.  E.7 
and'  .S.  E.             j 

■^ 

" 

~* 

8 

8 

r 

S 

1 

2 

21 

211 

\Vell;..irk, 

1 

1 

^ 

Jkrvietv, 

1 

1 

i 

1 

.' 

I 

7 

Th  it  pmTT'the  parish 

theto.  ot  Ihetown 

Mfllloupll, 

113 

140 

1( 

120 

11 

15 

3G5 

387 

("a^llegar  Village, 

.50 

.52 

7 

41 

4 

113 

Us 

Merlmpark   and   f 

Doiifiiisky,         ( 

28 

£8 

2 

22 

3 

3 

93 

101 

nnllii.Gle(Tcnilan> 

31 

34 

1 

2"( 

9 

85 

loc 

T\io.mile-ditrh, 

lla .iflif,.,;.,.,    7 

.CarraOrowne,!    \ 

25 
39 

26 
39 

4 

20 

3 

3 

92 
90 

81 

87 

MiiiiriK', 
HalMutil^h.ine, 

27 

7,-' 

2 

26 
22 

„ 

1 

77 
71 

67 

eiilLisli,  ,;iVrrilaii,l 
Ui.srani  .ind  Gk-I.e, 

V 

CM 

^' 

21 

"1 

51 

59 

?o 

\  lllnj-e  01  •It-rrilin, 
HalliiMlooley, 

15 

it" 

2 

10 
12 

] 

3 

611 

Bogvillagc,   (Car.7 
•"a.brotvne,)            j 

14 

11 

1 

14 

46 

11 

Cloonekaiicene, 
liiNinahrtirkev, 

15 
111 

IG 

10 

2 

11 

III 

2 

35 

,r 

lialKfirraiH-,' 

1 

-' 

Casllt-i|i.arl..r,      7 
(rarr.-.hii.tvnc,)  3 

-/ 

S 

8 

1 

3 

I 

4 

II' 

(  iiriMintn  Village, 

H 

f.; 

1 

8 

O;, 

17 

Killiiii  1  „.-ll.'. 

1 

I 

J 

SS->"^ 

2 

c 

s 

l:ahali.ii''i:k.Oe, 

." 

^ 

1 

TvM  ,„ll„-  ■nmi-) 
nii.lruiiuliiojllici 
tni'ii  oj  (JaJtmi/i 

Jtyj 

12211 

151 

ihi 

1282 

1109 

171; 

lOiWS 

1 171.'' 







— 

tike  Kennetly,  tlie  persons  appointetl  Iit  tfie 
il  the  pojiulalion  in  the  totnitv  olllic  lumi  of 
la   to   21081   souls)    this  IH'ttl  June,  181J, 
F^lin.  1-ilz-Patriek,  .l/.ijim 
Uliv.  Bl.ikc,  i/jgiilraU:. 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


2S3 


II.  Constitution  and  Government. 

1.  Corporalioii. 
THE  corporation  of  "the  town  and  county  of  the  town  of  Galway"  is  al 
present  little  more  than  a  name  :  the  ancient  state  ami  insignia  of  that  formerly 
proud  and  opulent  body  have  been  entirely  laid  aside  ;  the  old  and  creditable 
offices  of  alderman,  chamberlain,  burgess,  ;?cc.  ha\  e  fallen  into  disuse,  and  its 
possessions  have  been  alienated  ;  so  that  it  now  seems  to  be  upheld  by  tiie  re- 
spectable family  in  which  it  has  become  almost  hereditary,  merely  ibr  the  valuable 
patronage  which  it  confers,'  and  for  the  parliamentary  representation  of  the  town. 


'  The  patronage  here  alliulcd  to  is  very  considcralile : 
llic  several  ofuecs  and  places  in  the  immediate  gilt  or 
recommendation  of  the  head  of  tlie  corporation,  with 
their  annual  valne  or  income,  are  said  to  be  as  tbllou-, 
viz. :  parliamentary  repre;.cntation  ;  warden  of  the  colle- 
giate cinn'ch,  1000/.;  two  vicars,  75/.  each;  governor, 
•JOO/. ;  mayor,  550/.;  recorder,  standing  salary  45/.  lO.v. 
annnal  value  of  o.Tice  not  ascertained  ;  two  sheritls, 
^^ln(!ing  salary  15/.  each,  annnal  value  of  office  computed 
at  about  L'OO/. ;  clerk  of  the  peace,  standing  salary  20/. 
annual  value  of  oiTice  aiiout  100/. ;  deputy  ditto,  about 
.-00/.;  port  collector,  GOO/.;  pro  ditto,"  100/.;  port 
siU'veyor,  500/.;  land  waiter,  GOV/.;  tide  surveyor,  HO/.; 
collector  of  excise,  GOO/. ;  pro  ditto,  80/. ;  two  surveyors 
of  excise,  400/.  ;  supervisor  of  hearths,  iS:c.  200/. ; 
gangers,  400/. ;  tide  waiters,  boatmen,  &c.  400/. ;  distri- 
butor of  stamps,  400/. ;  superintendant  of  fisheries,  1 50/.; 
weigh-mastcr  for  kelp,  butter,  &c.  150/.;  pilot  and  dock 
master,  about  200/.;  water  bailiff)  /. ;  clerk  to  collect 
light-house  duty,  80/.;  town  major,  100/.;  barrack 
master,  JOO/. ;  coroner  and  gaoler,  200/. ;  four  Serjeants 
at  mace,  4/.  cacli ;  sword  and  mace-bearers,  4/.  each. 
The  salaries  of  the  mayor,  recorder,  sheriffs  and  town 
clerk,  above  stated,  together  with  22/.  I5s.  for  bread  to  be 
distributed  in  the  church,  and  thelodgingsof  the  judges  of 
assize  (I  l/.T.s.  Gr/.  annually)  are  defrayed  out  of  the[)roduce 
of  the  tolls  and  customs,  which  lately  set  for  700/.  a  year. 

The  powers  and  privileges  which  the  corporation  of 
Galway  formerly  ])ossessed,  and  to  which  it  is  still  legally 
entitled,  will  be  found,  upon  inspection  of  the  charters 
contained  in  the  appendix,  to  have  been  of  a  most  exten- 
sive nature;  of  these  the  following  was  not  the  least 
conspicuous: 

Admirir/lii  of  ilie  Bai/. 

By  the  charter  of  Henry  VIII.  the  corporation  obtaincil 
a  grant  of  the  port  and  bay,  or  arm  of  the  sea  which 
enters  between  the  islands  of  Arran,  and  from  thence 
runs  or  flows  into  the  town.  Queen  Elizabeth  afterwards 
granted  that  every  mayor  shoidd  be  admiral  within  the 
town  and  franchises,  over  the  islands  of  Arran,  and  from 
thence  to  the  town,  on  both  sides  of  the  water,  as  well 
bv  sea  as  by  land,  anil  fresh  waters,  with  all  jurisdictions 
hciongin;:;  thereto;  and  also  tliat  the  corporation  should 
be  entitled  to  all  wrecks  of  the  sea,  forfeitures,  fines,  &c. 
ari-ing  by  reason  of  such  ad'niralty  ;  which  were  thence- 
forth accordingiy  enjoyed,  and  were  afterwards  confirmed 
by  the  ehart^jr  of  CliariesII.  which  restored  to  the  cor- 


poration all  privileges  contained  in  any  former  grant'-. 
In  16S7,  it  was  resolved  in  council,  that  the  old  priviUi;es. 
particularly  that  of  the  admiralty  of  the  bay,  should  be 
included  in  the  new  charter  of  James  II.  This  the  king 
not  only  I'efuscd  to  concede,  but  even  inserted  a  clause 
saving  the  rights  of  the  lord  high-admiral.  This  charter 
soon  becoming  void,  the  old  jurisdiction  was  again  re- 
vived; but  the  vice-ailmiral  of  Connanght  frequentiv 
interrupted  the  corporation,  and  coniplaiued  lo  the  lords 
of  the  admiralty  of  the  claims  made  by  the  town  to  this 
jurisdiction.  In  1701,  the  secretary  of  stale  endeavoured 
by  letter  to  deter  the  mayor  from  persisting  in  the  right  ; 
but  the  corporation  having  still  continued  to  exercise  it, 
prince  George  of  Denmark,  hjrd  high-admiral  of  England, 
presented  a  memori.al  to  queen  Anne  in  council  for  a  quo 
warranto  against  the  town.  Her  majesty  accordingly,  by 
order  dated  4th  Decendier,  1704,  rel'erred  the  matter  to 
the  duke  of  Orniond,  who,  on  the  7th  of  March  follow- 
ing, directed  the  attornc)  and  solicitor-general  of  Ireland 
to  examine  and  report  on  the  occasion.  They  accordingly 
issued  their  sunnnons,  and  a  common  cohneil  having  been 
innnediately  called  in  the  town,  it  was  resolved  to  defend 
the  right,  and  forthwith  to  lay  their  title  before  these 
law  oiiicers ;  whose  report  does  not  appear  to  have  been 
favorable,  for  proceedings  were  soon  after  connuenced. 
In  answer  to  these,  the  tow  u-sheriHs  returned,  that  the 
admiralty  was  held  under  several  chartcMs;  and  a  volu- 
minous plea  to  that  effect  was  soon  afterwards  put  in, 
which  still  remains  of  record  in  the  office  of  the  Trea- 
surer's Hemcmbrancer  of  the  Exchecincr.  After  this  no 
further  proceedings  were  taken  ;  and  the  mayor  has  been 
ever  since  left  at  liberty  to  assume,  if  he  pleased,  the 
empty  title  of  admiral  of  the  biiy. 

When  Galway  was  a  place  of  conmicrce,  with  numerous 
shijis  daily  crowding  into  its  harbour,  this  ollice  was  one 
of  importance  and  emolument;  but  when  that  conunerce 
ceased,  and  but  a  solitary  vessel  sometimes  visited  this 
iiegleCLPd  jjort,  no  wonder  that  the  privilege,  though 
before  so  carefully  guarded,  should  gi'adnally  sink  into 
decay :  Accordingly,  not  the  least  mention  is  made  of  it 
for  more  than  a  century  past,  except  on  a  solitary  occasion, 
in  the  year  1745,  when  a  whale,  which  hap|)tne<l  to  be 
stranded  on  the  island  of  .Mynish,  in  the  bay,  was  taken  by 
Sir.  John  Digby,  proprietor  of  the  islands  of  Arran,  who 
extracted  from  it  a  considerable  quantity  of  oil.  This 
oil  was  seized  by  the  mayor,  who  claimed  it  as  ailmirai  of 
the  bay,  and  as  a  royalty  or  franchise  belonging,  under 


28G  IlISTOKY    OF    GALWAY. 

which  is  commiuulcd  by  means  of  the  non-resident  freemen.  The  decay, 
however,  of  snch  incorporations,  according  to  the  celebrated  Adam  Smith,  Dr. 
Paley,  and  other  high  authorities,  is  not  to  be  regretted.  They  were  originally 
formed  in  times  of  necessity,  and  soon  became  universally  distinguished  for  nio- 
nopolizing  and  intolerant  principles.  Even  still,  though  the  mighty,  and  ever- 
moving  machine  of  society  has  altered  the  situation  of  mankind,  and  changed  llie 
state  of  human  affairs,  these  associations,  with  very  few  exceptions,  retain  the 
gloom  and  bigotry  of  former  ages,  and  seem  to  be  the  last  and  favorite  retreats  oi" 
prejudice  and  intolerance.  If,  therefore,  the  peace  and  good  order  of  cities  and 
towns  could  be  preserved  by  domestic  and  resident  magistrates,  under  the  direct 
control  of  the  government  of  the  country,  there  would  not  be  much  reason  to 
regret  the  decline  of  these  feudal  institutions. 

■2.  Courts — Municipal  Regulations  vecessari/. 
For  the  numerous,  though  at  present  dormant  or  obsolete,  privileges  of  the 
corporation  oi'  Galway,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  charters  which  will  be  found 
in  the  appendix.  The  mayor  and  recorder  keej)  a  court  of  record,  wliicli  takes 
cognizance  of  civil  pleas  to  any  amount;  and  also  hold  sessions,  at  stated  periods, 
for  the  trial  of  personal  misdemeanors  :  but  felonies  and  daily  increasing  crimes 
of  magnitude  arc  referred  to  the  general  assizes,  which  are  held  twice  a  year  in 
the  town.  The  want  of  an  efficient  police  and  a  more  active  magistracy  is  loudly 
complained  of  by  the  principal  part  of  the  inhabitants,  who  to  this  deficiency 
entirely  attribute  the  many  street  and  house  robberies  which  have  been  recently 
committed.  That  some  municipal  regulations  are  necessary  seems  to  be  conceded 
on  all  sides;  and  it  is,  therefore,  hoped  that  the  proper  authorities  will  take 
such  speedy  means  to  remedy  these  defects  as  the  nature  of  the  evils  com- 
plained of,  and  the  circumstances  of  the  town  so  urgently  require. 

III.  Commerce,  Trade  and  jVIanlfactures. 

1 .  Dtc'/ne  of  Commerce — Causes. 
IN  several  parts  of  this  volume  the  former  extensive  commerce  of  Galway  has 
been  mentioned  ;  and  the  causes  of  its  decline  have  been  so  distinctly  pointed 
out,  that  it  is  considered  unnecessary  to  repeat  them  here  :  it  is  esteemed  equally 
so  to  spend  much  time  in  refuting  the  illiberal  aspersions  attempted  to  be  cast  on 
this  ancient,  respectable  and  long  persecuted  town,  by  a  recent  English  tourist  of 
some  celebrity,"  who,  from  "report,"  thought  proper  to  attribute  its  decline  to  want 


the  charter  ol' Elizabeth,  to  the  corporatiun.   A  common  k  Mr.  Gilbert  Wakcficlil.     The  words  of  this  traveller 

council  was  held,  and   resolutions   were  entered  into  to  are  as  follow  : — "  GaKv  ay  has  declined  imich  of  laic  \CMr>, 

support  this  claim  ;  but  i\Ir.  Diybv  havinpissDed  a  replevin,  inconsequence,  aci-oriliiig  lo  rrporl,  oi  the  had  taith  of 

and  rcjjained  the  property,  the  point  was  abandoned,  and  its  nicrcliants,  and  want  of  punctuality  in  their  payiiien!.. 

those  privilems,  which  were  oiuc  esteemed  so  important.  But  linwcver  lliis  wni/  be,  it  is  certain  that  it  is  a  place  of 

have  never  since  been  l:eard  o!'.  very  little  trade,  altliough  it  enjoys  an  admirable  tiliiation, 


IIISTOKY    Ol'    GALWAY. 


287 


of  principlo  in  its  incrcluiiits — aii  iniputalioii  wliich  alniosl  ovory  jiagc  in  this 
work  incoiUcstihIy  proves  to  bo  unlbuiulcd.  Had  this  geiitleiiian  but  for  a 
moment  reflected  on  the  past  situation  of  this  too  frecpicntly  misrepresented 
country,  lie  would  have  perceived  that  the  decay  of  this,  and  of  many  otlier 
phices  in  Ireland,  is  entirely  attributable  to  civil  commotions,  to  penal  laws,  and 
to  the  many  mercantile  restrictions  imposed  in  favor  of  England  for  the  two  last 
centuries.  It  is,  therefore,  hoped  that  he  may  consider  it  an  act  of  justice  to  a 
respectable  class  of  individuals  to  retract  what  might  have  been  perhaps  inad- 
vertently advanced,  but  which  certainly  affects  the  credit  of  a  work,  otherwise 
deserving  m'cII  of  Irchvnd. 

2.  Exports  and  Imports. 
The  commerce  of  Galway  has,  it  is  true,  long  since  disappeared ;  but  the 
causes  of  its  decay  have  been  already  detailed.  Wine,  formerly  its  principal 
article  of  traffic,  is  no  longer  imported  in  any  quantity  ;'  and  the  provision 
trade,  which  formerly  flourished  here,  has  long  since  deserted  this  port. "'  Com- 
merce has  of  late  been  chiefly  confined  to  the  export  of  corn  ;  and  for  this  branch, 
which  commenced  about  the  year  1S05,  the  town  is  peculiarly  well  circumstanced, 
from  its  local  situation  and  great  facilities  for  water  carriage.  Since  that  period, 
the  agriculture  of  the  interior  has  been  much  improved,  owing  to  the  encourage- 
ment given  to  the  farmers  by  the  merchants  of  the  town.  The  wheat  and 
barley  brought  to  market  are  esteemed  of  a  highly  superior  quality ;  but  the 
oats  is  in  general  of  a  very  inferior  kind.  It  has  been  calculated  that,  for  some 
years  past,  the  export  of  corn  from  this  port  averaged  annually  about  6000 
tons.     Kelp  is  also  an  old  and  considerable  article   of  trade."     It  is  principally 


and  almost  every  aJvantage  that  could  be  desired." — 
Thus,  in  a  very  flippant  paragraph,  qualified  by  the  common- 
place phrase,  "  however  this  may  be,"  has  this  gentleman 
thought  proper  to  describe  the  mercantile  body  of  a 
respectable  town.  When  from  sources  such  as  these  our 
English  neighbours  collect  their  information,  and  form 
their  opinions  of  Ireland,  is  it  any  wonder  that  numberless 
prejudices  against  this  country  should  exist  in  the  minds 
of  that  liberal  and  otherwise  enlightened  people?  It  is, 
however,  to  be  hoped  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when 
they  shall  be  undeceived,  when  ignorance  and  illiberality 
shall  yielil  to  justice  and  to  truth,  and  when  that  union  of 
interest  and  affection,  which  ought  to  subsist  between 
both  countries,  (and  which  is  so  essentially  necessary 
for  their  mutual  well-being,)  shall  take  place,  and  indis- 
solubly  connect  the  two  islands  for  ever. 

'  Latocnave,  a  French  emigrant,  who  travelled  through 
Ireland  in  171)7,  attributed  the  decline  of  trade  in  Galway 
to  a  humorous  cause,  somewhat  diffcrcut  from  that  of 
Mr. Wakefield,  but  equally  credible.  "  A  wine  merchant," 
says  this  lively  traveller,  "  told  lue  the  cause,  in  his  opinion, 
of  the  decay"  of  trade  in  Galway."  "  Beibre  they  knew 
how  to  make  wine  in  France,"  said  he,  "  it  was  made 
here  in  Galwav."     "  What!"  said  I,  "  sure  there  were 


never  vines  in  this  country."  "  Xo,"  said  be,  "  but 
the  wine  in  France  was  barely  the  juice  of  the  grape,  and 
it  was  brought  to  Galway  to  render  it  drinlcablc:  unfor- 
tunately the  merchants  of  Bourdeaux  know  how  to 
prepare  it  now  as  well  as  we  did,  and  this  has  ruined  our 
trade." — Rambles  through  Inland. 

■"  The  great  cattle  fairs  of  liallinasloe  (by  far  the  most 
exteujive  in  these  islands)  were,  it  is  said,  originally  est.ab- 
lished  at  that  place  from  its  contiguity  to  Galway.  These 
fauions  marts  have  subsisted  from  a  very  early  period,  al- 
though no  patent  for  holding  them  appearson  record  before 
8th  June,  1757,  when  Richard  Trench,  esq.  of  Garbally, 
obtained  a  patent  for  holding  two  fairs,  on  15th  May  and 
l.'th  July,  in  every  year.  Once,  however,  established, 
they  have  ever  since  continued,  although  the  cause  of 
tlieir  origin,  viz.  the  provision  trade  of  Galway,  has 
long  since  ceased. 

°  The  manufacture  of  kelp  commenced  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  GaUv.ny  about  the  year  1700,  and  the  late 
Amlrew  French  and  his  gramlfather  'were  the  first  that 
exported  it  from  the  town.  In  17';2,  the  l"ormer  gentle- 
man stated,  before  a  committee  of  the  house  of  commons, 
that  the  usual  load  of  a  boat  was  from  five  to  ten  or 
twelve  tons;  and  that  he  had  known  one  boat  to  make 


288 


HISTOllY    OF    GALWAY. 


mannfiictured  in  Conatnara,  and  is  brought  to  the  town  by  sea.  For  some  years 
past  about  4000  tons  v/ere  annually  exported,  a  considerable  portion  to  the 
nortliern  parts  of  Ireland,  where  it  was  nuieh  nsed  in  the  niannfacture  of  linen,  and 
the  remainder  to  England  and  Scotland.  Tlie  price  and  consumption  of  this  article, 
however,  have  of  late  very  much  diminished.  Although,  in  ISOS,  it  sold  in  Galway 
for  13/.  a  ton,  at  present  it  seldom  exceeds  •!■/.  f  and  the  yearly  exportation  is  also 
reduced  to  about  '2.500  tons,  wliich  is  supposed  to  be  occasioned  by  its  inferiority 
to  the  Scottish  kelp  in  foreign  markets.  Of  late  years,  several  cargoes  of  fine 
marble  have  been  exported  from  the  extensive  quarries  near  the  town  ;  but  tliis 
branch  of  trade  seems  also  on  the  decline."     The  principal  imports  are  American 


from  fifteen  to  twciitv  trl]>s  yearly  from  tlie  place  where 
tiie  l;eip  was  bi-.nied  to  tlie  i]iiay.  He  also  slated  -that  kelp 
was  then  worth  from  25s.  to  35s.  per  ton  ;  bat  that  about 
fifty  years  before  it  was  worth  only  from  li.t.  to  21s.  per 
ton. —  Com.  .7.>:tr. — In  177G,  abont  .3000  tons  were  annu- 
ally cxjiortcd. —  Young's  Tour. — After  this  period  it  was 
fo'jnd  that  several  gross  frauds  were  practised  iiy  making 
t!Ms  article  by  mixni^  it  with  sand,  stones  and  other  grit 
matter,  to  the  manifest  injury,  as  w.is  complained,  of  the 
linen  t.-aJe  of  the  kingdom.  Inspectors  were  accordingly 
appointed  ;  but  even  tiiis  precaution  was  found  insuf- 
fieicnt  to  prevent  its  adulteration,  in  coiise(]nence  of 
which  the  Conaiuara  kelp  has  of  kite  years  fallen  into 
ilisrcp-.itc. 

°  This  depression  of  price,  with  many  other  reasons 
equally  forcible,  has  induced  many  to  conclude  that  it 
would  be  much  more  beneficial  for  the  land-owners  and 
inhahilants  of  Conaniara  in  genera!  to  encourage  the 
aj^ricult.uc  of  this  widely  extended  district,  in  prclercnce 
to  the  nianiiraclure  of  the  above  fhietuatin;:,  and  now 
unp'.-od:iclive,  aiticle.  Several  ingrnious  caleidations  have 
been  enlered  into  on  tiie  subject.  To  make  the  -lOOOtonsof 
kelp  annually  produced  in  Conaniarn,  it  has  liL-eu  supposed 
tl'.at  50,000  tons  of  sea-weed  are  probably  consmned, 
wlii.-h  might  suffice  (being  found  to  form  an  excellent 
compost  for  priiducing  potatoes,  oats,  barley  and  llax,) 
for  manuring  JOOO  acres  of  land.  The.c  laniN,  v. hitli 
now  pmdin^e  little  or  nothing,  would,  during  a  course  of 
cropping,  yield  to  the  landlord  from  2/.  to  ."/.  and  to  the 
tenant  from  li:'.  to  'Ml.  per  annum,  and  would  afterwards 
let  in  permanent  pasture  at  from  ."•;.  lo  in,?,  an  acio  at 
least.  The  continuance  of  this  syatem,  even  for  a  few 
vears,  would  entirely  alter  the  face  of  the  country,  and 
amoiioratc  tlic  iircsent  miserable  condition  of  the  inliabit- 
auts;  the  barren  mountains  would  become  fertile,  a:id 
t'.ic  negiccte.l  population  would  be  no  longer  depending 
for  existence  on  the  (Inctuating  produce  of  their  kelp,  or 
tli"ir  ill-manage. !  and  precarious  crops,  on  the  failure  of 
whic'.!  tlieir  vretchedness  is  inconceivable. 

Now  accor  ling  to  ?.Ir.  Ninnno's  report,  the  expense 
of  cnttin^g  the  weed  anil  burning  the  kelp  (altliough 
generally  done  by  the  tenants  and  cottagers  on  the  spot, 
who  begin  cutting  in  May,  and  employ  on  it  all  the  time 
,  that  can  be  spared  from  the  turf  and  potatoes  until 
Michaelmas)  reckoned  from  .70.!.  to  2/.  per  ton  ;  (though 
in  truth,  he  says,  it  cannot  bo  well  ascertained,  being 
combined  with  the  rents  of  the  land.:,'!  bcbides  5s.  a  ton 
for  freight  to  Galway  from  the  bays.  "  An  able  kcliier  may 


make  3  tons  ;  the  average  is  two  or  three  men  in  one  hoaic, 
who  mav  make  from  7  to  S  tons  in  a  season.  The  iiunihct 
emploved  would,  therefore,  appear  to  be  two  thousand. 
About  twenty  days  work  are  required  to  cut  and  land  tlic 
weed  for  one  ton  ;  the  quantity  of  weed  which  makes  ono 
ton  and  a  half  is  aniply  sufficient  to  ir.anure  an  acre, 
which  would  be  done  at  the  rate  of  i5s.  Seeing  that  the 
expense  of  carrying  out  the  weed  to  the  field  is  as  great 
as  that  of  drying  and  burning  the  kelp,  so  that  many  of 
the  i'armers  find  it  more  for  their  i^.tere^t  to  employ  thu 
weed  in  agriculture;  this  di>]iosit!on  is  likeiy  to  heconic 
general  in  the  present  state  of  the  markets,  and  sccnis 
deserving  of  encouragement.  The  benefit  that  would 
accrue  to  Conaniara,  from  the  transfer  of  manure  and 
labor  to  the  improvement  of  the  land,  is  periiaps  not, 
rated  too  high  when  we  say  it  would  annually  produce 
as  much  as  the  present  rental." — The  .author  trusts  he- 
may  be  excused  for  thus  extending'  these  notes;  the 
important  facts  and  conclusions  which  they  contain  is 
the  only  justification  be  can  oiler,  accompanied,  at  the 
same  time,  with  a  hope  that  some  good  may  possibly  result 
from  rendering  those  facts  more  generally  known. 

'  There  are  some  extensive  marble  quarries  near 
Galway,  out  of  which  many  of  the  ancient  and  modern 
edifice's  of  the  town  were  entirely  built.  The  principal 
arc  those  of  Anglingham,  near  iMcnIo,  and  of  Merlin- 
park.  The  marble  of  both  these  extensive  quarries  is  of 
a  beautiful  fct  black  colour,  and  is  susceptible  of  the 
highest  polish  ;  it  is  fine-grained,  soft  and  easily  wrought, 
aiul  is  much  prised  by  artists.  It  occurs  in  considerable 
masses,  with  a  straight  fracture,  on  thin  strata  of  plastic 
day,  or  argillaceous  jiastc  ;  and  solid  blocks,  often 
weii;hin.'  uijv.ards  oi'  ibiir  tons,  iuid  measuring  from  18 
to  20  feet  Ions,  and  from  8  to  10  feet  broad,  are  frc- 
quentlv  raised^  particularly  at  Anglingham.  >Ir.  Stan- 
lev  Ireland  >i.imc  years  since  shipped  several  cargoes 
to  London,  Liverpool,  Bristol,  Cork,  Dublin,  &c. :  he 
also  establi-hed  a  marble-yard  in  the  town,  and  employed 
several  workmen,  who  wrought  a  vai-iety  of  elesant  nioi.u- 
ments,  plain  and  sculptured  chimney-pieces,  tablets,  slabs, 
side-board  tables,  Ac. ;  but  at  present  this  trade  is  rather 
declining.  The  Merlin-park  quarry  vas  opened  in  1814, 
and  Mr.  Blake,  the  proprietor,  exjiorted  a  few  cargoes; 
but  the  industry,  perseverance  and  resolution  to  encounter 
not  onlv  preliminary  expense,  but  even  tem|,orary  losses, 
to  bring  works  of  this  kind  to  perfection,  do  not  seem  to 
have  attended  these  undertakings.  There  is,  however, 
little  doubt,  bnt  that,  if  these  quarries  were  worked  wi:!> 


i 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY.  289 

flaxseed  and  timber,  Swedish  and  Norway  plank  and  deals,  Pctersburgh  hemp 
and  tallow,  Swedish  and  English  iron,  steel,  coals,  &c.  Messrs.  John  and  James 
Biuke,.  John  Moore,  Messrs.  Denis  and  Hugh  Clarke,  JNIessrs.  Martin  and  Fitz- 
Gcrald,  James  Costello,  andAnthony  Lynch,  are  at  present  the  only  merchants 
who  cany  on  whatever  little  trade  frequents  this  port.  Although  the  quays  and 
liarbour  are  neglected,  a  convenient  custom-house  was  built  in  I8O7  ;  it  is  a  plain 
building,  not  very  extensive,  but  at  the  same  time  fully  sufficient  for  all  the 
business  transacted  in  it.  The  overplus  duties,  after  defraying  the  expenses  of 
the  port  establishment,  add  but  very  little  to  the  national  revenue,  notwithstanding 
the  praiseworthy  exertions  of  the  Hon.  "William  le  Poer  Trench,  brother  of  the 
Earl  of  Clancarty,  and  late  collector  of  Galway,  to  promote  the  commercial  in- 
terest of  the  town. 

3.  Corn  Trade,  Mills,  Linen  Mamifacture,  Brexveries,  S^x. 

"What  remains  to  be  mentioned  concerning  the  trades  and  manufactories  carried 
on  here  will  occupy  but  very  little  space  :  of  these  the  flour  business  is  the  prin- 
cipah  The  v>'arm  limestone  soil  of  tlie  country  about  Galway  produces  wheat 
of  the  finest  quality,  which  meets  a  ready  sale  in  the  market,  and  this  trade  has 
consequently  increased  very  considerably  within  the  last  few  years.  In  I79O 
there  were  but  two  flour-mills  in  the  town,  but  at  present  there  arc  twenty-three, 
which  are  kept  continually  at  work,''  each  possessing,  even  in  the  driest  season,  a 
constant  supply  of  water  from  Lough  Corrib.  The  fall  and  rapidity  of  the  river 
render  it  in  this  respect  peculiarly  advantageous  ;  and  the  facility  of  internal  con- 
ve\ance  by  the  lake  to  so  many  points  of  the  country  might,  with  very  little 
exertion,  be  made  incalculably  beneficial  to  the  town.  The  quantity  of  wheat 
ground  and  dressed  is  very  considerable,  it  is  calculated  to  amount  annually  to 
upwards  of  12,000  tons,  part  of  which  supplies  the  adjacent  counties,  and  the 
remainder  is  generally  sent  by  the  canal  boats  to  Dublin.  Besides  these,  there 
arc  six  oat-mills,  two  malt-mills,  and  three  fulling-mills,  which  are  constantly  em- 
ployed. There  are  also  a  bleach-mill  and  green  on  the  Nuns  Island,  but  the  linen 
manufacture  does  not  appear  to  have  been  a  favorite  branch  of  industry;  and 


spirit  and  judgment,  they  would  in  a  short  time  become  a  large  double  building  80  feet  long,  and  41  broad  in  the 

siHirce  of  consiilerable  emolument,  and  fully  rewind  tliat  clear,  erected  on  five  arches  over  one  of  the  branches  of 

attention  nhich  they  so  much  deserve.      At  present  a  the  river,  and  on  u  fall  of  10  feet  10  inches.     It  receiies 

few  poor  artists,  who  reside  in  the  suburbs,  scarcely  sup-  light  through    100   gUns    windows.      The   machinery   is 

port  themselves   bv  occasionally   preparing  tomb-stones,  entirely  of  metal,  and  the  whole  was  pi'cpared  according 

chimnev-picccs,  hearth-stones,  &c.  to  the  plan  and  under  the  inspection  of  Mr.  John  Mackie, 

■■   Amongst    these   there    are    several    very    superior  an  ingenious  Scotch  engineer  and  mill-wright.     There  arc 

mills:   two   greeted   at  the  Xuns  Island    by  Mr.  Francis  four  pair  of  grinding-stones,  which  may  be  put  in  motion 

Filz-Gcrald  and  Mr.  Michael  Regan  deserve  particular  by  one  water-wheel,  either  separately  or»ltogether.     Two 

i^dce.     Their  storage,  kilns  and  general  machinery  are  pair  grind  ."0  cwt.  and  one  pair   20  ewt.  of  grain  in  an 

^l^ior  to  anv  other  of  the  kind  in  the  province.     Mr.  hour.     The  entire  building  it   is  spiJ  cost  upward*   of  . 

Regan's  mill  was  connnenced  on  4tli  M;iy,  1S13;  it  is  a  10,000/, 

O  O 


290 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY, 


therefore  a  iincn  ball,  i'ormerly  erected  in  the  west  suburbs,  lias  long  sinc(? 
gone  to  decay.''  There  is,  in  the  saine  quarter,  an  extensive  ]>aper-niill, 
erected  about  17S.'3,  and  now  conducted  by  Mr.  Reuben  Hug'hcs  :  here  diiil'ront 
sorts  of  paper  are  ma!Uifactured,  vith  uiiich  the  Dublin  markets  are  some- 
times suj)p!ieJ.  uV  ])ublio  brewery,  on  an  extensive  scale,  has  been  for  some  ycar^ 
past  established  at  Newcastle,  near  the  town,  the  property  of  Mr.  Pcrsse,  of 
Koxboro',  and  another  at  Madeira  Island,  beyond  the  west  bridge.  The  porter 
made  here,  but  particularly  in  the  former,  has  been  much  esteemed,  and  had  ibr 
some  time  a  good  deal  superseded  the  use  of  ardent  spirits  among  the  lower 
orders.  This,  however,  interfered  but  little  with  Mr.  Joyce's  extensive  distillery 
at  Newtown  Smith,  in  which  superior  spirits  have,  for  many  years  past,  been  dis- 
tilled under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Finn. — The  excise  establishment  of 
Galway,  it  is  supposed,  produces  proportionably  more  to  the  public  revenue  than 
the  duties  of  the  port. 

4.  Chamber  of  Commerce. 

Several  of  our  most  respectable  merchants  and  tradere  have  lately  associated 
themselves  as  a  Chamber  of  Commerce  to  promote  the  interests  of  trade.  It  is 
surely  unnecessary  to  say,  that  as  the  objects  of  this  laudable  association  are  of  the 
]nost  vital  importance  to  the  town,  it  becomes  the  duty,  nay  more,  the  interest, 
of  every  individual  to  forward  those  objects.  "Without  a  spirit  of  industry,  says  an 
accurate  observer,  no  trade  can  flourish  ;  and  without  a  persevering  attention  to 
the  interests  of  commerce,  even  the  advantages  of  situation  will  have  no  eft'ect. 
That  the  prosperity  of  the  town  would  lead  to  that  of  the  country  requires  very 
little  proof;  it  is,  in  fact,  a  self-evident  proposition  :  for  is  it  not  clear  that  the 
produce  of  land  would  always  find  a  ready  export  market;  and,  as  it  could  never 
fail  of  a  permanent  consumption,  would  not  the  value  of  estates  be  consequently 
increased?"  It  appears,  therefore,  to  be  the  interest  of  the  country  gentlemen  and 
farmers  to  forward  the  objects  of  this  institution :  to  their  united  exertio.is  the 
author  wishes  every  success,  convinced  as  he  is,  that  the  extension  of  com- 
merce is  the  only  certain  means  of  rendering  this  coiuitry  rich,  flourishing  and 
hapi)y. 


*■  In  17G0  the  first  cargo  of  flaxsccil  (consisting  of  500 
hogslicads,)  was  imported  into  G;il\va3'  by  Andrew  Ffrencli. 
Of  these  but  100  could  be  sold,  and  there  were  Httle 
i:iore  than  20  looms  at  the  time  employed  in  the  town  ; 
the  cultivation  of  flax  however  was  gradually  encoin-aged, 
insomuch  that,  in  1776,  the  annual  importation  hail 
risen  from  1500  to  2.>00  hogsheads,  and  the  number  of 
looms  increased  ^  loO. —  }'ouiig\-  Tuur. — At  present 
there  is  bat  one  bleach-green,  situate  on  Earl's  Island, 
near  the  town,  which  is  carefully  coailucted  by  Mr. 
Jlitchell. 

'  Wool,  the  natural  staple  of  tliis  province,  is  sent  in 


vast  quantities  in  its  raw  state  to  the  other  parts  of 
Ireland,  but  mostly  to  Great  Hrilain.  Now  sliouM  Galway 
come  a  wool  port,  or  that  the  coiiniiodity  could  he 
exported  from  the  town  in  a  manufactured  state,  Mould 
not  this  single  circumstance  have  the  most  beneficial 
effect  on  the  surrounding  country?  For  example,  cmi 
any  one  doubt  but  that  an  industrious  people,  gradually 
increasing  in  wealth  and  numbers,  woulil,  in  process  of 
time,  cover  the  hitherto  unprodniftive  district  of  Coiia- 
inara,  of  the  existence  of  which  it  has  been  pointedly 
said,  that  its  woollen  stockings  alone  nfilirded  the  o\\\j 
[iroof  to  many  people  in  Ireland  ? 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAV. 


291 


rV.    FlSlir.lilES    01'    Tllli    RiVF.R    AND    BaY. 

1.  Salmon  Fisher ij. 

Amongst  the  many  natural  advantages  of  which  Gahvay  and  the  surrounding 
district  can  boast,  tlie  fishings  of  the  bay  and  river  are  not  the  least  considerable. 
The  salmon  fishery  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  in  the  kingdom/  and  from  a 
very  early  period  has  been  a  source  of  emolument.  In  1751<  the  weirs  were 
leased  for  20  years,  at  130/.  a  year.  In  177G  and  I79O  they  brought  200/.  yearly, 
but  at  the  latter  period  they  were  worth  considerably  more  :  since  ISOO  they  fre- 
quently produced  upwards  of  500/.  a  year,  having  increased  in  value  in  conse- 


'  Tlie  salmon  fishery  of  Galway  originally  passed  to 
t!ie  earl  of  Ulster,  under  the  grant  of  Henry  III.  and 
from  liiiii  descended,  with  the  other  possessions  of  the 
Uc  Burrjoes,  to  Philippa,  the  sole  heiress  and  rcpresen- 
t;'.tivc  of  that  powerful  family,  who,  in  13G8,  intermarried 
with  Edmund,  earl  of  March  and  Ulster,  upon  whose 
death,  in  1381,  it  was  seized  into  the  kinj;'s  hands  during 
ttie  minority  of  their  son  and  heir. — By  letters  patent  of 
Uobcrt  dc  Vcre,  earl  of  Oxford  and  nianiuis  of  Duhlin, 
(to  whom  the  sovereignty  of  Ireland  was  committed  by 
Hicliard  II.)  dated  at  Dublin  the  16th  of  January,  1386, 
the  salmon  fishery  of  the  town  and  water  of  Gahy,  in 
Coufict,  was  granted  to  Richard  Parrys,  burgess  of 
Bristoirc,  for  two  years,  at  20  marks  yearly  ;  and  Richard 
de  Buri;o,  anil  Henry  Blake,  of  Galvy,  burgess,  were  com- 
manded not  to  interfere  in  any  manner  from  thenceforth 
with  the  said  fishery. — Hot.  Put.  10  Ric/i.  II. — After  this 
it  appears  that  Walter  dc  Bermyngham,  lord  of  Athenry, 
acquired  some  interest  in  this  fishery,  for  in  1389  he  made 
complaint  to  the  lord  justice  and  council  "  that  certain 
Irishry  of  the  lower  parts  of  Connaught  had  fished  the 
water  of  the  said  Walter  in  these  parts,  where  they  were 
accustomed  to  take  salmon  against  his  will,  and  sell  the 
same  to  the  people  and  merchants  of  Galvy,  to  his  great 
los<." — The  shcrifl'  of  Connaught,  and  the  bailifts, 
provost  and  commonalty  of  the  town  were  accordingly 
commanded,  under  a  jienalty,  not  to  buy  any  of  said 
salmon  for  the  future,  but  to  cause  proclamation  to  be 
publicly  made,  that  none  should  thenceforth  be  bought 
Irom  those  Irishry, and  to  ascertain  who  should  be  found 
to  irangress  in  that  respect,  and  them  to  imprison  until 
due  amends  should  be  made  to  said  Walter  in  the  pre- 
mises.—iJof.  Pal.  13  Bic/i.  II. 

During  the  succeeding  century  the  property  of  the 
river  was  sometimes  in  the  De  Burgoes,  and  at  other 
times  it  ajipcars  vested  in  the  crown.  In  15'20,  William 
I'.e  Buj-gh  granted  the  fishery  to  the  Franciscan  friars. — 
King  3I-J.— On  13th  Nov.  1521,  Henry  VIII.  granted 
licence  to  Jenct  Lynch,  widow,  and  Anthony  Lynch, 
merchant,  to  have  three  nets  upon  the  river  of  Gahvay, 
between  the  bridge  and  the  sea,  one  near  the  great  rock, 
(this  rock  was  afterwards  called  Carrig-a-phrcaghanc  or  the 
Croivs-rock,  and  was  covered  over  when  the  pier-head 
was  built,)  another  near  Panrise,  and  the  third  near 
Porter's-place,  to  take  salmon  and  other  fish  as  was  cus- 
tomary, and  to  build  one  water-mill  upon  the  said  water 


wherever  they  should  think  proper;  and  also  to  build  a 
public  oven  in  the  said  town,  to  bake  bread  as  well  for 
strangers  as  for  the  inhabitants,  to  hold  during  the  king's 
pleasure,  at  the  yearly  rent  of  \0s. — Fiunt  25  Hen. 
''///.— They  afterwards  petitioned  the  king,  stating  that 
they  had,  at  great  labour  and  expense,  made  up  the  said 
three  nets,  and  erected  the  water-mill  and  public  oven  ; 
whereupon  by  a  further  grant,  in  the  24th  year  of  his 
reign,  the  entire  was  granted  to  them  and  their  heirs, 
by  the  service  of  \Zs.  4(1.  yearly.  Henceforth  the  Lynch 
family  gradually  acquired  the  principal  part  of  the  fishings 
of  the  river  which  continued  in  their  possession  for  a  con- 
siderable period. — Others  of  the  inhabitants  liowever  some- 
times obtained  similar  grants.  On  2d  Oct.  1532,  licence  was 
granted  to  Richard  Martin  to  have  three  places  upon  the 
river,  between  the  bridge  and  the  sea,  for  three  nets  to 
take  salmon  and  other  fish,  at  Cs.  8d.  yeariy. — Thomas 
Martin  had  a  similar  licence  to  have  five  places  for  six 
nets. — In  1536,  Marcus  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen  had  a  similar 
licence;  and  on  the  2Gtli  Sept.  1538,  Roger  Challoner, 
one  of  the  ushers  of  the  king's  chamber,  had  a  grant  of 
the  water-mill,  called  Martyn's  mill,  and  the  fishings  of 
the  river  (except  the  three  places  demised  to  Thomas 
Martyn)  escheated  to  the  crown,  for  forty  years,  at  20s. 
yearly.— ifo/.  Pnt.  30  Hen.  VIII. 

The  resident  families  of  Lynch  and  D'Arey  afterwards 
became  possessed  of  the  fLshery,  which  they  enjoyed  until 
1652.  By  an  ailjudication  of  Cromwell's  commissioners, 
dated  19th  Nov.  165G,  it  was  found  that  the  former  family 
had  been  so  seized,  but  that  for  this  and  other  properties 
lost  by  them  in  (jahvay,  they  obtained  a  compensation  in 
the  county  of  Clare. — On  2Sth  April,  1657,  the  salmon 
and  all  other  fishings  of  the  river,  were  let  to  Paule  Dodd 
for  one  year  for  the  uiterest  of  the  state,  except  two 
parts  out  of  three,  formerly  belonging  to  alderman  James 
Darcy,  which  Dodd  claimed  in^fec  simple.— On  27th 
July,  1663,  Sir  George  Preston,  amongst  other  things, 
obtained  a  grant  of  all  the  salmon  fishery,  pike,  eel,  and 
other  fishings  of  and  in  the  river  of  Gahvay.  This  grant 
was  afterwards  confirmed  by  patent,  date'cl  25th  April, 
1669,  and  was  further  recognised  and  secured  by  the  act 
of  settlement.  This  patentee  had  two  daughter's,  one  of 
whom  married  l\Ir.  John  Eyre,  of  Eyrecourt,  who,  in  hey 
right,  became  entitled  to  the  fishery ;  and  in  1710  their 
son  disposed  of  his  interest  to  Mr.  Edward  Eyre,  o( 
Galway,  in  whose  family  it  has  ever  since  continued-. 


292 


insTor.y  of  galway. 


quencc  oF  sori:e  recent  legal  decisions  in  fiivor  of"  tl'.e  proprietors." 

The  quantity  of  salmon  taken  yearly  is  very  considerable,  and  it  is  cstceiiied 
of  the  best  quality.  Very  little  is  exported,  almost  the  entire  being  consumed  in 
the  town  and  the  adjacent  counties.  The  fish  is  sometimes  taken  by  nets  out  of 
the  weirs,  and,  in  great  quantities,  preserved  alive  in  a  house  set  ai)art  for  that 
purpose,  by  which  means  it  can  be  always  had  fresh,  and  of  any  size.  liie 
average  price  for  some  years  past  is  about  a  shilling  a  pound,  but  it  liuctuatos 
according  to  th.e  scarcity  or  abundance  of  salt  water  fish  taken  in  the  bay.  On 
the  whole,  this  saimon  fishery,  if  sufficient  capital  were  expended  on  it,  and  that 
a  proper  system  was  once  introduced,  would  prove  a  source  of  nevcr-failni.' 
emolument  to  the  proj)rietors,  and  of  considerable  benefit  and  convenience  to  tlic 
town. 

2.  J^is/iings  of  the  Bajj. 

Valuable  as  is  the  fishery  of  the  river  of  Galway,  that  of  the  bay  is  considerably 

more  so.""     No  part  of  the  Irish  coast  abounds  with  a  greater  variety  of  all  sorts 

offish,  and  yet  very  few  fisheries  have  been  so  imperfectly  cultivated.  The  fishernieii 

here,  particularly  those  of  the  Claddagh  village,"  arc  very  numerous,  upwards  of 


•  It  wns  I'or  a  long  time  a  matter  of  I'isputc  whether 
■those  ilcriviiij;  undur  the  patent  possessed  .in  exclusive 
ri^lit,  or,  ill  law  phrase,  wlietlier  the  river  was  a  several 
fishery,  ill  which  only  the  owner  had  a  right  to  fisli,  or  a 
tomnioii  fisheiT,  in  which  the  public  indiscriminately 
might  exercise  sue'i  a  righl.  The  former  title  was  never 
acknowledged,  and  the  question  having  at  Icng'th  be- 
come a  siiiiject  oi'  legal  investigation,  a  several  fishery 
was  efil-ctually  establislie  I.  There  was  also,  from  time 
immcniorial,  a  gap  in  the  river  called  the  main  gap, 
through  which  small  boats  sometimes,  though  with  diffi- 
ciilt)',  passed  up  and  down  from  the  lake  to  the  sea :  this 
particular  gap  was  always  kept  open  from  February 
to  August,  (being  the  fishing  half  year,)  when  ail  the 
others  were  shut :  the  proprietors,  finding  that  this 
diiiiiiiislied  the  value  of  the  weii-s,  caused  it  to  be  closed  : 
this  also  became  a  subject  of  legal  contention,  but  it  was 
sinally  determined  that  the  gap  should  be,  and  it  has  ever 
since  accordingly  been  kepi  open. 

"''In  1 7G2  it  appeared  in  eviilcnce  before  the  Irish  house 
of  commons,  that  "  the  fishery  in  the  liarbonr  and  bav  of 
Galway  is  remarkably  good,  that  there  is  the  best  herring 
and  cod  fishery  there  in  the  kingdom,  and  a  cod-bank 
iic;,r  Bophin,  about  a  night's  draft  from  the  shore.  The 
bay  of  Galway  on  the  outside  of  the  Anan  Isles  is  re- 
markable for  sun-fish,  which  are  there  in  plenty,  and  of 
such  value,  that  if  a  boat  be  out  for  two  months,  and 
takes  one  snn-fish,  the  owners  think  themselves  repaid. 
The  fishermen  of  Galway  supply  the  city  of  Limerick  with 
sea-fish  and  a  great  part  of  the  inland  county.  In  the 
fishing  season  about  200  boats  are  employeil  in  the  bay 
and  harbour,  of  which  aliout  160  belong  to  the  town,  and 
the  rest  to  the  countv  ot"  Clare  side  of  the  haibonr." — 
Com.   Jour.    Vol.    VII.  A.  1).   176J. 

According  to  Doctor  Young,  (whose  iiifurmation  is 
generally  correct,)  there  were  in  ITTti  from  "  fOO  to  ?50 


boats  belonging  to  the  town,  40  or  50  of  which  wcrff 
employed  in  the  spring  fishery  for  cod,  hake,  mackrcl, 
&c.  These  boats  are  from  4  to  6  tons,  some  9  ;  tlicv  co^t 
in  building  20/.  a  boat  and  the  nets  and  tackle  aboii't  15/. 
The  nets  are  of  hemp  tanned  with  bark  ;  there  are  5  to  6 
men  to  a  boat ;  they  fish  by  shares  dividing  into  sixtv  ; 
they  have  had  this  fishing  tinie  immemorial.  The  pUii'lT 
of  fish  decreased  these  15  years.  A  middling  niL:lit''* 
take  is  5000  fish;  all  they  get  is  sold  unto  the  country,' nnj 
the  demand  is  so  far  from  being  answered,  that  iiiunv 
cargoes  are  brought  in  from  the  norlh.  The  fish  sell 
at  U.  4d.  to  2i.  2d.  a  hundred." — The  Doctor  further 
adds — "  On  the  coast  of  Conon.arra  there  is,  from  tlie 
1 0th  of  April  to  the  10th  of  Way,  a  fishery  of  sun-fi.h 
which  is  (lone  by  the  liening  boat^ ;  one  fisli  is  reckoned 
worth  51.  -iO  or  50  bouts  employed  on  this."-  Young's  Tour. 

Claduagii  Fishing  Village. 

''  The  following  short  statistical  account  of  this  singular 
colony  (which,  though  situate  within  a  quarter  of  a  ii.ile 
of  Galw  ay,  is  as  dillcrent  in  habits,  manners  and  cluiractcr, 
from  the  natives  of  the  town  as  if  they  were  of  aiiollier 
country,)  may  not,  it  is  hoped,  be  thought  altogctlicr 
uninteresting. 

Situalinn  and  F.xicnf. 
The  Claddagh  (an  Irish  word,  which  signifies  the  sc.i 
shore,)  is  a  village  siliiate  on  the  estate  of  Mr.  Whaler, 
near  the  strand,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  west  of 
Galway.  It  is  irregularly  built,  lint  very  extensive,  and 
intersected  into  several  streets.  The  number  of  liou-cs  nr 
cabins,  which  are  all  thatched,  was  returned,  in  181^', 
at  4G8,  inhabited  by  500  families,  consisting  of  1050  niulcs 
and  12KG  females,  but  the  population  is  now  (it-LO) 
considerably  greater,  being  supposed  to  exceed  jCOOsouk 
It  is  a  very  ancient  village,   and,  according  to  tradition, 


insTOKY    or    GAl.WAY. 


293 


2500  hands  being  employed  in  tlie  inner  bay  alone  ;  and,  thon'^b  tbcy  sonictimoH 
exhibit  a  great  shew  of  industry,  they  are  still  so  wedded  to  (jjd  customs,  that 
they  invariably  reject,  with  the  most  inveterate  prejudice,  any  new  improvement 
in  their  fishing  a])paratus,  which  is  consequently  now  very  little  superior  to 
that  used  centuries  ago  by  their  ancestors.  The  consequence  is,  that  the 
great  mass  of  wealth  whicli  here  lies  engulfed  in  the  bosom  of  the  deep  has 
been  hitherto  but  partially  explored;  and  the  riches  which  yearly  flow  into 
this  extensive  inlet  of  the  ocean  arc  suffered  again  to  depart,  through  the 
indolence,  and  sometimes  superstitious  prejudices,  of  this  otherwise  useful  and 
meritorious  body  of  men.  When  they  do  not  themselves  think  proper  to  iish,  they 


was  the  first  resilience  of  tlic  settlers  in  tliis  quarter ;  a 
circunistanee  not  very  unlikel_v,  from  its  contiguity  to  tlie 
liay,  and  consequent  convenience  for  tile  purpose'  of 
fisliing,  wliicli  a])|)earb  to  liavc  been  tlieir  original  occupa- 
tion. Previously  to  isos,  the  streets  and  exterior  of  this 
large  Village  were  as  remarkable  for  want  of  clean- 
liness, as  tlie  interior  of  most  of  the  houses  was  lor 
neatness  and  regularity.  About  that  time  captain  Iliwdis 
of  the  royal  navy,  tlien  commanding  the  sea  fenciblcs 
of  this  district,  persuailed  the  fishermen  to  appropriate 
a  small  portion  of  their  weekly  pay  for  the  purpose  of 
paving  and  cleansing  about  their  houses,  and  since  that 
time  it  lias  been  observed  that  they  have  got  rid  of 
many  of  those  contagious  disorders  which  generally 
prcviiil  in  large  irregular  villages. 

Internal  Regulations. 
This  colony  from  time  inunemorial  has  been  ruled  by 
one  of  their  own  body,  periodically  elected,  who  some- 
what resembles  the  Jintghaid  or  head  villager  of  an- 
cient times,  when  every  clan  resided  in  its  hereditary 
canton.  This  individual,  who  is  dignified  with  the  title 
of  mayor,  in  imitation  of  the  head  municipal  officer  of 
the  town,  regulates  the  comnmnity  according  to  their 
own  peculiar  laws  and  customs,  and  settles  all  their 
fishery  disputes.  His  decisions  are  so  decisive,  and  so 
much  respected,  that  the  parties  are  seldom  known  to 
carry  their  dirt'erences  before  a  legal  tribunal,  or  to  trouble 
the  civil  magistrates.  They  neither  understand  nor 
trouble  themselves  about  politics,  consequently  in  the 
most  turbulent  times  their  loyalty  has  never  been  ques- 
tioned, ami  they  are  exempt  from  all  goverimicnt  taxes. 
Their  mayor  ia  no  way  distinguished  from  any  of  the 
other  villagers,  except  that  his  boat  is  generally  deco- 
rateil  wiili  a  white  sail,  and  may  be  seen  when  at  sea  (at 
which  time  he  acts  as  admiral,)  with  colours  flying  at 
the  nuist-head  gliding  through  their  fleet  with  some 
appearance  of  authority.  As  fishing  and  farming  are 
seldom  followed  by  the  same  individual,  the  labours  of 
these  people  are  soleiy  confined  to  the  sea.  Their 
only  occujiation  is  fishing;  tbcy  never  trouble  themselves 
with  tillage ;  a  njilch  cow  and  a  potaloe  giirden  are  equally 
rare  among  them. 

Fls!iii:g  Croft,  Inijilements,  Sea  Excursions,  /fc. 

Previously  to  1 7!)0j  the  Claddagh  fishing-boats  were  little 

more  th.ni   half  the  size  of  those  used  at  present.     This 

small  craft  seldom  ventured  beyond  the  Isles  of  Arran,  or 

more  than  hah'  an  hour's  sail  IJ'om   land,  but  generally 


coasted  along  the  shores  of  Conamara,  and,  on  the  first 
appearance  of  a  smart  breeze  or  sudden  change  of  wea- 
ther, immediately  rai\  for  shelter  into  the  next  creek 
or  harbour.  From  that  period,  houever,  the  fishermen 
began  to  build  their  boats  of  larger  dimensions ;  tlie 
ordinary  size  of  the  conunou  sailing-boats  at  present  is 
from  8  to  10  tons,  and  some  of  the  largest  from  12  to  1  1. 
A  boat  of  this  descrijuion  generally  costs  from  10  to  50'. 
exclusive  of  nets  and  fishing  implements;  and  of  these, 
it  is  said,  there  are  now  about  250  belonging  to  the 
village,  besides  a  great  number  of  smaller  boats  impelled 
by  oars.  In  the  former  the  fishermci\  frequently  go  round 
to  Limerick,  and  even  more  to  the  southuard,  laden  with 
fish,  and  also  towards  Westport  and  Sligo  on  the  west ; 
and  the  dexterity  and  intrepidity  with  which  this  hardy 
race  meet  and  brave  the  boisterous  element,  in  which  they 
mostly  live,  is  often  surprising.  When  on  shore,  they  are 
principally  employed  in  attending  to,  and  repairing  their 
boats,  sails,  rigging,  cordage,  iSrc.  and  in  making,  drying, 
or  repairing  their  nets  and  spillets,  in  which  latter  employ- 
ment they  are  generally  assisted  by  the  women,  who  spin 
the  hemp  and  yarn  for  the  nets.  In  eonseiiiience  of  their 
strict  attention  to  these  particulars  very  few  accidents 
hapi)en  at  sea,  and  lives  are  SLidom  lost  among  them. 
Whatever  time  remains  afier  these  avocations  they  ge- 
nerally spend  in  regaling  themselves  with  their  favorite 
beverage,  whiskey,  and  assembling  in  groups  to  consult 
about  their  maritime  affairs,  on  which  occasions  they 
usually  arrange  their  fishing  excursions.  When  prepar- 
ing for  sea,  hundreds  of  their  women  and  children  for 
some  ilays  Ijefore  crowd  the  neighbouring  strands,  digging 
for  worms  to  bait  their  hooks.  The  men  carry  in  their 
boats  some  potatoes,  oaten-cakes,  fire  and  water,  but 
never  admit  any  spirituous  liquor.  Thus  equipped,  they 
depart  for  their  usual  "  fishing  grounds,"  and  sometimes 
remain  several  days  away.  Their  return  (especially  if 
heavily  laden)  is  joyfully  hailed  by  their  wives  and  chil- 
dren, who  meet  them  ou  the  shore.  They  are  immediutely 
regaleel  at  the  next  public  house,  the  fish  instantly 
becomes  the  property  of  the  w  omen,  (the  men  after  landing 
never  troubling  themselves  further  about  it,)  ami  they 
dispose  of  it  to  a  poorer  class  ol'  fish-women,  w  ho  retail  it 
at  market.  The  annual  value  of  this  fidiery  cannot  be 
well  ascertained,  but  it  must  amount  to  a  considerable 
sum,  from  the  multitude  of  families  exclusively  and  inde- 
pendently siipportetl  by  it  alone. 

The  approach  of  the  harvest  and  winter  herring  fishery 
is  known  by  the  flocks  of  sea  fowl  which  appear  in 
these  seasons,  hovering  with  an  unusual  noise  over  their 


294 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


invariably  prevent  every  other  from  attempting  it,  viewing,  with  all  the  monopo- 
lizing spirit  of  any  corporation,  the  bay  as  their  exclusive  domain,  on  which, 
to  use  their  own  words,  tliey  never  admit  any  trespasser;  and,  therefore, 
should  a  single  boat  from  any  other  district  venture  out  to  fish,  without  the  concur- 
rence of  the  Claddagh  body,  it  does  so  at  the  risk  of  being  destroyed.  Long  ami 
serious  disputes  also  subsisted  between  them  and  the  inhabitants  round  tiie 
bay,  as  to  the  mode  of  tisliing  by  trawling,  which  though  the  latter  always  practised, 
was  invariably  and  outrageously  resisted  by  the  fishermen.  A  number  of  gen- 
tlemen, convinced  of  the  great  advantages  to  be  derived  from  cultivating  this 
valuable  fishery,  lately  formed  themselves  into  a  company ;  and,  having  at  consi- 


prey  in  various  parts  of  the  bay.  It  is  also  uscally  pre- 
ceded by  an  abundant  take  of  large  coarse  fish  such,  as 
coil,  ling,  pollock,  &c.  and  the  sea  also  appears  in  many 
places  luminous  by  night.  There  are  several  other  uner- 
ring prognostics,  well  known  to  the  fishermen,  which  pro- 
claim the  approach  of  this  fishery.  Immediately  on  its 
being  ascertained,  tho  mayor  or  admiral  of  the  Claddagh 
disiiatches  reconnoitring  boats  to  prevent  poachers  or 
stragglers,  with  full  powers  to  take  and  destroy  their  nets 
and  boats  if  found  fishing,  (or,  according  to  their  own 
phraseology,  tresjiassing,)  until  all  shall  have  an  equal 
diance  by  a  general  fisiiing.  For  one  or  two  days  pre- 
vious to  this  the  entire  Claddagh  is  in  commotion,  making 
preparations  for  the  excursion.  On  the  appointed  day  all 
the  boats  round  the  bay  (which  generally  muster  about 
500  large  and  small,)  rendezvous  at  the  quay,  and,  upon  a 
signal  given  all  sjiil  out  at  once  in  regular  order.  The 
beauty  of  this  sight  is  inconceivable,  and  when  viewed 
from  one  ol'thc  heights  about  the  town,  is  perhaps  one  of 
the  most  gratifying  that  can  be  well  imagined.  When 
they  arrive  at  the  "  fishing  grounds"  another  signal  is  given 
by  the  "  admiral ;"  the  nets  are  instantly  set,  and  every 
boat  is  then  lei't  at  liberty  to  make  the  best  use  of  its  time. 
When  the  great  shoal  ol  herrings  arrives,  it  is  observed 
that,  in  order  to  spawn,  they  separate  into  several  smaller 
sculls,  which  fill  all  the  creeks  and  harbours  ;  here  they  are 
followed  by  the  fishermen  anil  taken.  On  the  return 
home  of  the  Claddagh  boats,  the  women,  as  before,  ex- 
clusively possess  themselves  of  the  produce  of  their  labour. 

jManncrs  and  Customs,  Sj-c. 
From  what  has  been  already  said  it  may  be  eonchuled, 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  Claddagh  are  an  unlettered  race, 
but  they  seldom  have  either  inciinatio}i  or  time  to  be  other- 
v,'i;e.  They  rarely  speak  Kngiiih,  anil  even  their  native 
language,  the  Irish,  they  pronounce  in  a  harsh  discordant 
tone,  sometimes  scarcely  intelligible  to  the  town's-people. 
It  is  said  that  they  considered  it  a  kind  of  Tcproach  cither 
to  speak  English  or  to  send  their  children  to  school,  and 
that  a  schoolmaster  amongst  them  would  be  consiilered  a 
phcno[ncnon;  but  of  late  there  are  some  exceptions  to 
this  ndc.  How  far  education  would  make  these  poor 
people  h.ippier  in  themselves,  or  more  useful  members  of 
society,  is  a  matter  of  doubt,  but  it  is  cert.iin  that  the 
trial  has  never  been  made,  although  a  most  respectable 
convent  lies  at  the  head  of  their  village,  to  which  they  are 
liberal  benefactors.  This  observation  is  not  here  intended 
as  any  reflection  on  that  reverend  comnmnity  ;  [lerhaps 
their  exertions  have  proved  fruitless;  and  it  is  well  known 


that  the  habits  of  fishermen  are  nearly  the  same  in  all 
countries.  Here  they  seem  a  happy  contented  race,  anil,  sa- 
tisfied with  their  own  society,  seldom  seck,or  areanihitiom 
of  that  of  others.  Strangers,  for  whom  they  have  an  utter 
aversion,  they  never  sufter  to  reside  amongst  them.  Tho 
women  possess  unlimited  control  over  their  husbands, 
the  produce  of  whose  labours  they  exclusively  manage, 
allowing  the  men  little  more  money  than  suffices  to  keep 
their  boats  in  repair;  but  they  have  the  policy,  at  the  same 
time,  to  keep  them  plentifully  supplied  with  their  usual 
luxuries,  whiskey,  brandy  and  tobacco,  of  which  tlicy 
themselves  also  liberally  partake.  They  are  eqn:illy  illi- 
terate with  their  husbands,  and  very  seldom  speak  English, 
but  are  more  shrewd  and  intelligent  in  their  dealings. 
In  their  domestic  concerns,  the  general  appearance  of 
cleanliness  is  deserving  of  particular  praise  ;  the  wooden 
ware,  with  which  every  little  dwelling  is  stored,  rivals. in 
colour  the  whitest  delft. 

Afarriages. 
It  has  been  remarked  that  among  this  numerous  corony 
matrimonial  connexions  are  seldom  formed  beyond  their 
native  village.  They  generally  intermarry  with  each 
other  at  an  early  age;  and  .St. 'Patrick's  day,  the  May 
and  September  fairs,  but  particularly  midsummer  eve,  arc 
the  usual  seasons  for  forming  these  alliances.  Dnring 
these  periodical  festivities  the  young  man  generally  singles 
out  the  object  of  his  choice.  A  marriage  is  commonly 
lirecedcd  by  an  elopement ;  but  no  disappointment  or 
dishonorable  advantage,  arising  from  that  circumstance, 
has  ever  been  kiunvn  among  them.  A  reconciliation 
between  the  youi\g  couple  and  their  re^jiective  friemls 
generally  takes  place  the  morning  al'ter  the  elopement; 
the  ciLigyimurs  |iart  of  the  ceremony  is  then  perlorincil, 
ami  the  nuptials  arc  solemnized  witli'a  boisterous  kind  of 
merriment  usual  only  on  these  occasions.  A  cabin  is 
soon  providctl  for  the  new-married  pair,  who  now,  in 
their  turn,  commence  housekeep  rs.  The  parents  if  in 
good  circumstances,  contrive  to  supply  the  price  of  a 
boat  (or  at  least  a  share  in  one)  for  the  husband,  ami 
this,  with  a  few  articles  of  furniture,  conunonly  constitute 
the  entire  of  their  worldly  |losscs^ions.  The  women  are 
generally  prolific,  and  the  fine  healthy  children  alwa\s  to 
be  seen  in  great  numbers  at  the  Claddagh  arc  scidoiii 
excelled  even  in  more  opulent  communities.  Alihon^h  the 
women  are  handsome,  infidelity  is  a  crime  never  luarj  oC 
and  jealousy  is  equally  unknown.  Indeed  in  every 
instance  the  relative  duties  are  here  piously  fulfilled; 
and,    in   particular,    the   care  and   respect   with  wliicli 


I 


HISTORY    or    GALWAY. 


295 


ilerablc  expense,  fitted  out  several  boats,  provided  witli  legal  nets  and  other 
necessary  materials,  their  exertions  were  crowned  with  success.  The  under- 
taking, while  it  continued,  proved  highly  benelicial  to  the  proprietors,  and 
promised  to  be  much  more  so  ;  but  the  Claddagh  fishermen,  jealous  of  an  infrlno-e. 
nient  on  what  they  called  their  rights,  resolved  to  suppress  this  spirit  of  enter- 
prise by  violent  means.  They  accordingly  attacked  the  company's  boats,  destroved 
their  nets,  cut  their  sails  and  cables,  threw  their  anchors  overboard,  and  ill-treated 
the  crews.  The  gentleman,  however,  witii  whom  the  undertaking  had  principally 
originated,  and  whose  property,  to  a  considerable  amount,  had  been  thus  wantonlv 
destroyed,  represented  these  daring  outrages  to  Government,  who  gave  every 
possible  and  prompt  assistance  on  the  occasion.  The  commissioners  of  customs 
at  the  same  time  directed,  tliat  the  measurement  of  the  meshes  of  drag,  or  other 
sea-nets,  should  be  three  and  a  half  mches  from  knot  to  knot,  to  be  taken 
diagonally.  It  is  therefore  hoped  that  those  disgraceful  scenes,  the  effects  of 
which  have  been  so  injiu-ious  to  the  entire  community,  (but  to  none,  if  properly 


they  treat  tlicir  agcil  parents  arc  deserving  of  tlie  liighcst 
praise. 

Aiiiusentenls, 
Drinking,  dancing,  and  listening  to  music,  are  their 
princi[)al  anmscments  :  the  least  of  St.  Patrick  is  one  of 
their  grand  gala  days.  After  ponring  copious  libations 
to  the  honor  of  the  patron  saint  during  the  forenoon  of 
this  festival,  they  assemble  towards  evening  in  groups,  to 
partake  of  plentiful  repasts  prepared  at  their  favorite 
public  houses.  Here  they  and  their  famihes  continue 
for  two  or  three  days  in  one  continued  scene  of  merri- 
ment and  ebriety,  and  never,  during  the  happy  octave,  so 
much  as  think  of  going  to  sea.  At  other  times  the 
Sunday  and  holiday  evenings  are  entirely  devoted  to 
dancing  ;  and,  though  these  people  are  passionately  fond 
of  such  music  as  itinerant  pipers  and  fidlers  can  afford,  yet 
it  has  been  remarked  tliat  even  a  passable  song  has  never 
been  heard  amongst  them.  The  Nativity  of  St.  John  the 
Baptist  (24th  June)  they  celebrate  by  a  very  peculiar  kind 
of  pageantry.  On  the  evening  of  that  day  the  young  and 
old  assemble  at  the  liead  of  the  village;  and  their  mayor, 
whose  orders  arc  decisive,  adjusts  the  rank,  order  and 
preceilence  of  this  curious  procession.  They  then  set 
out,  headed  by  a  band  of  music,  and  march  with  loud 
and  continued  luizzas  and  acclamations  of  joy,  accom- 
jiauiecl  by  crowds  of  jicople,  thiough  the  principal  streets 
and  suburbs  of  the  tow  n  :  the  young  men  all  uniform- 
ly arrayed  in  short  white  jackets,  with  silken  sashes, 
their  hats  ornamented  with  ribbons  and  flowers,  and 
upwards  of  sixty  or  seventy  of  the  number  bearing  long 
poles  and  standards  with  suitable  devices,  which  are  in 
general  enilrleinatic  of  their  profession.  To  heighten  the 
merriment  of  this  festive  scene,  twoof  the  stoutest  disguised 
in  masks,  and  entirely  covered  with  party-coloured  rags, 
as  "  merrymen,"  with  many  antic  tricks  and  gambols, 
make  way  for  the  remainder.  In  the  course  of  their 
progress  they  stop  with  louil  cheerings  and  salutations 
op|»oMte  the  houses  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  from 
whom   they  generally  receive   money  on  the  occasion. 


Having  at  length  regained  their  village,  they  assemble  in 
groups,  dancing  round,  and  sometimes  leaping  and  run- 
ning through  their  bonfires,  never  forgetting  to  bring 
home  part  of  the  fire,  which  they  couskler  sacred  ;  and 
thus  the  nii;ht  ends  as  the  day  bcuan,  in  one  continued 
scene  of  mirth  and  rejoicing'.  That  the  entire  of  this 
exhibition,  though  unknown  to  the  actors,  is  a  remnant  of 
an  ancient  pagan  rite,  is  evident  to  any  one  acquainted 
with  the  early  history  of  this  countr)-. 

male  and  Female  Dress, 
Three  flannel  vests,  under  a  fourth  of  white  cotton  or 
dimity,  trimmed  with  tape  of  the  same  colour,  over  these 
a  fine  blue  rug  jacket  with  a  standing  collar  and  horn 
buttons,  a  blue  plush  breeches  never  tied  or  buttoned  at 
the  knees,  blue  worsted  stockings,  a  pair  of  new  brogues, 
a  broad  triiumcd  hat  neither  cocked  nor  slouched,  and  a 
red  silk  handkerchief  about  his  neck,  conii)letes  the  holy- 
day  dress  of  a  Claddagh  fisherman  :  at  all  other  times  they 
wear  the  common  jacket  and  trowscrs  usual  with  persons 
of  their  occupation.  The  women  still  retain  tlieir  ancient 
Irish  habit,  consisting  of  a  blue  mantle,  a  red  bodv-gown, 
a  petticoat  of  the  same  colour,  ami  a  blue  or  red  cotton 
handkerchief  bound  round  the  head  after  the  old  fashion. 
On  .Sundays  and  festivals,  however,  they  make  a  more 
modern  .appearance  ;  a  matron's  dress  being  generally 
composed  of  a  blue  rug  cloak  trimmed  with  fine  ribbon, 
a  rich  calico  or  stufl'  gown,  with  the  red  flannel  bodv- 
gown,  however,  occasionally  worn  over  it,  and  a  silk 
handkerchief  on  the  head.  The  dress  of  the  young 
women  diticrs  but  little  from  that  of  their  mothers, 
excejit  «itli  the  addition  of  a  fine  muslin  or  cambric  cap, 
trinuned  with  the  ricliest  lace.  They  have  been  seldom 
known  to  wear  ribbons  in  their  head-dress  here,  though 
esteemed  such  indispensable  ornaments  in  other  places. 
The  cause  of  this  omission  is  rathiir  curious :  In  the  west 
of  Ireland  it  is  a  custom,  rather  general  amongst  the 
lower  orders,  that  females  who  cannot  speak  English 
are  not  allowed  to  wear  ribbons  in  their  caps.  Hence 
a   Btranger,  on   entering   a  fair   or  market   town,   may, 


296  IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 

considered,    more  tl\an   to   llie   infatuated   perpetrators  themselves,)  will    never 
again   be   repeated. 

•Notwithstanding  these  defects,  a  great  quantity  and  variety  of  fish  arc 
taken  in  the  bay  ;  amongst  which  the  following  are  to  be  had  daily  in  the  public 
market,  during  their  proper  seasons,  viz.  herrings  in  great  quantities,  turbot  of 
the  largest  and  finest  kind,  soal,  plaice,  cod,  haddock,  hake,  whiting,  ling,  nuilict, 
black  and  white  ])ollock,  niackrel,  bream,  eel,  gurnet,  and  several  other  varieties, 
with  abundance  of  lobsters,  crabs,  cray-fish,  oysters,  shrimps,  cockles,  muscles, 
&c.  and  at  very  reasonable  prices. 

3.  Herring  Fisliei'i/. 
The  herring  fishery,  which  is  the  most  valuable  on  the  coast,  sets  in  twice  every 
year,  first  in  harvest  and  afterwards  in  winter.  For  some  years  past  the  herrings, 
from  some  unknown  cause,  make  their  appearance  nnich  later  than  formerly  :  the 
winter  fishery,  which  usually  began  early  in  November,  and  ended  on  Christmas 
eve,  does  not  now  commence  until  the  end  of  February,  or  beginning  of  March, 
but  the  vast  shoals  annually  taken  are  astonishing.  The  herrings  are  lar"-cr 
and  esteemed  of  a  much  better  quality  than  those  taken  on  the  coasts  of  Scotiaiul, 
but  that  industrious  nation  far  exceeds  us  in  curing  and  saving  the  fish.  On 
the  commencement  of  the  season,  vessels  from  England,  Scotland,  and  many 
parts  even  of  Ireland,  attend  in  the  dinerent  creeks  and  harbours  of  the  bav,  and 
purchase  the  fresh  fish,  which  is  immediately  cured  and  prepared  for  exportation. 
It  is  much  to  be  lamented  that  this  practice  does  not  awaken  the  attention  of  the 
mercliants  of  the  town,  who  might  individually,  or  by  forming  themselves  into 
companies,  take  advantage  of  those  treasures  which  people  of  other  countries 
annually  carry  away  from  their  doors.  The  liberal  encouragement,  however,  now 
held  out  by  Government  to  the  Irish  fisheries,  may,  perhaps,  stimulate  their  in- 
dustry.    For  this  encouragement   the   country   is   not   a    little   indebted   to  the 


in  general,  by  this  mark,  distinguish  those  wonien  v/lio 
can  speak  Eii.;Iibh  from  those  wlio  cannot.  Ainoniist  the 
ClaildiiLili  coummiiity  thi-i  distinction  seems  to  have  hccn 
scrnpidoLisly  adhcod  tn. 

R-ti.j^io,,. 
They  arc  all  Konian  C'aiholics,  witli  tlic  exception  of 
OH'.'  or  two  Protestant  famiHcs  uho  settled  amonj;st  them- 
dnrin.;  the  last  centnry.  St.  Nicholas  their  patron  saint, 
they  liold  in  the  utmost  veneration,  as  the  protector  ot' 
their  profession,  and  celebrate  his  festival  with  the 
strictest  observance.  Tlie  contignily  of  their  village  to 
the  adjoining  Dominican  convent  is  one,  and  not  the 
least,  of  the  causes  which  attach  them  to  their  local 
situation.  To  this  foundation  they  have  been,  from  the 
tarliest  period,  very  liberal  benefactors. 

Lmii^cvili/,  Jntcrn-.eitfs,  Sfr. 
Many  instances  of  extreme  longevity  occur,  and   the 
•;^nerality  of  the  inhabitants  live  to  an   advanced  age  in 
the   enjoyment  of   uninterrupted   good   health.      Upon 


the  interment  of  their  dead,  a  custom  rather  of  a  sin- 
gular nature  prevails.  The  iriends  and  relatives  of  the 
deceased  adjourn,  generally  from  the  grave-yard,  to  some 
public-!lo^^e  in  "  honour,"  as  they  call  it,  of  the  memory 
of  then- dL-parted  friciul.  Here  they  coiniuuc  carousing 
tlic  rcniaiiulcr  of  tl-.at  day  and  ui  jit,  ;,nd  the  grief  or 
fneniUiip  of  each  individual  is  generally  estimated  liy 
the  i]nantity  of  liciuor  which  he  cousuaies  or  the  money 
which  he  expends  on  the  occasion.  Had  this  custom 
been  Imovvn  to  the  late  General  Vallancey,  it  is  probable 
it  might  have  afforded  him  an  opportunity  of  tracing  some 
affinity  between  our  Claddagh  friends  and  the  Arabs,  who, 
it  is  said  also  rejoice  on  the  death  of  their  friends  and 
relatives.  How  far  this  iiicident  would  have  supported 
an  hypothesis  for  the  learned  amiqnary  this  is  not  the 
place  to  conjecture  ;  but  it  would  be  unjust  to  conclude 
this  hasty  sketch  without  testifying,  that,  with  all  their 
faults,  these  individuals  possess  many  good  qualities,  and 
that  they  are  universally  acknowledged  to  be  useful  and 
deserving  members  of  society. 


HISTORY    OF    GAI-WAY.  297 

late  collector  of  Galway,  whose  exertions  to  promote  this  f^rciit  hoiiicc;  of  iDitioiiul 
wealth  are  deserving  of  the  highest  praise. 

■i.  Sun-fish,  Cod  and  Turhot  Fishery. 
Next  to  tho  herring  fishery,  that  of  the  sun-iish  or  baskingshark  (with  whicli  the 
western  coast  of  Ireland  abounds,)  beginning  in  iMarch  and  ending  in  June,  is  the 
most  important,  and,  if  cultivated  with  suthcient  industry  and  skill,  would  prove 
highlv  valuable.  This  fish  is  of  the  cartilaginous  class,  and  affords  a  considerable 
quantity  of  oil,  which  is  much  sought  after,  and  is  little  inferior  in  quality  to  that  of 
the  whale  itself.  The  oil  of  a  single  fish  may  be  worth  from  'iol.  to  30/.  sterling. 
But  notwithstanding  almost  every  farmer  in  Conamara,  residing  contiguous  to  the 
shore,  annually  employs  one  or  two  boats,  yet  for  want  of  the  true  method  of  spearing 
or  harpooning,  he.  this  fishery  is  not  at  all  so  productive  as  it  would  certainly  be, 
if  properly  prosecuted.  The  cod 'and  turbot  fishery  also  deserve  particular 
notice  :  the  former,  it  is  said,  extends  from  Claggan-bay  quite  across  the  Atlantic 
W  Ocean  to  Xewibundland.  The  valuable  turbot-bank  lately  discovered  has  made 
M  this  excellent  fish  generally  very  cheap  and  plenty  in  the  town  :  it  is  brought  in 
r?  great  quantities  to  several  parts  of  the  country,  and  frequently  supplies  the 
t|  Dublin  markets.  Lobsters  are  also  to  be  had  in  great  abundance,  generally 
ll  from  the  county  of  Clare  side  of  the  bay;  and  the  finest  kind  often  sell,  during 
tJ  the  season,  so  low  as  from  4  to  5s.  a  dozen.  There  are  some  extensive 
P  oyster-banks,  near  the  town,  but  they  are  now  almost  exhausted  by  continual 
W^  drudging.  One  of  these  belongs  to  the  corporation  ;  and  if  it  and  the  others 
\^  were  occasionally  replenished  with  a  few  boat-loads  of  young  oysters  from  the 
i  neighbouring  coast,  this  favourite  shell-fish  would  soon  become  large  and  plenty. 
Li  There  are,  however,  some  fine  banks  on  the  shores  of  the  county  of  Clare, 
f  ;|  the  oysters  of  which,  particularly  those  of  Pouldudy,  Burren  and  Kinvarra,  are 
large  and  delicious.  Very  few  places  are  better  supplied  with  every  species  of  fish 
than  Galway,  which,  with  other  local  advantages,  render  it  one  of  the  cheapest 
towns  in  the  kingdom. 

V.  Public  Buildings, 

1.  Bridges. 
Having  before  {p.  250)  described  our  principal  public  building,  the  church,  the 
west  bridge,  from  its  antiquity,  now  claims  attention.  This  bridge  which  un- 
til lately,  was  the  only  passage  to  the  peninsulated  districts  of  lar-Connaught, 
was  built  in  1342,  somewhat  more  than  a  century  after  Thomond-bridge  at 
Limerick ;  and  it  has,  like  that  venerable  structure,  withstood  the  current  of 
an  equally  or  perhaps  more  rapid  river,  for  a  period  of  nearly  five  hundred 
years.  In  1.558,  a  gate  and  tower  were  erected  at  the  west  end  by  Thomas 
Martin. — {Vide p.  B5.')     A  similar  gate  and  tower  were  afterwards  raised  in  the 


298  IlISTOUY    OF    GALAVAY. 

centre,  which,  with  those  that  joined  the  town  walls,  may  be  seen  in  the  engraving 
of  the  map  of  iGol,  but  these  bulwarks  have  been  all  long  since  entirely  demo- 
lished. About  the  beginning  of  the  present  century  this  bridge  was  thoroughly 
repaired  on  the  north  side,  and,  in  the  opinion  of  the  architects,  is  now  sufficiently 
strong  to  withstand,  for  another  long  sei-ics  of  years,  the  impetuous  current  whicli 
incessantly  rushes  througli  its  arches. 

On  jNIonday,  GQth  June,  1818,  the  first  stone  of  the  new  bridge  leading  from 
the  county  court-house  to  tlie  gaol,  was  laid  by  the  Hon. William  Le  Poer  Trench, 
and  tlie  building  was  entirely  finished  in  October,  1819.  It  is  a  light  and 
liandsome  structure,  combining  strength  and  beauty,  and  is  no  inconsiderable 
ornament  to  the  town. 

2.  Bco'racks. 

The  first  regular  troops  were  quartered  in  Galway  in  the  year  1579,  and  a 
house  was  hired  for  their  reception,  the  rent  of  whicii  was  paid  by  queen 
Elizabeth. — (Vide p.  91.)  In  1 603  the  mayor  lodged  the  soldiers,  sent  in  by 
the  governor  of  the  fort,  "  in  some  of  the  strongest  castles  of  the  city." 
After  this  period  the  military  wero  quartered  in  the  upper  and  lower  citadels, 
and  in  1715  they  occupied  the  convents  after  the  dispersion  of  the  nuns. 
Tlie  oppressive  practice  of  blllctting  was  severely  felt  for  many  years,  parti- 
cularly by  the  Catholic  inhabitants.  At  length  the  castle,  or  upper  citadel 
barrack,  near  William's  gate,  was  built  in  1734,  for  tln-ee  companies  on  the 
old  regulation.  This  is  a  neat  and  convenient  building,  and  lies  in  a  retired 
and  hcaltliy  situation.  The  shamble  barrack  was  erected  in  17'l-9,  for  ton 
companies,  on  the  site  of  tlie  lower  citadel  near  the  west  bridge  :  it  is  a  handsome 
and  regular  structure,  and  is  conveniently  situated  near  the  bridge  and  river.  The 
Lombard-street  barrack  was  also  built  in  174-9,  for  five  companies,  on  forfeited 
ground,  in  an  open  and  airy  situation.  Besides  tiiese  edifices,  the  old  charter- 
school  (now  a  convent)  was  converted  into  an  artillery  barrack  in  the  year  179S, 
and  several  private  houses  tln-oughout  the  town  were  occasionally,  during  tiie 
late  war,  occupied  by  troops.  It  may  b.ere  be  added,  that  the  town  has  been  gene- 
rally esteemed  "  good  quarters"  by  the  military,  and  that  very  few  instances  of 
disagreement  have  occiuTcd  between  them  and  the  inhabitants. 

S.  Eacliange  or  Tliolsel. 

This  edifice  stands  at  the  extremity  of  Shop-street,  near  St.  Nicholas'  church. 
The  foundation  was  laid,  and  the  building  proceeded  on,  during  the  civil  wars  of 
1641,  (Vide  p.  103,  7iote,  where  It  is  inadvertently  stated  to  have  been  finislied  in 
1646,)  but  was  interrupted  by  the  troubles,  and  may  be  seen  in  an  unfinished 
state  on  the  old  map,  at  the  S.E.  corner  of  the  church.  Thus  it  remained  until 
the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  queen  Anne,  wlien  it  was  rebuilt  in  its  present 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


299 


I'onn,  and  was  at  that  time  esteemed  highly  ornamental  to  the  town/  It  might 
even  still  be  considered  so,  if  placed  in  any  other  situation  ;  but  projecting  as  it 
does  into  a  street  already  too  narrow,  wiiich  is  thereby  rendered  more  incon- 
venient; it  would  be  a  matter  of  public  benefit  if  this  building  were  entirely 
taken  tlown  ;  a  handsome  range  of  shops  might  be  raised  in  its  place,  and  another 
tholsel  erected  in  a  more  suitable  situation.  However,  as  it  stands,  it  is  not 
undeserving  of  attention.  It  is  a  lofty  editice,  of  what  may  be  called  two  stories 
in  height,  supported  by  eight  extensive  arches,  six  in  front  and  one  at  each  end, 
rising  from  lofty  square  pillars  of  hewn  marble.  The  under  compartment, 
M'hich  is  upwards  of  ninety  feet  long,  and  twenty-eight  broad,  being  covered 
over  and  flagged,  and  the  inner  wall  lined  with  seats,  is  much  frequented 
by  the  inhabitants  as  a  place  for  walking  and  conversation.  A  large  door 
in  the  centre  leads  by  a  flight  of  stairs  to  the  upper  compartment,  whicli  is 
exclusively  appropriated  to  judicial  purposes  and  public  meetings.  The  town- 
hall  is  fitted  up  with  a  bench,  jury-boxes,  seats  and  accommodations  for  the 
gentlemen  of  the  law,  and  a  dock  for  prisoners,  &c.  Here  the  judges  hold  the 
assizes  for  the  tovt-n,  and  the  mayor  and  recorder  transact  their  civil  and  cniniinal 
business.  The  town  records  ai-e  kept  in  a  small  room  on  the  right  of  the  passage 
ascending.  The  grand  jury-room  which  fronts  the  street,  is  spacious  and  con- 
venient. On  the  right  of  the  entrance  to  the  hall  a  small  flight  of  steps  leads  to 
the  petty  jury-room,  and  a  gallery  which  commands  a  view  of  the  bar  and  bench. 
Hence  a  narrow  stairs  led  to  a  handsome  and  lofty  dome  or  cupola,  which 
formerly  sprung  from  the  centre  of  the  roof,  but  doubts  having  arisen  as  to  the 
safety  of  this  dome,  it  was  taken  down  since  the  commencement  of  the  present  cen- 
tury." Similar  apprehensions  are  now  entertained  for  the  flooring  of  the  town- 
hall,  and  particularly  when  crowds  assemble  during  the  assizes  meetings ; 
the  judges  are  sometimes  obliged  to  prohibit  the  indiscriminate  entrance 
of  the  populace.  Although  it  has  been  pronounced  sufficiently  secure,  yet  doubts 
of  this  kind,  when  once  excited,  can  seldom  be  removed :  this  might  therefore 
be  an  additional  reason  for  erecting  a  new  tholsel  on  a  modern  plan,  in  some 
more  convenient  part  of  the  town. 


'  Before  this  perioil  the  merchants  of  the  town  were 
ncciHtomccl  to  assemble  about  their  coiiuiieroial  concerns 
on  the  tcsselatcil  puvciuent,  formerly  called  the  exchange, 
which  uiaj'  be  obsen'etl  on  tlic  oKl  map,  near  the  shipping, 
at  the  quay. 

The  upper  part  of  the  present:  biiiKling  was-  appro- 
priatcil  to  meetings  of  a  coi'porate  and  legal  description, 
and  the  under  part  to  those  oi"  a  mei'cantile  nature. 
During  the  rigor  of  the  penal  laws  it  is  said,  that  no 
Catholic  durst  enter  here  with  his  hat  on,  but  shouUl  re- 
main uncovered,  as  a  mark  of  subjection  to  his  Protestant 
towns-men,  and  there  are  old  people  still  living  who 
assert  that  a  Catholic  clergyman  durst  not  at  all  enter  the 
exchange.     The  times  have,   however,   since   changed ; 


and  die  present  members  of  tlie  corporation  are  amongst 
the  foremost  in  declaring  for  the  general  emancipation 
of  their  Catliolic  fellow-subjects. 

°  This  dome  or  cupola,  which  was  the  principal  orna- 
ment of  the  exchange,  commanded  a  fine  prospect  of  the 
town  and  bay.  It*  form  was  hexagonal,  with  a  large 
window  on  each  side ;  and  these  windows  when  illumi- 
nated, as  they  fre<iuently  were  on  public  occasions,  had" 
a  beautiful  effect.  The  interior  was  fitted  up  with  scats, 
a  diniiig-tabla  aud  other  conveniences,  and  was  fre- 
quently the  scene  of  many  a  festive  meeting  of  the  former 
members  of  the.  corporation.  The  whole  was  covered 
with  an  arched  roof,  whence  arose  a  spire  whicli  ap- 
peared to  much  advantage  in  a  distant  view  of  the  town. 


300  HISTORY    OF    CALWAY. 

4.  County  Court  House. 

This  fine  building,  which  is  superior  to  most  provincial  seats  of  justice  in 
Ireland,  stands  at  Newtow-Smith,  on  the  site  of  the  ancient  and  venerable  abbey 
of  the  Franciscans,  which  by  the  charter  of  Charles  II.  •'  is  to  be  and  remain 
part  of  the  county  of  Gahvay  for  ever."  It  was  commenced  in  lSl'-2,  and  on  1st 
April,  181.5,  was  opened  ibr  the  reception  of  the  then  going  judges  of  assize, 
justices  Fletcher  and  Osborne,  who  pronounced  a  handsome  and  well-merited 
culogium  on  the  gentlemen  of  the  county,  for  so  unequivocal  and  splendid  a 
testimonial  of  tlieir  higli  respect  for  the  laws,  and  of  their  anxiety  for  tlic  due 
and  orderly  administration  of  public  justice.  Besides  two  spacious  and  well- 
appointed  courts  for  transacting  the  civil  and  criminal  business,  with  grand  and 
petty-jury  rooms  adjoining,  there  are  several  commodious  offices  and  apartments 
for  the  high-sheriff",  treasurer,,  clerk  of  the  peace,  and  other  law  officers.  The 
splendid  and  accurate  map  and  survey  of  the  county,  together  with  the  several 
baronial  maps  made  by  order  of  the  grand  jury,  are  preserved  here.  The  lofty 
portico,  entrance,  and  extensive  hall  of  this  fine  structure,  will  immediately  attract 
attention.  It  is  altogether  an  edifice  highly  creditable  to  the  county,  and  con- 
siderably ornamental  to  tiie  town. 

5.  Toxon  Gaol. 

From  a  very  early  period,  the  arm  of  justice  was  strengthened  by  the  aid  of  a 
public  prison  in  Gahvay.  The  charter  of  Elizabeth,  in  1578,  granted  full  power 
to  the  corporation  to  have  for  ever  a  gaol  within  tlie  town,  and  a  keeper  of  the 
same,"  and  to  commit  to,  iand  imprison  therein,  prisoners  for  whatever  cause  or 
crime  they  sliould  be  taken,  attached  or  arrested.  The  original  prison  .was  a 
small  apartment  under  the  tholsel ;  but  vice  keeping  equal  pace  with  the  progress 
of  population,  a  more  spacious  prison,  in  process  of  time,  became  necessary. 
Accordingly,  a  situation  near  the  centre  of  the  town,  at  the  place  afterwards 
called  tlie  main  guard,  was  chosen  for  its  site ;  and  in  its  construction,  like  that 
of  all  other  old  prisons,  more  attention  was  paid  to  the  security  of  the  inmates 
than  to  their  health  or  convenience.  Tlic  celebrated  philanthropist,  Mr. 
Howard,  visited  this  prison  in  April,  17^8,  and  described  it  as  follows: — 
"Gal way  city  and  county  gaol,  in  a  close  part  of  the  city,  has  no  court,  no  water. 
Gaoler's  salary  '20/.  Debtors  7.  Felons,  iScc.  1'2." — In  this  state  it  remained  for 
many  years  after,  until  it  became  totally  inadequate  to  answer  the  ends  of 
public  justice.  In  addition  to  its  being  ill-constructed,  inconvenient,  and  the 
accommodations  of  the  most  wretched  description,  it  nearly  blocked  up  one  of 


'By  letters  patent  dated  I6th  IMarch,  IGO.i,  Comiocke  the  term  of  liis  life. — Hot.  Pat.  2  Jac.  1. — Tliis  appoint. 

Me  Derrnot  and  Henry  his  son  were  appointed  keejiers  nient  appears  soniewluit  inconsistent  with  the  previous 

of  the  gaol  of  Gidway  during  their  lives,  in   reversion,  grant   to  tlie  eorporation,  contained  in  the  charter  of 

after  the  death  of  Joha  Williams,  who  then  held  same  for  queen  Elizabeth — Vide  Appendix,  Number  III. 


s 

'^ 

<-< 

\ 

r'^i 

^ 

a. 

n 

■^- 

Vf\ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

Q 

■-i 

(-^ 

■s-- 

D2 

^ 

1-=" 

<^. 

■>> 

■-^ 

'^ 

'■"^ 

^ 

^ 

K' 

E^ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

t^ 

^ 

iriSTOllY    OF    GALWAY. 


301 


the  principal  openings  of  the  town,  which  greatly  inconvenienced  the  inhabi- 
tants. These  circumstances  having  been  represented  to  the  corporation,  it  was 
ordered  in  council,  on  21st  June,  180'2,  "  that  for  the  purpose  of  widenin<T  the 
street,  the  present  town  gaol  and  the  old  guard-house  be  pulled  down."  Some 
matters,  however,  interfered,  which  delayed  tlie  immediate  execution  of  this 
order."  The  ibundation  of  the  new  town  gaol  was,  at  length,  laid  in  ISO7, 
towards  the  south  of  the  new  county  gaol  erecting  on  the  Nuns-island. 
The  building  was  rapidly  carried  on  ;  and  on  the  27th  of  December,  ISIO, 
the  prisoners  were  removed  into  it  from  the  old  prison,  which  was  soon  after 
demolished. 

This  prison  is  situate  in  front  of  a  branch  of  the  river,  in  an  open  and 
healthy  situation,  and  commands  a  spacious  enlivening  prospect  of  the  sur- 
rounding suburbs. "^  It  is  three  stories  in  height;  which  with  the  lofty  gate  and 
adjoining  wings,  give  the  entire  an' extensive  appearance.'  A  few  chambers  of 
the  basement  story  of  the  south  wing  are  occupied  by  the  keeper  and  his  family. 
The  debtors  are  lodged  in  a  handsome  suit  of  apartments,  extending  along  the 
entire  front  of  the  building.  In  this  division  every  possible  indulgence,  con- 
sistent with  their  personal  security,  is  extended  to  the  prisoners.  Throughout 
the  entire  prison  the  same  regulations  and  discipline  are  observed  as  in  the 
county  gaol  ;  and  every  measure  is  adopted  which  judicious  rules  can  provide, 
or  the  benevolence  of  a  humane  keeper  extend,  to  render  tlie  tedious  iiours  of 
confinement  as  light  as  possible  to  the  unfortunate  inmates. 


'  On  2c!  April,  1807,  it  was  stated  to  the  commis- 
sioners !i[)[)ointe(l  b}'  act  of  parliament  for  building  the 
gaol  of  the  county  of  Galway,  "  that  the  public  business 
of  the  county  and  county  of  the  town  of  Galway  would 
be  materially  convenienced  and  expedited  by  having  the 
respective  aaols  and  session-houses  contij;uous  to  each 
other;"  and  it  appearing  to  the  commissioners  that  a 
piece  of  ground  lying  outsiile  the  boundary  wall  of  the 
new  county  gaol,  and  |)urchased  by  them  under  the 
provisions  for  the  gaol  act,  would  be  sufficient  for  the 
purpose,  (the  said  piece  then  remaining,  over  and  above 
the  ground  necessary  for  the  works  erecting  for  the  new 
gaol,  and  for  all  the  purposes  specified  in  the  act,)  it  was 
resolved,  "  that  the  commissioners  do  consent  and  recom- 
mend that  an  act  be  applied  for  to  amend  the  CSalway 
gaiil  net,  so  as  best  to  answer  the  purposes  aforesaid,  pro- 
vided that  the  county  of  the  town  of  Galway  shall  con- 
tribute one  sixth  part  of  the  expence  of  said  amended 
act,  and  also  defray  one  sixth  part  of  the  expcnce  of  a 
bridge,  which  it  appears  will  be  requisite  to  build  acrobs 
the  river,  for  the  more  convenient  access  to  the  town." — 
Orig.  minutes. — This  act  was  accordingly  obtained,  and 
the  building  proceeded  with  as  above. 

"i  The  new  iaol  commands  a  front  view  of  the  house 
and  plantations  of  Rahoon,  with  other  seats  and  villages, 
Shautalloe,  the  Prcbcntation  convent,  the  Franciican  nuii- 


ry  or  lodge  on  the  small  island,  together  with  a  great  part 
of  the  west  suburbs;  and  from  the  rear  the  main  branch 
of  the  river,  the  bridges,  town,  Sec. 

'  Although  few  will  deny  that  a  gaol  always  looks 
best  on  the  outside,  yet  the  interior  of  this  prison 
is  not  at  all  unworthy  of  attention.  Opposite  the  en- 
trance, at  the  end  of  a  spacious  and  lofty  hall,  after 
ascending  a  few  steps,  an  iron  door  conducts  to  a  doui 
ble  row  of  cells,  with  a  yard  at  the  end,  for  the  use  of 
the  criminals.  A  flight  of  stone  stairs,  on  the  right,  leads 
to  the  second  story,  which  contains  another  row  of  archeil 
cells  corresponding  with  those  underneath.  A  similar 
ascent  leads  to  the  third  story  which  contains  a  third  row 
of  cells,  but  these,  as  the  most  remote,  are  geneiiilly  ap- 
propriated to  the  solitary  confmenient  of  incorrigible 
felons.  Additional  apartments  have  recently  been  erected  ; 
and,  from  the  daily  increase  of  crime,  it  is  nnich  to  be  ap- 
prehended that  more  will  soon  become  necessarv. 

'J"he  cells  are  built  on  an  uniform  plan,  and  are  suffi- 
ciently roomy.  Each  is  secured  by  a  strong  metal  door, 
and  receives  light  through  a  small  windov/  fastened  with 
iron  bars.  The  only  furniture  they  contain  are  a  metal 
bc<l-stead,  a  stool  and  table.  A  few  stoves  tlirorigliout 
the  prison,  particularly  during  the  winter  nionths  and  u 
free  ventilation,  would  be  desirable.. 


302  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

G,  County  Gaol. 

It  appears  by  a  record  of  tlic  reign  of  Edward  I.  that  in  1303,  there  was  no 
public  prison  in  Connaught;'  but  this  defect  was  soon  after  remedied.  On 
the  division  of  the  province  into  counties  in  1585,  the  gaol  of  the  newly  created 
county  of  Gal  way  was  established  in  the  central  town  of  Loughrca.  Hero  it 
continued  until  IC7I',  when  it  was  reported  to  be  "  so  old  and  ruinous,"  that  tlie 
judges  of  assize  recommended  the  grand  jury  to  build  a  new  gaol  in  the  town  of 
Galway,  and  in  the  mean  time  directed  that  the  prisoners  should  be  taken  care 
of.  They  were  accordingly  brought  to  Galway  and  lodged  in  tlie  town  o-aol, 
which  was  made  use  of  by  the  county  sheriffs  until  lOsG,^  when  a  strong  castle 
situate  near  the  west  bridge,  and  adjoining  the  town  walls,"  was  selected  by  the 
grand  jury  to  serve  as  a  gaol  for  the  county. 

In  17SS  Mr.  Howard  visited'  this  prison,  of  which  he  gave  the  followino- 
account : — "  Galway  county  gaol  is  near  the  river;  there  is  a  new  court,  but  no 
pump  ;  the  criminals  are  in  two  long  rooms  with  dirt  floors  and  no  fire-place  • 
the  debtors  have  small  rooms  above  stairs.  Allowance  to  felons,  a  sixpenny 
loaf  of  household  bread  every  other  day,  (weight  three  pound,  twelve  ounces,) 
which  they  often  sell  for  four-pence  halfpenny  to  buy  potatoes.  Gaoler's  salary 
20/.     I7S8,   April  1.     Debtors  t.     Felons,  &c.  11." 

In  1791  and  179^,  presentments  passed  for  erecting  a  more  spacious  prison,  and, 
after  the  necessary  arrangements  were  made,  an  act  of  parliament  was  obtained  in 
April,  1802,  "  for  building  a  new  gaol  for  the  county  of  Galway,  and  for 
purchasing  land  sufficient  for  the  same,  and  for  other  purposes  relating  thereto."' 
The  building  was  soon  after  commenced,  and  continued  without  intermission 
until  the  entire  was  completed,  at  an  enormous  expence.  The  prisoners  were 
removed  into  it  from  the  old  county  gaol,  about  the  same  time  that  those  of  the 
town  were  transferred,  as  mentioned  in  the  last  page. 


f  rat.  Hull,  tSlsl  Edw.  1,  JSinn.  Tower.— Thh  ancient  "  This  castle,  it  is  said,  anciently  belonged  to  the  chief 

docnnient  states,  that  the  king,  for  that  he  had  no  piibon  of  the  aboriginal  sept  of  the  O'llaMorans,  and  afterwards 

in  the  comity  of  Connanght,  (sec  jm.  m.)  empowered  passed  into  the  Anglo-Norman  fanjiiy  of  Blake.     It  was 

Richard  dc  Bennengcham,  shcrilF;  that  taking  sufficient  forfeited  by  them  in  Ii;41,  and  was  granted  to  the  family 

fines  and  security  from  prisoners,  that  they  would  appear  of  Morgan  of  Wonksfield,  in   whose  possession  it  stil'l 

before   the   king's  justices,    he  niiglit    at   his   will    and  continues. 

ple;!-.iire    enlarge  them    on    bail,     with   the    assent   and  *  The  expence  of  this  act  amomitcd  to  216/.  As.  5d. 

council,  however,  of  Theobald  de  Burgo  or  Robert  Fitz-  The   commissioners   first   met   on   3d    May,    lft02,  and' 

David,  and  so  as  that  he  should  answer  for  those  fines  at  approved  of  "the  sonthcrn  part  of  Altenagh,'  in  the  Nuns- 

the  Exchequer. — From  this  record  the  precarious  natiu-e  island,  as  a  fit  and  convenient  place  to  erect  the  new 

of  the  English  power  in  Connaught,  at  this  period,  may  gaol."     A  plan  designed  (after  the  model  of  Gloucester 

be  ascertained.  gaol)  by  JMr.  Ilardwicke,  of  Upper  Morton-street,  West- 

^  In  this  year  the  to\vn  sheriff's  complained,  "  that  the  minster,  gaol  architect,  under  the  inspection  of  William 

common  gaol  was_  detained  from  them  by  the  sheriff  of  Morton   Pitt,  esq.  one  of  the  knights  of  the  shire  for 

the  county,  he  having  no  manner  of  pretence  to  withhold  the  county  of  Dorset,  was  approved  of.      The  qnantilv 

the  same" — upon  which  it  was  ordered  iu  council,  "  that  of  ground  purchased  was  3a.  Ir.  1 1  Jp.  the  fee  simple  of 

the  sheriffs  should  cause  a  lock  to  be  put  on  the  lower  which  cost  GC-lA    7i.    Gd.    subject   to   a   riaht  of   free 

gaol  for  the  security  of  their  prisoners,  and  their  gaoler  passage  for  cars  and  carriages.     Captain  Ricliard  Morrison 

to  keep  the  key  until  the  the  matter  should  be  decided."  was  a]ipointed  superintending  architect. 
—Corp.  huok. 


HISTORY    Ol'    GALWAY.  303 

This  extensive  prison  Is  esteemed  one  of  tlie  most  complete  in  this  part  of  the 
united  kingdom.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  strong  boundary  wall  twenty  feet  in 
height,  and  is  built  with  solid  mason  work  capped  with  large  hammered  stone, 
and  supported  by  buttresses  placed  at  equal  distances.  There  are  also  several 
arched  sewers,  secured  by  massive  iron  grates,  which  serve  for  cleansing  the 
wards.  The  situation  was  most  judiciously  chosen  ;  it  combines  in  an  eminent 
degree  the  principal  means  of  preserving  the  health  of  the  confined,  viz.  good 
air  and  excellent  water,  the  want  of  which  in  tlie  old  building  often  proved 
fatal.  The  prison  is  two  stories  in  heiglit,  it  is  entirely  vaulted,  and  is  built  in 
form  of  a  crescent  at  an  equal  distance  from  the  boundary  wall,  inside  which  it 
is  surrounded  by  a  handsome  gravel  walk,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  circum- 
ference. Here  the  debtors  are  occasionally  permitted  to  walk  and  amuse 
themselves.  No  timber  is  used  in  the  building,  metal,  iron  and  stone  having 
been  in  every  instance  substituted.  The  interior  area  is  divided  into  eight 
wards,  six  for  criminals,  and  two  for  debtors,  one  of  which  is  used  as  an 
hospital.  These  different  wards  are  capable  of  containing  ISO  prisoners, 
allowing  two  to  each  room.  Twelve  cells  might  be  added  to  t])e  wards,  4,  5, 
and  G.  They  are  separated  by  walls,  which  form  so  many  radii  of  a  circle, 
and,  terminating  in  the  rear  of  the  governor's  house,  bring  the  whole  within 
the  range  of  his  windows,  by  which  means  he  can  at  a  single  glance  survey  tlic 
entire.  Out  of  this  area  the  felons  are  not  permitted  to  pass,  and  no 
intercourse  whatever  is  allowed  between  the  sexes,  each  being  confined  to 
separate  wards.  No  prisoner  is  ever  ironed,  the  strength  and  security  of  the  place 
rendering  that  inhuman  precaution  unnecessary ;  but  the  greatest  attention  is 
paid  to  their  individual  cleanliness  and  comfort.  Thus  every  measure  is  adopted 
which  either  humanity  can  suggest,  or  the  merciful  tendency  of  our  laws  allow, 
to  alleviate  the  sorrows  and  lighten  the  burden  of  captivity." 

The  debtors  apartments  are  also  comfortable  and  convenient  ^  they  are  entirely 
separate  from  those  of  the  felons  ;  and  the  reader  may  conclude,  from  the 
attention  paid  to  the  latter,  that  the  accommodation  of  prisoners  detained  for 
debt  has  not  been  unattended  to.' 


*  On  llic  coiiiniittnl  of  a  culprit,  lie  inimcdiatclv  underjocs  all  the  wards  there  is  a  haiuhome  ami  spacious  chapel,  ia 

a  tliorou;^!!  washing  and  cleansing,  and  is  attired  in  the  which  the  Protestant  and  Catholic  chaplains  of  the  prison, 

prison  dress,  which  consists  of  a  frize  jacket,  trowsers  and  alternately  officiate,  and   frequently  exhort   their  incou- 

cap.     All  the  wards  have  a  constant  supply  of  pure  and  siderate  auditory  to  a  sincere  repentance  for  those  crimes 

wholesome  water,   and  each  is  furnished  with  u  water-  which  exposed  them  to  the  vengeance  of  the  ollended 

closet  and  reservoir,  which  are  washed  every  morning  hy  laws   of  their   country.    Tliesc  exhortations  have  heen 

means  of  a  canal  and  conductors  conveyed  through  the  frequently    known    to    produce    the    most   salutary    ef- 

cntirc  building.     The  beds,  of  which  there  are  at  present  fects. 

about  seventy-five,  are  clean  and  comfortable,  and  are  '  The  prison  is  regulated  by  the  grand-jury  of  the 
hung  on  swivels  two  feet  from  the  ground.  There  is  county,  and  is  at  present  under  the  government  of  a 
always  a  good  supply  of  firing,  and  particular  care  is  humane  and  upright  individual  well  qualified  for  his  ardu- 
taken  as  to  the  quality  of  the  2lbs.  of  bread,  daily  distri-  ous  situation.  His  apartments  are  situate  opposite  the 
buted  to  the  prisoners.  entrance,  and,  as  above,  conniiand,  from  the  rear,  a  view 
The  morals  and  religious  instruction  of  these  unhappy  of  the  entire  prison.  The  turnkey's  room,  and  a  guard- 
people  are  also  carefully  attended  to.     In  the  centre  of  house  with  suitable  accomodations  for  the  soldiery,  lie 


304 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


VI.  Charitable  Institutions. 
1.  Coiinti/  Infirmary. 

In  the  year  lG3S,  the  able  but  despotic  lord  deputy,  Wentworth,  directed  by 
warrant  under  his  hand,  that  a  public  intirmary  should  be  erected  in  and  for  tlie 
county  of  Galway.  The  troubles  which  soon  after  took  place  prevented  the 
execution  of  this  design,  and  more  than  fifty  years  were  suffered  to  elapse 
before  a  small  edifice  at  tlie  Wood-quay,  near  Cndway,  was  provided  for 
the  purpose.  After  some  years  this  useful  establishment  was  removed,  for  what 
was  then  termed  "  superior  accommodation,"™  to  a  house  in  Abbey-gate-strect, 
witliin  the  town,  where  it  continued  until  the  present  infirmary  was  opened  in 
the  beginning  of  the  present  century. " 

This  spacious  and  elegant  building,  which  stands  in  a  healthy  and  elevated  situ- 
ation, at  a  short  distance  from  the  high  road  or  principal  entrance  to  the  town, 
commands  from  the  front  an  extensive  prospect  of  tlie  bay,  and  from  the  rear 
a  view  of  the  lake  and  adjacent  country  for  many  miles  round.  It  is  three  lofty 
stories  in  heiglit,  with  a  range  of  seven  windows  in  each,  front  and  rear.  Tlie 
architectural  design  of  the  exterior  is  plain,  and  suitable  to  tlie  object  of  the 
institution,  but  the.  interior  contains  every  convenience  requisite  for  establish- 
ments of  this  nature.  There  are  several  wards  well  fitted  up  for  the  reception 
of  the  patients,  of  whom  betweeu  7  and  800  are  admitted  annually."  Numerous 
extcrns  also  daily  receive  relief  and  assistance. 


inside  the  great  gate,  over  wliich  is  placed  tlie  fatal  drop 
for  the  execution  of  criminals. 

On  25lli  March,  1816,  the  number  of  confined  debtors 
was  25,  felons  &c.  85.  In  1818,  there  were  157 
prisoners  committed  (the  greatest  number  at  any  time 
before  was  186,)  .'54  debtors,  tried  of  the  criminals  127, 
2.1  untried,  13y  of  them  males,  \Z  females — 2  under  the 
nge  of  17,  and  above  that  age  150. 

In  order  to  complete  this  prison,  the  introduction  of 
hibour  and  useful  employment  for  the  confined  seems 
only  necessary,  and  there  appears  to  be  siiflicient  room 
unoccupied  within  the  building  which  might  be  appro- 
priated to  the  purpose.  The  establishment  of  a  school 
would  also  be  productive  of  the  greatest  benefits.  It  has 
been  found  by  experience,  in  other  places  of  confinement, 
that  individuals,  before  notorioiisly  profligate,  afterwards 
became,  from  the  instructions  wluch  tliey  received  while  in 
prison,  useful  or  inoffensive  members  of  society. 

"  The  following  extract  from  the  reports  of  the  cele- 
brated Howard,  who  visited  this  institution  in  the  year 
1788,  will  give  the  reader  an  idea  of  this  "  superior 
nccommodation  :" — "  Tlie  county  infirmary  at  Galway," 
says  that  indefatigable  promoter  of  nnivevsal  benevolence, 
"  is  an  old  house  with  two  .rooms  on  a  floor.  Those  on 
the  second  floor  are  for  [latients,  in  one  of  which  there 
were  three  men,  and  in  the  other  nothing  but  old  bed- 


steads, without  bedding,  all  very  dirty  ;  allowance  to  each 
three  pints  of  new  milk  and  two  pennyworth  of  bread.  A 
very  large  house,  not  finished,  is  said  to  be  intended  for 
an  infirmary." 

"  The  foundation  of  the  present  infirmary  was  laid 
many  years  before  the  building  was  thrown  open  for  the 
use  of  the  public.  Pursuant  to  an  act  of  parliament 
which  passed  in  the  year  1765,  "  for  erecting  and 
establishing  public  infirmaries  and  hospitals  in  this  king- 
dom," a  meeting  of  the  corporation  of  Galway  was 
convened  on  the  l^th  of  April,  1766,  when  it  was  ordered 
in  council,  "  that  a  committee,  consisting  of  the  principal 
gentlemen  of  the  town,  be,  and  are  accordingly  appointed, 
to  inquire  and  find  out  a  proper  place  within  the  county 
of  the  town  of  Galway  for  erecting  a  public  infirmary  or 
hospital  for  the  reception  'of  poor,  sick  and  disabled 
persons,"  agreeably  to  the  heads  of  the  bill  before  alluded 
to.  This  committee  having  selected  the  site  of  the 
present  edifice,  the  governors  of  the  schools  founded  hy 
Erasmus  Smith,  esij.  granted  two  acres  of  ground  gratis 
for  ever,  on  which  it  was  erected. 

"  All  diseased  persons  are  admitted,  except  those  In- 
bourinu  under  contagious  fever.  Entries  arc  made  of  every 
patieut's  case  from  the  time  of  ailmission  until  cured  and 
diseharu'cd,  in  which  the  symptoms  of  their  diseases, 
their  general  constitution,  daily  treutiuent,  and  the  iiitcii- 


lIISTOnV    OF    GALWAY. 


305 


'2.  Fever  Ifosp/lal. 

Tlic  alarniinjL^  typlius  fever,  which  raged  lliroughoiit  Ireland  in  the  year  1818, 
caused  several  individuals  to  enter  into  a  subscription  for  the  permanent 
cstablisluiicnt  of  a  fever  hospital  in  Galway,  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  the 
act  of  parliament  51.  Geo.  III.  A  committee  of  gentlemen  was  accordino-ly 
elected,  by  whose  unremitting  exertions  the  progress  of  the  then  dreadful  malady 
was  impeded;''  and  measures  were,  at  the  same  time,  adopted,  which  will,  it  is 
hoped,  for  the  future,  prevent  any  serious  effects  from  a  similar  visitation. 

3.  Charter  School. 
On  24th  October,  17 17,  an  acre  of  ground,  at  the  east  end  of  the  green,  was 
granted  by  the  corporation  "to  the  Society  for  promoting  English  Protestant 
Schools  in  Ireland,  for  the  purpose  of  ei'ecting  a  charter  school  thereon,  reserving 
the  residue  thereof  for  holding  the  fairs  as  usual  ;"  and  it  was  provided,  "  that  in 
case  the  Society  should  not  build  and  endow  the  school  within  three  years,  the  same 
should  revert  to  the  corporation."  Some  delay  having  taken  place  in  erectino- 
the  school,  it  was  ordered  in  council,  on  28th  December,  1749,  that,  in  lieu 
of  the  ground,  51.  a  year  should  be  given  towards  the  support  of  the  new-intended 
school.  A  handsome  building  was  soon  after  erected  in  the  west  suburbs  :  but 
an  institution  of  the  kind  was  never  destined  to  flourish  in  this  part  of  the 
kingdom  ;  it  fulfilled  none  of  the  purposes  for  which  it  had  been  intended.   On  1st 


tentions  in  view  by  the  medicines  ordered,  together  with 
the  results,  are  all  particularly  specified.  The  patients 
arc  dieted  and  clothed,  the  furniture  and  bedding  supplied, 
and  the  repairs  of  the  hospital,  medicines,  firing,  soap 
and  candles,  o.Ticers'  salaries  and  servants'  wages,  all 
provided  for  at  the  expense  of  the  county  of  Galway. 
The  inmates  receive  daily  for  breakfast  one  quart  of  fresh 
stirabout,  composed  of  the  best  meal  and  pure  water, 
with  a  pint  of  new,  or  a  quart  ol  sour  millv;  and  for 
dinner  twenty  ounces  of  loat-brcad,  with  a  quart  of 
new  milk,  four  days  a  week;  and  for  tiie  other  three 
days,  three  quai  tcrs  of  a  pound  of  boiled  beef  eatli  day, 
a  quarter  of  a  sione  of  potatoes,  with  as  nuich  broth  and 
vciittablcs  as  tl'cy  can  use;  fc.r  drink  tliey  get  gruel  and 
w!uv,  ;..id,  uccoiili'ig  to  the  ii;\tnrc  of  each  individual 
case,  are  ■.■;;.pl!jd  v.itli  uine  and  other  restoratives.  From 
this  short  outline  of  t!:e  economy  of  this  excellent  insti- 
tution, it  appears  to  be  no  way  inferior  to  any  other 
establisb-T.t'Ul  of  the  kind  in  Ireland. 

For  l!'.-  benefits  resulting  from  this  infirmary,  society 
is  much  ind.'>tcd  to  two  individuals,  Robert  French,  of 
Monivca  casti'-,  es'-;.  the  treasurer,  (in  ulio^e  family  virtue 
and  pulili'-  -jiirit  seta!  ba-cditan, ,)  and  James  Veitch,  esq. 
M.  D.  tiiC  s.i.v-iiat'  .iihii ;  surgeon.  .Tl;e  li\'*cr  i.onlleinan 
is  a  nali'.e  ot  Si-  -liaiui,  and  was  the  first  Roaiau  Catl'.olic 
appoiu'.ed  to  .m:cIi  a  situation  in  Ireland. — Tlic  ibl- 
lov.in;'  -Xtract  from  a  public  resolution  of  tia'.nks,  voted 
by  tlie  governors  of  ti'.e  i]:nnnary  to  doctor  Veitch, 
is  here  inserted,  as  well  to  perpetuate  the  merits  of  that 

Q 


gentleman,  as  to  seiTe  for  an  example  and  stimuhis  to  his 
successors  : — "  Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  the  governors 
are  due,  and  are  hereby  given,  to  James  Veitch,  esq.  m.  d. 
for  his  unwearied  exertions,  zeal  and  attention  to  the 
sick  under  his  care,  and  by  wliose  medical  and  surgical 
abilities  (which  are  so  conspicuous)  many  thousands  of 
our  fellow-creatures  have  been  restored  from  wretchedness 
to  a  state  of  health  and  comfort.  That  we  view  with 
great  pleasure  and  satisfaction  the  scientific  and  successful 
mode  of  treatment  adopted  by  him  in  the  cases  under  his 
care,  which  have  calleji  forth  the  most  grateful  ackno-v- 
ledgmcnts,  public  thanks,  and  approbation  of  the  gr  er- 
nors." — Public  Papers,   lit  Jii/i/,  181 C. 

The  establishment  of  a  general  infirmary  for  the  town, 
is  now  (ISL'O)  in  contemplation. 

■■  The  gentlemen  (particularly  those  of  the  medical  de- 
partment) who  com[)osed  this  connnittee  arc  entitled 
to  the  la^t'ug  thanks  of  the  community  for  their  indefati- 
gable exertions  on  this  trying  occasion.  The  author  feels  a 
lively  pleasure  in  tluis  recording  the  names  of  these 
humane  benefactors  of  the  poor,  viz. :  the  lion.  William 
Le  PoerTrench  ;  James  Daly,  esq.  m.p.;  Valentine  Blake, 
esq.  M.  r. ;  Parnel  Gale,  esq.  mayor;  James  O'Hara,  esq. 
rccurtlcr ;  Mathew  T.  Smyth,  esq  sheriff;.  Robert  Mar- 
tin, of  Ross;  Thomas  Ilynes ;  James  Joyce;  Manns 
Blake  ;  Patrick  Lynch  ;  Walter  Joyce,  and  John  Moore, 
esqrs. ;  colonels  Ffrench  and  Blake;  and  doctors  Whistler, 
Hardiman,  Veitch,  Jl'Hugb,  Burke,  and  Browne. 


8C6  HISTORY    or    GALWAY. 

April,  1788,  Mr.  Howard  described  the  Gahvay  cliartcr-school  as  follows  :— 
"  Xwcnty-two  boys,  one  an  idiot :  ail  had  shoes  and  stockings  ;  but  in  "-encral 
they  did  not  look  healthy,  which  might  be  owing  to  their  late  recovery  from  the 
measles.  Allowance  for  soap,  candles  and  turf,  only  14/.  u  year.  No  towels, 
"flie  house  in  good  repair,  but  wanted  white-washing.  This  is  a  good  situation 
i'or  a  bath." — From  this  period  the  establishment  gradually  declined,  and  it  was 
iinally  closed  in  the  year  1798.  At  that  time  the  house  was  changed  iiuo  an 
artillery  barrack.  It  remained  so  occupied  until  181  !■,  soon  after  which  it  was  con- 
verted into  a  convent  for  nuns  of  the  presentation  order :  and  thus,  by  a  curious 
>icissitude,  an  edifice,  erected  a  very  short  period  before  the  commencement  of 
the  reign  of  Geo.  111.  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the  Protestant  religion  in  this 
country,  became,  before  the  close  of  the  same  reign,  the  residence  of  an  order 
wlicse  professed  object  is  th6  veVy  reverse,  viz.  that  of  extending  and  preserving 
the  Catholic  faith  in  Ireland. 

4.  Chariti/  School. 
This  excellent  charity  was  founded,  about  the  year  \~idO,  by  the  late  venerable 
warden  Kirwan,  for  the  education  of  indigent  boys,  who  are  carefully  instructed 
in  reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  and  the  principles  of  religion.  It  is  cliieflv 
supported  by  annual  subscriptions  and  charity  sermons  ;  and  the  trustees  have 
been  latterly  enabled  to  afford  daily  instruction  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  children,  of 
whom  one  hundred  are  ainnially  clothed,  and  twelve  apprenticed  to  useful 
trades.  The  entire  is  conducted  (under  the  patronage  of  the  R.  C.  warden  and 
vicars)  by  a  president,  vice-president,  treasurer  and  secretary,  to  whose  benevolent 
sii})er!Utendcuce  tlic  town  is  indebted  for  many  industrious  tradesmen,  who 
have  been  educated  and  a])prenticed  by  this  institution. '' 

5.  Female  Orphan  Asylum. 

This  charitable  asyliuii  was  established,  a  few  years  ago,  by  subscription, 
chiefly  through  the  humane  exertions  of  Mrs.  J.  Joyce,  but  under  the  patronage  of 
the  late  warden  Bodkin.  At  present  one  hundred  and  sixty  poor  female  children 
receive  daily  instruction,  thirty  of  whom  are  dieted,  lodged,  clothed,  and,  when 
duly  qualified,  apprenticed  to  trades,  or  placed  in  other  appropriate  situations.  Tin's 


'The   original  foiiiidiUion  rules  of  tliis  school  were:  amonj:   the  dcscrvins;  and  such    of  Ihcm    as   sliall   pais 

"Tliat  as  nuiny  boys,  I'roiii    tlic  a_!;e  of  eii^ht  to  twelve  three  years  at  said  school,  without  hreaeli  of  moral  duties 

years,  as  the  funds  will  hear,  be   admitted,  when  j.rrvi-  shall  be  a|i[)renticcd  as  soon  as    the  funds   shall  admit '• 

oiisly  reeoaiinended  and  approved  of  by  the  eonimittee  ;  the  ineorriL'ible  to  be  expelled." — MS.  Rules. 
that  they  arc  to  be  snppqi'ted  by  their  parents,  and  sent  to  The    school   is  under   the   care  of  .Mr.   Ulick   Biirkc 

the  school,  at  api)ointed  hours,  washed,  cleansed  and  comb-  who  is  not  only  what  the  rules  require  the  master  to  he' 

cd  ;  that  they  are  to  be  instructed  in  reading,  writing  and  "a  sober,  moral  man,"  but  also  a  well-infonncd,  reli'-ioui 

arithmetic,  and  supplied  with  books,  |)ens,  ink  and  paper  individual,  whose  care  of  the  education  and  manners  of 

-.it  the  expense  of  the  society  :  and,  as  emulation   is  the  the   children   entrusted  to   his  charge  is  entitled  to  tlit; 

great  spur  to  the  infant  mind,  preuiiuuis  shall  be  dislributetl  Uigl'.e-t  pi  ai-.e. 


IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY.  S07 

institution  is  lilp:lily  deserving  of  public  support,  as  it  rescues  many  helpless 
iiuliviihials  i'roni  ignorance,  misery,  and,  probably,  vice,  and  qualifies  them  to 
become,  in  tlieir  humble  stations,  useful  members  of  society. 

(J.  Chantahlc  Funds  and  Dunations. 
"William  Hedges  Kyre,  esq.  by  his  last  will,  bequeathed  40/.  a  year,  to  be., paid 
out  of  the  produce  of  tiic  salmon  fishery  of  Galway,  towards  the  support  of  an 
alms-house  for  twelve  poor  men  for  ever;  but  it  does  not  api)ear  that  the  bequest 
has  been  ever  fullilled.  JNIembers  of  this  respectable  family,  have  been  fre- 
(piently  benefactors  of  the  poor.  In  August,  17-10,  the  widow,  Jane  Eyre,  pur- 
chased from  the  corporation  the  sum  of  12/.  annually  forever,  "  for  the  use  of 
tlie  Protestant  poor  of  the  parish  of  St.  Nicholas  ;"  and,  on  the  3d  of  July,  175 1, 
the  same  benevolent  lady  made  a  similar  purchase  for  the  same  laudable  purpose.' 
In  the  year  1791,  Mr.  Kirwan,  a  London  gentleman,  descended  from  one  of  the 
Galway  families,  vested  a  considerable  sum  in  trustees,  and  directed  the  interest 
to  be  divided,  on  Christmas-eve  annually,  for  ever,  among  ilistressed  indivi- 
duals of  the  Galway  names,  giving  always  the  preference  to  his  own  poor  relations. 
This  donation  lias  been  judiciously  applied  to  the  purchase  of  an  estate  near 
the  town,  which  will  shortly  protluce  about  100/.  a  year,  and  the  distribution  of 
this  sum  will  prove  a  considerable  relief  to  many  respectable,  though  reduced, 
families  of  the  town. 

7.  Mendkanh''  Ji'orkhouse,  or  General  A.yjlmn. 

Independently  of  the  native  or  resident  beggars,  with  whom  the  town  is 
always  plentifully  stocked,  crowds  of  miserable  mendicants  infest  the  streets  at 
certain  periods  of  the  year,  but  particularly  during  the  summer  and  bathing 
seasons.  Entire  families,  driven  from  their  houses  by  want  or  disease,  pour  in 
from  all  quarters  of  the  country;  and  the  extreme  wretchedness  which  these 
poor  creatures  generally  exhibit  is  truly  afllicting.  Several  measures  have  been, 
from  time  to  time,  proposed  to  remedy  this  evil ;  and  amongst  others  a  workhouse  or 
general  asylum  has  been  recommended.  That  an  establishment  of  this  kind  would 
have  the  effect  of  clearing  the  streets  for  a  time  is  very  certain,  but  is  not 
ecpially  so  that  it  would  prevent  a  recurrence  of  the  evil ;  for  as  long  as  the 
juiucipal  cause,  vi/,.  the  poverty  of  the  peasantry,  continues,  so  long  numbers  of 
mendicant  poor  may  reasonably  be  expected.' 


'  For   the    punctual    payment   of   tlicse    charities    the  ignorance  prevailed   to   an   alannin:;  degree,    iuitead   of 

corporation  cxL-eutetl  the  libual  deieds,  hiudirii;  the^l^elves  a\tcni|)tiug  to  palliate  the  evil  liy  poor-rates  and  work- 

aiul  their  successors  for  ever. — Corp.  Jlunk  11.  houses,  made  provision  for  a  universal  system  of  education, 

'  On    this    [)oint   the   "following    iii)[)ortant    truth    is  which  having  been  strictly  adhered  to,  has  made  them  the 

deserving   of  the   most   serious    consideration  : "  The  most  moral  and  intellectual  nation  in  Europe." — Sir  T. 

Scotcii  government,   at  ii  time  when  vice,  beggary  and  Herimnl. 


SOS  IIISTOUY    OF    GALWAY. 

VII.  Public  JMAracETs. 

1.  CoTH  'Marlcel. 

Two  public  markets  are  held  here  every  week,  viz.  on  Wednesdays  and 
Saturdays.    The  latter  is  always  the  best  supplied  and  attended.' 

The  corn  market  has  been  held,  since  ^9th  September,  1810,  at  the  little  green 
near  INIeyrick-square,  to  which  place  it  was  at  that  time  removed  from  Market- 
street.  The  quantity  and  quality  of"  the  grain  annually  disposed  of"  will  be  found 
in  a  preceding  section,  (II.  2.)  A  suitable  market-house  is  much  wanted, 
the  old  ruinous  stable  now  used  for  the  purpose  being  quite  inadequate  ;  and 
as  this  want  is  considered  injurious  to  this  important  branch  of  business,  it  is 
hoped  that  so  indispensible  an  accommodation  may  be  speedily  provided  :  indeed 
it  appears  equally  necessary,  as  well  for  the  credit  as  for  the  interest  of  the 
town. 

2.  Meat  Market. 

In  the  year  1S02,  an  extensive  meat  market  was  erected  near  William's-gate," 
partly  on  the  site  of  the  upper  citadel,  which  was  shortly  before  demolished.  A 
spacious  entrance  leads  from  the  public  street  to  this  market,  which  is  conveniently 
fitted  up  with  shedded  stalls,  benches,  &c.  where  butchers'  meat  of  every 
description  is  daily  exposed  for  sale.  The  filthy  practice  of  blowing  the  meat, 
when  hot,  inflating  it  with  the  tainted  breath  of  the  operator,  is  becoming  less 
frequent.  Beef,  mutton,  pork,  bacon,  &c.  are  plentifully  supplied  from  the 
adjoining  counties,  and  a  peculiarly  sweet-flavoured  mutton,  from  the  islands 
of  Arran,  is  frequently  to  be  had.  This  mutton  is  small,  seldom  weighing  more 
than  from  10  to  11- lbs.  a  quarter,  but  the  meat  is  delicious,  full  of  gravy, 
and  is  much  souglit  after  by  epicures.  Lamb,  kid  and  veal,  of  superior  quality, 
always  appear  in  their  proper  seasons.  The  liberties  of  the  town  afford  an 
abundant  supply  of  live  poultry  .of  all  kinds.  There  is  also  plenty  of  game 
and  wild  fowl  in  the  season. 

3.  Fish  Market. 

Previously  to  the  year  1800,  this  market  was  held  at  the  east  end  of  tlie  bridge, 
ii  circumstance  which  proved  no  inconsiderable  annoyance  to  the  public,  the 
passage  being  frequently  impeded,  and  the  smell  and  filth  often  insupportable. 
At  length  General  Meyrick,  who  then   commanded  this  district,  induced  some 


■  Two  fairs  are  annually  held  near  the  town,  viz. :  through  the  dilTcrent  streets  of  the  town,  (but  parti- 
one  at  the  green  outside  the  east  gate,  on  the  31st  cularly  about  tlie  lower  citadel  barrack,  which,  from  tliat 
May,  principally  for  the  sale  of  black-cattle,  and  the  circumstance  got  the  name  of  the  sliauible  barrack.) 
other  at  FairhiU,  about  a  mile  westward  of  the  town,  on  Military  force  became  necessary  to  compel  tlie  butchers 
4th  September,  chiefly  for  horses.  For  the  dates  of  the  to  abandon  the  old  system,  and  confine  themselves  to 
patents,  vide  p.  221,  (note.)  the  new  shambles. 

°  Before  this  jear  bulchcrs'^mcat  was  exhibited  for  sale 


HISTORY    or    GALWAY. 


509 


of  tlic  principal  inhabitants  to  enter  into  a  subscription  for  the  purpose 
of  providing  anotlier  fish  market,  and  a  convenient  site  on  one  of  the  quavs, 
near  tlic  river,  was  chosen,  where  it  was  soon  after  erected/  This  market  contains 
several  sheds,  a  pump,  porter's  lodge,  &c.  and  no  similar  mart  in  the  kingdom 
is  better  supplied  with  fish  of  every  description. — For  an  enumeration  of  the 
different  kinds  to  be  had  here,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  account  of  the 
fishery  of  the  bay  already  given,  section  IV.  2. 

4.  Butlei-  Market. 
The  small  farmers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town,  but  particularly  those  in  the 
west  liberties,  and  for  some  miles  along  the  sea  coast,  principally  supply  the 
town  with  milk  and  butter.  The  latter  is  in  general  sweet  and  well-flavoured, 
but  that  produced  on  the  estate  of,Barna  is  peculiarly  so,  and  always  commands 
a  good  sale  in  the  market.  The  price  averages  from  eight  pence  to  sixteen  pence 
per  pound,  which  seldom  contains  less  than  twenty  ounces:  indeed  in  almost 
every  instance  it  is  found  to  contain  considerably  more.  There  can  be  no  doubt 
but  that  the  butter  trade,  if  properly  encouraged,  would  flourish  liere.  Some 
exertions  are  now  making  on  the  subject,  which  it  is  hoped  may  prove  successful." 

5.   Vegetable  Marlcet. 

The  town  is  well  supplied  with  vegetables  from  the  surrounding  suburbs.  The 
green  gardeners  cultivate  a  considerable  quantity  of  ground,  and,  by  confinino- 
themselves  exclusively  to  these  pursuits,  keep  a  constant  supply  of  remark- 
ably fine-flavoured  fruit  and  vegetables.  To  this  branch  of  industry  the  facility 
of  obtaining  seawreck  (which  forms  a  manure  ajjparently  well  adapted  for 
horticultural  purposes,)  is  of  considerable  advantage. 

Potatoes,  the  most  valuable  of  all  the  vegetable  kingdom  to  the  Irish  poor,  are 
always  to  be  had  in  the  market  in  large  quantities.  They  are  generally  brought  in 
on  cars  and  in  baskets,  often  from  distant  parts  of  the  country,  and  are  sold  by 
weight,  at  an  average  price  of  from  two  pence  to  two  pence  halfpenny  per  stone, 
of  iGlbs.  A  large  supply  also  arrives  yearly  from  the  counties  of  Mayo  and 
Clare,    by  the  lake  and  the  sea.      A  scarcity  of  this  useful  vegetable  seldom 


'  Over  the  entrance  to  the  fish  market  the  following 
inscription  ;ir|)cars  :— "  This  fish  niarl<ct  was  built  by  sub- 
scription, under  the  patronage  of  general  Meyrick,  who. 
d'.iring  his  residence  here,  acquired  tb.e  praise  of  a  grateful 
people,  for  liis  administration  of  justice  and  benevolence." 

The  old  Poiisardes  loudly  vociferated  against  this  in- 
novation, and  refused  to  bring  their  fish  to  the  new 
market  until  coercion  was  resorted  to.  Even  still,  as  if 
determined  to  have  their  own  way,  they  obstinat^'.v  con- 
tinue to  c\i.'Ose  their  fi.^h  for  sale  in  the  street  outside  the 
ni;irkct-gate,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  the  passengers. 
Tint  perverse  practice  ought  to  lie  prevented. 


"  JNIr.  Dodd,  weigh-master  and  qualifier  of  butter  in 
this  port,  has  hitherto  endeavoured,  but  without  much 
success,  to  promote  this  trade.  This  gentleman  mentions, 
that  the  county  of  Clare  produces  abundance  of  excellent 
butter,  which  could  be  brought  across  the  bay  to  Ciab.vay, 
with  more  facility  and  less  expense  than  to  any  other  Irish 
market.  He  also  states,  that  the  butter  produced  in  the 
county  of  Galway,  from  the  favorable  nature  of  the  soil, 
cannot  be  exceeded  in  flavour  and  quality  ;  and  that  what 
was  shipped  from  the  town  last  season  equalled  that  of 
the  county  of  C'arlow,  which  nhvaj's  brings  the  hijrliest 
pries  in  the  London  and  Spani>h  markets. 


310  niSTOUY    OF    GAT,WAY. 

occurs;  but  wlicn  it  docs  liappen,  it  is  attended  with  the  most  distressing  circum- 
stances. The  iniquitous  practice  of  regratino-  or  ibrestaUing  is  not  unknown  ;  but 
diu'ing  some  dear  seasons  the  luifecling  monopoUzer  has  been  disajjpointed, 
and  the  wants  of  the  poor  liave  beer,  relieved  by  seasonable  supplies  of  flour  from 
America.  The  imi)rovcments,  however,  daily  making  in  agriculture  throughout 
this  part  of  the  coiuitry  renders  scarcities  of  the  kind  less  likely  to  occur  hereafter. 

f).  Fuel. 
Few  towns  in  Ireland  are  better  su])pHed  with  this  necessary  article  than 
Galway.  Boats  laden  with  turf  arrive  daily  at  the  Ship-quay  from  Connamara,  ' 
and  an  immense  quantity  is  annually  brought  down  the  lake  to  the  Wood-quay, 
above  the  town.  Many  cargoes  of  coal  are  also  imported,  in  consequence  of 
wliich  firing  is  always  tolerably  reasonable.  Frauds,  however,  are  sometimes 
committed,  by  de})arting  from  the  regular  statute  turf  kish — a  practice  which 
cannot  be  too  severely  punished,  as  the  poor  are  in  general  the  sufferers,  all 
who  can  afford  it  generally  purchasing  their  turf  by  the  boat-load,  which  precludes 
the  possibility  of  tlieir  being  defrauded.  In  17^2,  the  statute  kish  was  sold  for 
nine  pence  ;  at  present  it  averages  double  that  sum.  There  is  another  useful 
and  pleasant  species  of  fuel  very  plenty,  called  bog-deal,  being  decayed  timber 
raised  out  of  the  bogs  about  the  town. 

VIII.  Education',  Litkrary  Societies,  Manners,  Customs,  &c. 

The  powerful  iniluence  of  education  over  the  human  mind  and  character 
renders  it  necessary,  before  treating  of  the  manners,  customs  and  natural  dispo- 
sition of  the  inhabitants  of  Galway,  to  ascertain  what  advantages  in  that 
important  respect  they  have  hitherto  possessed,  or  at  present  enjoy. — "  Virtue," 
says  the  philosophical  historian  of  England,  "  never  Nourishes  to  any  degree, 
nor  is  founded  on  steady  principles  of  honor,  except  v.'hcre  a  good  education 
becomes  general,  and  where  nuMi  are  tauglit  the  ])ernicious  consequences  of 
vice,  treachery  and  innnorality." — Tl'.e  ])riiicipal  seminary  for  education  esta- 
blished at  Galway   is, 

1.  Erasmus  Sinilli''s  Free  School. 
Tliis   is   one  of  the  five  original  grannnar  schools  founded  by  that  adventurer 
in  Ireland.''     By   the   charter   of  Charles  II.   ILioG,  it  was  declared  to  have  been 


'  Tliis  turf  is  c\n  along  tlic  Connnm;ira  sliorc,  anil  sold  a!to;;cthcr  irrelevant ;  it  is  ilatoil  1st  Dec.  ir;j7;  ami,  after 

•n  the  spot  to  boats  from  Arran  ami  tlie  county  of  Clare,  recitiiij;  that  "  nio-.t   of  the  sins   v.  Iiicli   in  former  tiim  s 

at    line  sliilf  n_n  anJ   one  penny  per  ton  of  the  lioat :   it  have   ralgneil  in   this   nation  have  proceeJcil   chiefly   of 

i<  tiy  them  brinight  rouiul  to  Cal  way,  where  it  is  generally  lacke  of  the   hringinge  np   of  the  youth  of  this    realme 

worth    about    a   guinea    per    four   ton    boat-load. —  IJitg  either  in  publi(|ue  or  private  schooles,  whereby   llirougli 

Jivp'irts.  "  good  di'-cipliiie  they  might  be  principleil  in  literature  and 

'  The  following  abstract  from  the  oriL'lnal  decil,  found-  good  maimers,  and  see  learn  to  loath  tlicve  liaynons  and 

inj,'    thcnc  schools,   may   not,   it  is  hupc<l,  be  considered  manifold  oH'encei  which,  when  they  ihj  come  to  years, 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 


311 


established  "  for  so  many,  not  exceeding  twenty,  poor  cliildrcn  as  should  seem 
convenient,  besides  the  children  of  Jiis  tenants,  (not  limited  to  any  number,)  who 
were  to  be  instructed  in  writing  and  accoinits,  the  Latin,  Greek  and  Hebrew 
tongues,  and  to  be  fitted  for  the  University  if  desired."  Although  the  possessions 
of  the  governors  of  these  schools  arc  considerable  in  the  town  anil  liberties  of 
Galway,  and  their  tenants  have  been  always  nuuierous,  yet  the  latter,  beiu"-  chiefly 
Roman  Catholics,  seldom  sent  their  children  to  the  school ;  in  consequence  of 
whicii  tlie  inhabitants  of  Galway  cannot  be  said  to  liave  acquired  those  advantages 
from  tliis  seminary  which  might  otherwise  be  expected.  With  very  few  exceptions, 
however,  it  has  always  been  ably  conducted.''  In  1818,  a  spacious  and  clen-ant 
school-house,  with  several  apartments  and  offices,  was  erected,  at  an  expense  of 
between  five  and  six  thousand  pounds.  It  stands  on  an  elevated  situation,  towards 
the  cast  of  the  town,  and  commands  a  fine  prospect  of  the  buy,  the  Clare 
moimtains  and  the  ishuids  of  Arran.  It  was  opened  on  the  1st  of  August,  1815  ; 
and  several  of  the  most  respectable  youth  of  the  town  and  province  have  since 


tlicy  dill  duvly  perpetrate  and  coiiiniitte ;"  Erasmus 
.Suiitli,  of  London,  esq.  tor  the  confidence  wliicli  he 
reposed  in  doctors  Henry  Jones,  Saiiniel  Winter,  and 
several  other  trustees  therein  named,  "  and  for  the  great 
and  ardLMit  desire  which  he  l\ath  that  the  poore  children 
inhal/iteini;  upon  any  parte  of  his  lands  in  Irehind  should 
he  broui;ht  up  in  tlie  fearc  of  God  and  good  literature, 
and  to  s[)eak  tlie  En;;lish  tongue,"  assigned  unto  them 
"  103  a.  1  r.  profitable  land  near  Athlone,  l'lfa'7a.  pro- 
fitable land  in  the  isles  of  Arran,  101 1  a.  1  r.  profitable 
land  in  or  near  the  town  of  Galway,  [except  5  a.  1  r. 
adjoining  said  town,  marked  (O,)  and  1  a.  !  r.  marked  (I) 
in  the  plot  in  the  surveyor' s-general's  office,]  all  in  tiie 
[)osses,ion  of  the  said  Erasmus,  or  his  under-tenants,  with 
the  unprofit.ible  lands  thereunto  allotted,  cast  in,  and 
allowed,  to  hold  as  therein,  in  trust,  that  they  should 
found  five  schdole-houses  for  teaching  of  grammar  and 
tlie  original  tongues,  and  to  write,  read  and  cast  accompts, 
to  he  built  in  the  places  following,  viz. :  one  in  Sligo, 
one  ujion  his  lands  about  Gallway,  one  upon  his  lands 
in  the  barony  of  Clanwilliam,  county  Tipperary,  one 
upcm  his  hiiuls  in  the  barony  of  Dunluce,  county  Antrim, 
and  one  v.  hei-e  his  lauds  that  arc  deficient,  (which  is  2700/.) 
shall  be  ilxed;  and  to  pay  Aol.  yearly  to  a  schoole-inaster 
in  each  of  said  schooles,  for  teachinge  the  poor,  inhabite- 
ing  on  the  premisses  to  read,  write,  cast  accompts,  and 
grammar,  as  they  shall  be  found  capable  ;  the  children  of 
the  poore  tcimants,  and  of  such  as  are  poore,  or  live 
In  their  l.'.b'nii-,  to  be  taught  free,  and  without  payinge 
for  tlie:r  te.icl.inge  ;  and  that  such  of  the  tenants'  children 
as  should  be  made  fitt  for  the  Uuivcrsitie,  or  Trinity  Col- 
ledire,  near  Dublui,  should  have  out  of  the  remainder  of 
the  rents  lo/.  a  year  for  the  first  four  \ cares;  that  such 
person  ahalbe  admitted  into  the  said  colledge  of  Dublin  : 
but  no  |)oore  sehollcr  to  receive  more  than  10/.  ycarelv, 
and  not  to  continue  longer  than  I'oiire  yeares  alter  entrance 
into  tn^  Uuivcrsitie.  That  when  the  anMii;iI  value  of  the 
huuls  should  exceed  500/.  the  suiiiliisv;;^,- should  be  em- 
plovcd  for  the  maintenance  of  fi\e  schooles,  to  be  erected 
on  aii\   parte  of  ^aid  Eiasuius  Smith's  laud»  in  Ireland  ; 


and  that  no  pension  should  be  allowed  to  anv  student 
until  these  five  schooles  should  be  erected.  Saving  alwa\s 
to  said  Erasmus  Smith  and  his  heirs  for  ever,  all  evries  '(;f 
hawkes  in  the  isles  of  Arran,  and  lihertie  for  dig^jinge, 
cnttinge,  pollishinge  and  carryinge  away  of  sh.ine  out  of 
the  marble  quarry  in  the  isles  of  Arran." — Crumwcl/'s 
lioll.  No.  3,  Hulls  Off. 

The  lanils,  il-c.  in  the  liberties  of  Galway  were  described 
as,  "  One  parcel  called  Barraghallagh,  with  a  mill ;  some 
houses;  an  old  abbey,  ruined,  and  several  cabbins  and 
gardens  ;  a  small  parcel  of  land  by  Ballybridge ;  and  the 
houses  of  Booremoi-e  and  Booreijcg,  with  cabbins  and 
gardens;  the  town  and  lands  of  liallihane  and  GlcL'nale  ; 
a  [lareel  of  land  called  Mile-bn-li;  a  parcel  of  land\allcd 
Uanmorc ;  a  parcel  of  land  called  Westnmrranh  ;  a  parcel 
of  land  calUil  .Murra^h,  being  one  quarter  of  IJohiesk\  ; 
a  parcel  of  land  called  .Murraghbcgg  ;  a  [larcel  of  land 
called  B.ar.ybritt,  and  a  parcel  of  the  laud  of  l{o^cam,  all 
situate  in  the  liberties  of  Galway,"  with  several  other 
hinds  in  the  county  at  large.— i^o//.!  0/f.— These  posses- 
sions, which  contain  several  hundred  acres,  produce  a 
large  annual  income.  In  1808,  the  rise  on  the  Galway 
estates  alone  amounted  to  fiCT/.  1.5*.  per  annum. 

""  In  1788,  tile  celebrated  Howard  visited  this  school, 
which  was  then  kei't  in  High-street,  and  which  he  stated 
was  well  conducted  and  |)rovided  with  an  able  master. 
"  With  this  worthy  master,"  says  the  phllanthroiiist,  "I 
had  much  conversation  relati\e  to  a  more  general  and 
liberal  mode  of  eilucation  in  that  country.  Mr.  Caiiipbell 
testified  the  readiness  of  many  of  the  Catholics  to  send 
their  children  to  Protectant  schools;  and  h.c  is  of  oiiiniou 
that  many  would  by  these  means  be  bron^jht  over,  were 
the  most  promising  of  them  enabled,  by  moderate  aids, 
to  pursue  their  further  education  in  the  University." — 
That  such  were  the  testimony  and  opinion  of  Mr.  Camp- 
bell  is  very  probtible ;  but  iic  did  not  produce  a  sim;!* 
instance  to  strengthen  the  one;  and  as  to  the  other,  it 
does  not  apjiear  that  they  who  ought  to  furnish  these 
"  moderate  aids"  have  ever  since  tl:oii^!:t  sacli  jjro-.lvtes 
worth  purchasin;;. 


312  HISTOEY    OF    GAL  WAY. 

been  educated  licre,   under  the  care  of  tlie  reverend  Mr.  Whitley,  the  }M"cscnt 
master,  a  gentleman  who  appears  to  have  given  general  satisfaction.  * 

G.  Other  Seminaries  nf  Education. 

There  arc  several  other  schools  of  different  degrees  of  merit,  in  the  town,  for 
the  instruction  of  youth,  both  male  and  female.  Classical  learning,  it  is  to  be 
regretted,  is  not  so  much  attended  to,  or  so  generally  estimated  as  it  ought.  The 
principal  part  of  the  town's-people  are  fully  content  if  their  children  receive  a 
])!ain  English  education.  There  are,  however,  and  always  ha\e  been,  many  excep- 
tions, and,  among  others,  the  classical  academy  kept  by  Mr.  Kearns  has 
])roduced  some  excellent  scholars.  Schools  for  instruction  in  reading,  writing, 
arithmetic  and  mathematics,  (being  the  usual  course  of  education  among  the 
middle  orders,)  are  more  gener;}].  There  are  also  several  bairding  schools  for 
voung  ladies,  and  day  schools  for  female  children  ;  and  on  the  whole,  though  the 
town  is  not  distinguished  for  a  superior  brilliancy  of  education,  yet  that  blessing, 
in  a  moderate  degree,  is  tolerably  diffused  among  the  inhabitants, 

3.   The  Amicable  Societi/. 

The  great  coalition  of  all  that  was  wealthy  and  respectable,  both  Protestant 
and  Catliolic,  during  the  memorable  era  of  volunteering,  gave  a  final  blow  to  the 
expiring  religious  j)rejudices  in  this  part  of  Ireland :  from  that  period  the  gen- 
tlemen oi'  the  town  and  county  tbrgot  all  party  distinctions,  and  have  ever  since 
cordially  united  in  promoting  every  measure  connected  with  the  public  welfare.. 
On  the  iGth  of  November,  1791,  the  Amicable  Literary  Society  was  formed  in 
Galway  by  some  of  the  most  respectable  individuals  of  both  persuasions, "  for 
the  purpose  of  acquiring  and  disseminating  useful  information  on  the  important 
subjects  of  agriculture,  commerce,  science,  &c.  The  members  are  numerous, 
and  the  mode  of  election  renders  them  select  and  respectable.  The  funds  are 
ample.  The  Society  possesses  a  good  library,  and,  with  the  Englitih  and  Irish 
papers,  receives  several  periodical  publications.  All  religious  and  political 
disquisitions  are  rigidly  prohibited  ;  and  if  the  Society  has  not  entirely  adhered 
to  the  objects  of  its  original  i)istitution,  yet  it  has  not  wholly  dci)arted  from 
them.     A  noble   superstructure   might,   however,  be  raised  on  this  foiuidation. 


'  Tiic   course  of   education   at   present  comprises   t'le  oriL;inal  members  were,  Mark  Lynch,  esq.  ^cfMHrf/-;  Jolin 

I".;y':i.h,  Latin,  Greek  anil  Hebrew  lani;uages,^oinpositii)n  Lyiicii    Alexa)iiler,    esq.   scvirlitri/ ;    tlie   revereml   Mcs- 

in  'prose  antl   verse,  liistory,  geography,   the  use   of  the  sieurs  Campbell  ami  Youn;^,  l.ulh  Protestant  vicars;  the 

(.'lobes,  a'.rebra,  asiror.omv,  anil  the  more  useful  branches  reverenil    Mr.  Kiruan,  (brother  of  tl'.c.'  cclebratcil    dean 

<i,'  the  mathenia'.ic;. — It  is  sincerely  hoped,  that  as  pre-  K'irwan,)  Catholic  vicar  ;    the  reverend   .Mr.  Tierney,  of 

judice  has  on  all  sides  nipidly  declined,  the  bener;ts  of  the  order  of  St.  Augustine;  doctors  Ileury  lilakc,  Oliver 

"tliis  excellent  course  ol'evhieation  may  become  more  j^cne-  Martin   and   Patrick   Ch.ecvera;    and   Gregory   Anthony 

ral  among  the  risin:;  generation  in  this  town.  French,     Patrick    A.    Blake,    and   Walter   Jojce,    csijrs. 

•■  Walter  LniubL-rf,  eS(].  of  Crcgaclarc,  one  of  the  most  Seven  out  of  the  thirtec.  are  now  (ISL'O)  dead!    but — 
respectable    Pr<jte..tant    jicutlenian    of   the   eoe.nty,    v%'as  Aiiij'liul  ,iliil'ts  xjuiHiini  sidi  vii'  buinis,  lioc  est 

elected  fu'st  prciident  if  the  Auiieable  Society.  Ti)e  other  Vivcrc  hh  ;   lild  posse  pr'wrc  fnii. — Martial. 


nisTouY  or  galway.  313 

-t.   Tlic  Mercantile  CoJJl'C  Room, 

Was,  opened  about  the  year  1792,  by  subscription.  The  original  list  of 
members  was  chiefly  composed  of  the  gentry,  merchants,  and  respectable 
shopkeepers  of  tlic  town.  The  establishment  has  recently  branched  out  into 
two  separate  reading-rooms,  which  receive  the  principal  London  and  Dublin 
papers,  and  also  the  Ihrcc  newspapers  published  in  the  town,  viz.  :  the  Con- 
naught  Journal,  Galway  Chronicle,  and  Weekly  Advertiser.'  'J'hese  latter 
publications,  though  they  cannot  be  adduced  as  a  proof  of  increasing  wealth 
or  commerce,  afford,  however,  unquestionable  evidence  of  the  anxiety  of  the 
town's-people  for  information  and  improvement. 

It  has  been  observed  that,  ever  since  the  mitigation  of  the  penal  laws,  in  177S, 
the  benefits  of  education  have  gradually  extended  over  this  part  of  Ireland. 
Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Galway  and  several  gentlemen  of  the  surrounding 
districts  are  distinguished  for  polite  and  elegant  information.  Book-shops  and 
circulating  libraries  have  increased,  and  a  love  for  reading  and  literary  taste  is 
happily  becoming  more  general.  This  is  particularly  observable  amongst  those 
in  the  middle  walk  of  life,  a  numerous  and  respectable  class,  which  includes  a 
great  part  of  the  population  of  the  town." 

5.  Character,  Manners,  Customs,  S^c. 
Having  thus  far  attempted  a  delineation  of  the  principal  features  of  Galway, 
its  topography,  constitution,  commerce,  public  buildings,  institutions,  &c.  the 
whole  shall  be  concluded  with  a  brief  view  of  the  inhabitants,  their  general 
character,  manners,  customs,  &c.  This  is  a  subject  which,  for  many  reasons, 
the  author  would  willingly  decline  ;  but  as  it  is  one  deemed  indispensible  in 
works  of  this  nature,  he  must,  though  concisely,  and  witli  diffidence,  comply  with 
the  general  custom.   In  the  first  place  it  may  be  observed,  that,  so  long  as  truth 


'  Tlie  Connniig'it  Journal  was  the  first  newspaper  talent  and  acquirements.  In  tlie  course  of  the  last 
printeil  in  the  province  of  Connaught.  The  first  number  year,  the  "  Guhvay  Weekly  Advertiser"  was  also  corn- 
was  published  in  Galway,  on  Tuesday,  the  8th  October,  menced,  and  has  ever  since  been  ably  conducted. 
17J4,  l)y  Thomas  Hutchison,  and  it  states,  that  "this  ^  All  ranks,  from  the  hii;hcst  to  the  lowest,  with  very 
paper  is  tlie  first  attempt  of  the  kind  in  this  part  of  few  individual  exceptions,  speak  their  vernacular  language, 
Ireland."  It  was  published  "  every  Tuesday  ?nd  Friday ;  the  Irish,  fluently.  The  country  people  in  the  vicinity 
price  to  subscribers  in  the  town  Ss.  Sd.  per  annum,  and  of  the  town  almost  exclusively  use  it;  and  such  of  them 
if  sent  to  the  country  lis.  4\(l.  Advertisements  of  all  as  understand  English  attempt  it  rather  awkwardly,  and 
kinds,  not  exceeding  ten  lines,  inserted  for  2.!.  S\d.  per  with  evident  reluctance,  in  their  intercourse  witli  the 
month."  Previously  to  this  period,  a  periodical  work,  town's-people  The  policy  or  laws  which  suffered  these 
entitled  "The  Galway  lieviser,"  was  conducted  here  by  poor  peojile  to  remain  so  long  in  a  state  of  ignorance, 
some  literary  gentlemen  of  the  town;  but  it  docs  not  by  denying  them  the  benefit  of  instruction  in  their 
appear  to  have  continued  for  anv  time.  native  tongue,  can  only  be  classed  amongst  those  great 
•»n  1775,  a  newspaper,  entitled  the"Galway  Chronicle,"  political  errors  of  which  history  furnishes  so  many 
was  printed  by  a  Mr.  Connor;  and,  in  1791,  the  "Gal-  examples. — Thousands  sterling  are  annually  subscribed 
way  Evening  Post"  was  published  by  Mr.  B.  Conway;  to  instruct  Indians  iu  the  most  distant  climes,  but  not  a 
bni  both  were  of  very  short  duration.  In  1809,  another  single  effectual  effort  has  yet  been  made  to  enlighten  the 
newspaper,  the  "  Galway  Chronicle,"  w.as  established  by  minds  or  ameliorate  the  conditioa  of  our  native  poor  ! 
Mr.  Richard  Busteed,  a  young  gentleman  of  considerable 


314 


HISTORY    OF    GA'I/.VAY; 


sliall  be  adhered  to,  the  natives  of  Gal  way  need  be  under  no  great  apprehensions 
t'iom  the  most  minute  investigation.  The  former  inhabitants,  it  is  true,  have 
been  charged  with  "  possessing  an  inordinate  quantity  of  pride,"  or,  as  de- 
scribed by  lord  Clanricarde  in  iGll,  they  "were  not  without  a  large  portion  of 
pride,  and  particularly  piqued  themselves  on  entertaining  high  notions  of  honor." 
Tiiis  feeling,  if  not  originally  acquired,  certainly  suffered  no  diminution  during 
their  long  continued  intercourse  with  the  Spanish  nation  :'  some  will  even  assert 
that  it  has  been  communicated  to  their  descendants,  and  that  it  may  be  very  visibly 
perceived  amongst  many  of  them  at  the  present  day.'*  From  this  source  most 
probably  sprung  the  practice  of  duelling,"  for  which  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  and  county  of  Galway  have  been  heretofore  so  remarkable,  and  which, 
even  stiil,  is  far  from  being  eradicated.  This  custom  is  rather  singular  for 
being  so  general  among  a  people  well  known  to  be  religious  by  habit ;  but  like 
the  celebrated  chevalier  Bayard,  "  the  knight  without  fear  or  reproach,"  it  may 
be  said  of  many  an  individual  here,  "  tliat  he  always  heard  mass  before  he  fought 
a  duel."  As  civilization,  hov.-ever,  advances,  it  is  observable  that  this  practice 
is  gradually  declining.  Another  propensity,  which  has  been  also  pointed  out  as 
tolerably  general  in  this  j)art  of  Ireland,  is,  an  inclination  for  law,  or,  according 
to  some,  an  immoderate  love  of  litigation.'  This,  however,  admits  of  some 
qualification.  It  may,  with  as  much  propriety,  be  termed  a  desire  to  obtain  strict 
and  impartial  justice  ;  and  we  have  the  authority  of  Sir  John  Davis  for  asserting, 
"  that  no  nation  under  the  sun  did  love  equal  and  indiitercnt  justice  better  than 
the  Irish."  But  it  must  still  be  conceded,  that  the  decline  of  both,  or  either 
of  these  propensities,  and  the  increase  of  industrious  habits,  would  have  the  most 
salutary  cfiects  on  the  morals,  hap])iness,  and  prosperity  of  the  people. 

A  gentleman  well  acquainted  with  Galway,  and  who  had,  for  many  years, 
resided  in  Spain,  frequently  mentioned  to  tlie  author,  that  he  thought  he 
perceived,  in  many  instances,  a  striking  coincidence  between  the  manners 
of  the  ])eople,  particularly  those  of  the  middle  rank,  in  bcLli  place::.  It  is  rather 
remarkable  tliat  somewhat  a  similar  observation  was  made,  nuu-.y  years  ago, 
of  ihc   inhabitants   of  Limerick,   to  the  author  of  the   Philosophical   Survey  of 


'  A  S;);iiiinrJ  of  ancient  ilcsfcnt,  r.iiil  partioiiliirl}'  a 
Ci'.s'iliaii,  thinks  himself  tho  lunst  important  hciiui  in 
nature ;  h;it,  arcorili'i;:  to  one  of  our  |,opiilar  writers, 
"  riilic'ilons  as  this  pn;lc  is,  it  is  productive  of  t!ie  most 
exaiteil  qualui:^^:  it  inspires  the  nation  with  generous, 
humane  anil  virtuous  sentiments;  it  being  scUloin  fouuvl 
tliat  a  ISpai'.i.-.!)  noMenian,  •jentleaian,  or  even  trader,  is 
iiuil'y  of  a  mean  .action." 

*  A  late  coinic  writer  of  some  celebrity,  <Iescrib:n|:  tl;e 
self-inipoitanee  of  one  ol'  his  characters,  tells  iis  that  he 
«js  as  proud  as  a  G.ilwaj  morthant.  This  empty  ()uality, 
however,  is  ijradaally  disappearing;:  many  of  tlie  pre^cnt 
peneration  now  smile  at  rhe  follies  of  the  pa-.t,  and,  with 
more  iilura'.  views,  thiui>.  no  distinctions  in  society  so  lau- 


dable as  those  whith  arc  foimded  in  virtue  and  honor. 

'  The  comity  of  Galwr.y  wi'.s  formerly  famous  for  such 
fislitinu  iientlemeu  as  !lhie-31aze-Dc\il-Bob,  Ninetccn- 
l3uel-i)ich,  Hair-'l'ri/ger-Pat,  and  Feather-Spring-Xcil ; 
but  these  honorable  ainomens  would  be  no  longer  cited 
with  triumph  by  ancient  families;  they  are  sinking  fast 
into  oblivion. —  liilt^cwuiZ/i  vii  I'vufi-hshiiuil  Eiiucalunt. 

'  it  has  been  observed  tiiat  no  city  in  Ireland,  even  of 
much  greater  extent,  is  better  supplied  with  attorneys 
than  Galway.  Previously  to  1790,  there  were  scarcely 
six  gentlemen  ol'  that  proiessiou  here  ;  but  now  there  urn 
upwards  of  thirty,  (amongst  whom  the  author  has  the 
honor  of  being  enrolled,)  a  number  deemed  l;y  sonic 
entirelv  df^jiroiiortionatc  to  the  [lopulatiou  of  the  town. 


HISTORY     OF    GALWAY.  ,*3  1  ^ 

tlie  South  of  Ireland. — (I'ide  jJ-  221.) — Among  tlie  lower  orders  licrc,  as  in  tlie 
last  mentioned  city,  many  of  what  are  termed  the  old  JMilesian  habits  are  still 
prevalent.  It  must,  however,  be  confessed  that  this  class  requires  much  improve- 
ment. Indolence  is  perhaps  the  cause  of  all  their  defects  ;  l)ut  this  arises  not  so 
nuich  from  inclination  as  necessity,  there  not  being  sufiicient  sources  of  profitable 
employment  for  the  industrious  poor.  Small  inns  and  tippling-liouses  are 
numerous,  and  even  on  tiic  Sabbath  are  very  indecorously  kept  open  during  the 
hours  of  divine  worship.^  The  evening  also  of  this  sacred  day  is  not  unfrequently 
profaned  by  drunkenness  and  riot.  Several  old  and  vulgar  ceremonies,  formerly 
in  esteem,  have  long  since  disappeared.  It  is  many  years  since  the  savage 
])ractice  of  bull-baiting  has  been  laid  aside  :  chanticleer  need  no  longer  tremble 
at  the  approach  of  Shrovetide,  and  the  public  cock-pit,  formerly  in  sucii  request, 
now  lies  deservedly  neglected. — To  conclude,  the  population  of  Galway,  with 
many  faults,  will  be  also  found' to  possess  several  excellent  qualities,  and,  if 
adequately  encouraged,  would  prove  in  no  degree  inferior  to  that  of  any  other 
part  of  the   British  dominions. 

6.  Public  Amusements,  S^c. 
The  theatre  is  situate  in  Kirwan's-lane,  which  is  one  of  the  most  confined  and 
inconvenient  parts  of  the  town.  The  house  is  small,  but  the  scenery  is  esteemed 
elegant ;  and,  from  the  taste  and  attention  of  Mr.Macartney,  the  accommodations 
are  as  complete  as  the  nature  and  size  of  the  building  will  permit.  The  most 
celebrated  performers,  viz.  Barry,  Mossop,  Kemble,  Cooke,  Siddons,  Walstein, 
and  O'Neill,  have  occasionally  visited  these  boards.  The  facetious  Smithson  had 
long  been  a  favorite  ;  and  the  exertions  of  Mr.  Clarke  to  contribute  to  the  ra- 
tional entertainment  of  the  public  are  deserving  of  every  success.  A  new  theatre, 
however,  in  an  open  and  central  situation,  appears  necessary.  The  assembly-room 
in  Middle-street,  frequently  displays  an  assemblage  of  native  beauty,  elegance 
and  i'ashion,  which  would  grace  the  drawing-rooms  of  a  court."     These,  with 


'Tlic  a\illi or  here  begs  leave  most  rcspcctfull.v  to  point  tlier  (tliongli     apparently   trifling)    improvement    would 

tlie  attention   of  the   heads   of  the   corporation   to    this  be,  tliat  of  juitting  u|)  the  nan, es  of  tliL' streets  :  no  small 

repreliensible  practice,  and  to  a  few  other  matters,  which,  confusion  has  ottentiiiies  arisen  in  describing  the  situation 

if  luTiiofore  attended  to,   iniglit  have  been    productive  of  property;   and,  from  uncertainty  in  this  respect,  legal 

of  11) iK-h  |^ublie  advantage. — The  first  is,  the  providing  a  contentions    and    even    non-snits    have   been   freijuently 

lire-ciigine,  the  want  of  which,  in  this  pop'dons  town,  has  hazarded,    which    tlie   adoption    of   this   simple    process 

belli   long  and  severely  felt.     It  is  a  well-known  nielan-  would  entirely  prevent. — These  observations,  it  is  hoped, 

cluily   tact,  that  a  conflagration    here   is    seldom   extin-  may  not  be  esteemed  oliiru-ivc,  or  beneath  the  attention 

guislied  for  want  of  proper  assistance,  until  the  ill-lated  of  or.r  worthy  representative. 

Iniildliig  which  it  seizes  is  completely  reduced  to  a  heap  "  I'hc  following  extract  is  taken  from  the  observations 
of  nrns. — Another  most  desirable  and"  necessary  im]irove-  of  a  lively  French  traveller,  before  alluded  to  :— "  Tlicre 
meiit  would  be  the  introduction  of  water-pipes  through  are  public  assemblies  daily,  at  a  moderate  price.  Sometimes 
the  [irincipal  streets,  or  the  erection  of  three  or  four  the  ladies  are  dressed,  soiiietiiiies  half-dressed,  anil  some- 
public  fountains,  which  could  be  done  at  no  very  eonsi-  times  undressed  ;  and,  according  to  these  ihtterent 
dcrable  CMpense. — The  process  of  flagging  along  the  main  degrees,  these  meetings  are  called  assembly,  drum,  or 
streets,  and  a  few  lamps,  would  also  be  most  important  promenade.  The  price  of  entrance  dilfers  according  to 
additions  to  the  convenience  of  the  inhabitants. — Ano-  tlie  name.    The  j^reatcst  gaiety  iuid  case  reign  there :  in 


316  HISTORY    OF    GALWAY. 

occasional  concerts  and  incidental  public  exhibitions,  arc  the  onlv  species  of 
amusements  which  engage  the  attention  of  the  inhabitants  of  Galvvay.  If  the 
green,  or  Mey rick-square,  (which  has  lately  become  a  favorite  promenade  with 
the  ladies,)  be  excepted,  there  is  no  public  walk  worthy  of  the  town  ;  but 
tliere  are  some  agreeable  rides  towai'ds  the  west,  whence  the  picturesque  scenerv 
of  the  bay,  and  the  county  of  Clare  mountains  appear  to  consiLlerable  advantaii-e. 

7-  Country  Scats. 
There  are  several  fine  scats  in  the  vicinity  of  Galwav.  Of  these  the 
principal  are  : — Ardfry,  the  beautiful  seat  of  the  right  honorabld  lord  Wallscourt, 
situate  near  the  new  harbour,  to  which  vessels  resort  from  the  road  of 
Galway  in  tempestuous  weather,  and  ride  in  perfect  safety ;  Tyrone  House,  the 
seat  of  Arthur  Ffrench  St.  George,  esq.  Avhich  commands  a  charming  prospect 
of  the  bay  of  Galway  and  the  islands  of  Arran  ;  Renvile,  the  seat  of  Philip 
Lynch  Athy,  esq.;  Oranmore  Castle,  the  residence  of  Walter  Elake,  esq.; 
Frenchfort,  the  seat  of  Michael  Blake,  esq.  ;  Merlin  Park,  the  fine  scat  of 
Charles  Blake,  esq.  adjacent  to  the  ruined  castle  of  Doughisky ;  Well  Park,  the 
seat  of  Mr.  Macnamara ;  Merview,  the  scat  of  Mr.  Joyce;  Menlo  Castle,  tlie 
ancient  residence  of  the  Blake  family  ;  Dangan,  the  former  seat  of  the  Martin 
family,  (this  was  universally  acknowledged  to  be  one  of  the  most  delio-jitful 
residences  in  the  kingdom,  but  it  has  of  late  years  been  sufiered  to  "-o 
considerably  to  decay ;)  Newcastle,  the  property  of  Robert  Persse,  esq.  convcni- 
entl)'  situated  near  the  river,  opposite  the  ruineil  castle  of  Terrilan,  tlie  once 
noble  residence  of  the  earls  of  Clanricardc  ;  Rahoon,  the  scat  of  James  Bodkin, 
esq.;  V>'cst  Lodge,  the  seat  of  our  late  venerable  and  respected  recorder,  James 
O'Hara,  esq.;  Barna,  the  highly  improved  and  elegant  seat  of  Marcus  Blake 
Lynch,  esq.  which  for  situation  and  beauty  of  prospect  stands  unrivalled. 
Galway  gives  the  title  of  viscount  to  th-e  noble  family  of  IVIoncton. 


fatt,  the  IidHl'S  of  Galwuy  i'.rc  cn])i'l)Ic  nf  instnictinj;  t!ie  pt/rccivinp  it,  and  ulio  go  i.boiit  sliopp'ni!^,  (lanciii-  anct 

FroMch   )adic<  in  coijiietrv.     In  the  niorniiij;,  five  or  fix  i<a'i;liifi^,   until    tlu'v    arc    upwards    ot'    fifty." Rimltcs 

joiing  ladies,  stowed  in  a  car,  with   tlifir   Ic-^s   haiiiiin;,'  liirov^li  Irctniul. — \\'liatevc'r   ti'itth  miirlit  ori"inaIlv  have 

out,  go  two  miles  from  the  city  to  refresh  their  charji.i  in  been  contained  in   some  of  these  remarks,  matters  have 

the  sea;  and   in  ti'C  eiTning,  if  tiiere  lie   no   assembly,  since  changed  vcn' tiiaterially.    A  period  of  twenty  years 

(iiey  go  .'Vor.i  shop  to  shop,  Inlying,  hiiighing  and  chaltiiig  makes   great  alteiations  in   human    afl'airs.      \Vcre    this 

«'l!i  tlieir  Irieiuls  v.lumi  they  meet   on  the  way.     'J'here  gentlen.an  to  vi^it  Galway  iigain,  we  venture  to  predict 

art:  ill  this  gooil  city  some  ladies  who  grow  old   without  that  his  observations  would  be  very  diHi,Teiit. 


JTinfsf, 


X  Hn^ravetl  farlltuximuuCMietory  eftioM^. 


r    2ji'"<^/c    \'r//'- 


AB  B  BJWDA. 


I. — Mlx    of    Lfahxintt    axd    Gexil's,    Natives'   of 
Galway  and  its  Vicinity. 

The  lengtli  to  which  tin's  work  has  already  extended  pre- 
cludes tlic  possibility  of  more  than  briefly  noticing  a  few 
eminent  inilividuals.      Of  these  the  first,  in  order  of  time,  is. 


1.  Patrick  Barri/. 

This  gptitleman  was  born  in  Galway,  in  159S,  and  was 
the  second  son  of  James  Riveugh  Darcy,  who  was  mayor  in 
l(i0.3.  lie  was  educated  in  the  profession  of  the  law,  and 
became  a  leading  member  of  the  parliament  assembled  at 
Dublin  in  1G40,  when  the  Catholics  had  a  joint  share  with 
the  Protest imts  in  tlio  legislation  of  the  kingdom.  On  9th 
June,  1641,  he  delivered  (by  order  of  the  house  of  com- 
mons) his  celebrated  argument  before  a  committee  of  the 
lords  in  tlie  castle  of  Dublin,  on  questions  touching  the  inde- 
pendence of  Ireland,  the  illegality  of  appeals  to  England, 
t:'L'  castle  chamber  proceedings,  &c.  propounded  to  the  judges. 
IVinted  1 G45,  4to.  He  afterwards  became  own  of  the  supreme 
council  of  the  confederate  Catholics  of  Ireland,  as">erabled 
at  Kilkenny,  in  1647;  and,  after  sharing  in  all  the  political 
vicissitudes  of  those  eventful  times,  he  died  in  Dublin  in 
IbGH,  and  was  interred  at  Kilconncl,  in  the  county  of  Galway, 
—  l^idc  Hnrrh's  IVarc,   ct  unW,   p.  I  I. 

The  author  of  this  work  has  in  his  possession,  in  manu- 
script, an  able,  but  inetfectual,  remonstrance,  written  by 
lUr.  Darcy,  against  the  partial  procoetU  ngs  towards  the 
nncient  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  county  of  tlie  town  of 
Gaiway,  alter  the  Ucbtoration. 

2.  John  Lr/}wh. 
This  virtuous  and  learned  prelate  was  born  in  Gnhvay  early 
In  the  seventeenth  century.  He  taught  what  was  called  a 
school  of  humanity  in  his  native  town.  During  the  troubles 
of  1641.  he  disapproved  of  the  violent  measures  of  the 
warden,  Walter  I^ynch  ;  and,  in  1647,  opposed  the  nuncio, 
Uinuncini,  who  was  then  in  Gaiway.  He  afterwards  became 
archdeacon  of  Tuam,  and,  on  the  surrender  of  Galway  to 
the  parliament  army  in  1653,  he  went  to  France,  where  he 
published,  under  the  name  of  **  Endoxius  Alithinologus,*' 
Alithiruilogi  (y  i,io.'  irrcdica  rrsponFio  ad  inocct'wnniy  jnoidaciiSf 
JUKnciis,  criliDuniis  ct  iiiipoi-tnris  Jtctani^  ill  plurimos  a7itislUcs 
prjLxrcs,  ft  t^/.-i/u'j   Ordinis  HibcnuMi  A,R.  P,  R,  F.C,  Congre- 


gattoni  de  propaganda  fidCy  A.D,  1659,  exhibUam  1664,  4to. — 
Supplementum  alithinolot^,  quod  partes  invect'wcc  in  Hibernos 
cnsfp  in  alUkinologia  non  oppugnata  evcrtit,  1667,  4/0.  But 
the  work  by  wliich  he  principally  acquired  fame  was  published 
under  the  feigned  name  of  Gratianus  Lucius,  and  is  entitled 
**  CambrcJisisE versus,  scu  potiusHistoricaJideStiii  rebus  Hibvr- 
niciSf  Giraldo  Cavibrciisi  abrugata.  In.  quo^  pUrasque  justi 
liistorici  dates  arsidernri^  plerosqnc  iicevos  inessc  ostcndit  Graii- 
anus  Lucius  Hibcrnus ;  qui  cliam  aliquot  res  niemorabilcs 
Hibcrnicas  vcteris  et  novec  mcmor'uv  passim  c  re  nnta  fiuicopcri 
mseruit.  I/nj>rcss,  An.  \66'2,  JoHu.** — In  this  work  the  errors 
and  falsehoods  of  Gerald  Barry,  or  Cambrensis,  concerning 
Ireland,  are  detected  and  ably  refuted.  He  wrote  also  *'Fii 
Autistkis  Icon,  sive  dc  vitaetmorte  rev,  D,  Francisci  Kerovatii, 
A/ladnisis  Fpiscopi.  Maclomi,  1669,  8yo."  and  became  himself 
titular  bishop  of  Killala  before  his  death.  A  late  biographer 
states  he  was  traditionally  informed,  that  our  author  **  was  a 
man  of  the  greatest  benevolence,  amiable  manners,  and 
virtuous  dispositions,  and  that  the  whole  course  of  his  life  was 
distinguished  by  a  prominent  and  unaltered  feature — the  love 
of  humanity  and  his  country." 

.-.    Roderick  0' Flaherty. 

Tills  learned  Irish  antiquary  was  born  about  the  year  1650» 
at  Park,  near  Galway,  part  of  the  ancient  inlicrltance  of  his 
family.  He  applied  hitnself  with  a'^tonJshing  perseverance 
to  the  study  of  the  history  and  antiquities  of  his  native  country, 
and  in  1684  published  his  great  work,  entitled,  **  Ogi/gia  :  seu 
Rerum  Hibcndcaruni  Chronohgia  ;  ex  vetustis  inembraiiis  Jide- 
I'lter  inter  se  collatis  eruta,  atque  e  sacris  et  prophnnis  Uteris 
priniarum  orbis  gentium  ta/n  gem-alngiciSy  suj/laminnta  prfcsUlii-:. 
Londiui^  1685,  'Hik'  wliich  he  dedicated  to  the  duke  of  York, 
afterwards  James  II.  This  learned  and  excellent  writer,  to 
whose  laborious  researches  we  are  indebted  for  tlie  most 
accurate  chronology  of  this  country  that  ever  ajipeared,  died 
on  the  Sth  of  April,  1718,  aged  89  years.  lie  lies  buried  ia 
a  field  near  the  house  in  wliich  he  was  born. 

In  the  year  1775,  Charles  O'Conor,  esq.  )>ublished,  witfr 
notes,  *'  Ogygia  vindicated  against  the  Objections  of  .Sir 
George  Mackenzie,  a  posthumous  work,  by  Roderick 
O'Flaherty,  &c."— This  tract  was  pubhMied  from*  the  original, 
in  the  author's  hand-writing.  Several  other  manuscript  re- 
mains of  this  excellent  antiquary,  particularly  his  Ogi/gtti 
Christiana^  or  "Annals  of  the  Cliristian  Ages  to  theDissoiution 
of  the  Irish  monarchy,"  are  said  to  be  still  preserved  by  M-; 
descendants,  near  Galway, 


SIS 


4.   Sir  GcorgL'  LcoiiarJ  SL'H'uton,  Barf. 

Thfs  gentleman  w.\^  born  in  Gahvay  cnrly  in  the  last 
CMitury.  He  studiu)]  medicine  at  Montpclicr,  an<i  settled 
in  Lonilon,  where  he  tran^^hited  several  of  the  niedieul  essays 
of  l")r.  Storck,  of  Vienna.  Aliout  the  vcar  IT'i'i,  he  went 
to  Granada,  where  ho  ar.iuircd  a  con^i-ierahle  f,.rtMne.  and 
havin-  studied  the  law.  l.eeame  attornev-gei.eral  oKlIie  isl.n.d. 
He  alterw.mls  wenr  to  the  East  Jnda-s.  as  s^-eietary  to  lord 
Maearlney,  in  which  capacity  he  di,]j!ay<-Ml  great  abilities, 
particularly  in  the  treaty  with  Tippoo  Sultan,  for  which  he 
received  a  pension  from  the  India  company,  and  was  created 
a  baronet  In  ITp-J,  ho  accompanied  lord  :\Iacnrtney  as 
secretary  of  legation  on  the  famous  embassy  to  China,  of 
which  he  published  a  higldy  interesiinj;  account,  in  two  vols, 
^lo.      Sir  George  died  in  London  in  1801. 

5.    WalLcr   VAakc  K'lnvan. 

Ti::s  clofpient  preacher  was  born  in  Galwny  In  175!.  and 
n-as  e.U-catcd  in  the  Jesuits*  College  at  St.Omer's.  At  the 
a^e  of  seventeen,  he  went  to  the  island  of  St.  Croix,  in  tlie 
West  Indies,  where  he  remained  six  years.  On  liis  leturn  to 
Kurope,  be  was  sent  by  his  maternal  uncle  (doctor  Anthony 
Ulake,  titular  prltnate  of  Ireland)  to  the  university  of  Lovain, 
where  ho  received  priest's  orders,  and  was  promoted  to  the 
cliair  of  natural  and  moral  philosophy.  In  I77S,  he  was 
appointed  chaplain  to  the  Neapolitan  ambassador  of  the 
Uritish  court  ;  and  in  the  gay  circles  of  London  it  is  said 
tliat  he  first  formed  the  idea  of  embracing  the  Protestant 
religion.  After  some  years  he  returned  to  Ireland,  and,  in 
1787,  conformed  to  the  established  cliurch.  This  event 
proved  a  source  of  unbounded  re_ii>ret  to  bis  numerous  and 
respectable  friends  and  relations.  His  brother,  an  exemplary 
Catholic  clergyman  \\v  Galway,  is  said  to  have  died  of  grief, 
originally  occasioned  by  the  circumstance  ;  but  bis  uncle  the 
archbishop  bore  it  more  philo-^ophically.  When  the  latter  was 
informed  that  his  nephew  had  changed  his  religion,  '  Tut,  man,' 
replied  the  old  prelate,  "he  Iiad  no  religion  to  change;'*  but 
this  may  be  re-sunably  attributed  to  resentment.  It  could  not 
be  denied,  however,  that  the  new  convert  brought  a  considerable 
accession  of  talent  to  the  church  which  be  had  chosen.  His  fame 
soon  blazed  forth  with  a  lustre  unprecedented  in  tlie  annals  of 
pulpit  eloquence,  and  his  powerful  talents  were  always  made 
subservient  to  the  sacrL-d  cause  of  charity.  Though  the 
powers  of  human  persuasion  were  never  more  successfully 
employed,  the  worldly  rewards  of  the  preacher  were  compar- 
ativL-ly  mean  and  trilling.  In  1798,  lie  was  appointed  prebend 
of  How  III,  and  rector  of  be  parish  of  St.  Nicholas  Without,  in 
Dublin ;  and  his  highest  ecclesiastical  i)roinotion  was  the  mode- 
rate deanery  of  Killala,  to  wliich  he  was  preferred  in  tlie  year 
ISOO.  He  died  rf!»  i.'7th  October,  1805,  near  Dublin,  leaving 
a  wife  and  four  children  very  ill  provided  ^ot,  until  bis  late 
majesty  was  plca'^ed  to  grant  his  widow  a  pension  of  :?00^  a 
year.  A  volume  of  the  dean's  sermons,  published  in  London, 
in  18H,  for  the  benefit  of  bis  family,  does  not  appear  to 
have  added  much  to  his  fame. 

The  following  beautiful  eulogium  on  this  highly-talented 
individual  w:'.-,  pronounced  by  the  celebrated  Henry  Grattaii 
in  the  Irish  parliament,  on  19th  June,  1792: — "  What  is 
the  case  o^  doctor  Kirwan  ? — This  man  preferred  our  country 
and  our  religion,  and  brought  to  both  genius  superior  to  whiit 
be  found  in  either.  He  called  forth  the  latent  virtues  of  the 
human  heart,  and  taught  men  to  vliscovur  in  tlieinselves  a  mine 
of  charilv,  ^^K  which  the  proprietors  had  heen  unconscious.  In 
feeding  t'lie  lamp  of  charity,  lie  has  almost  exliaustcd  the  lamp 
•f  life.      He  came  to  Interrupt  tlie  repoi.o  of  tl:e  pulpil,   ami 


shakes  one  world  with  ths  thunder  of  the  other.  Tlie  preach- 
er's desk  became  the  throne  of  light.  Hound  him,  in  a  train, 
not  such  as  crouch  and  swagger  at  the  levee  of  princes,  not 
such  as  attend  the  procession  of  the  viceroy,  horse,  foot  and 
dragoons,  but  that  wherewith  a  great  geniuh  peoples  his  own 
slate — charity  in  ecstasy,  and  vice  in  humiliation  ! — vanitv, 
arrogance,  and  saucy  empty  pride  appalled  by  the  rebuke  of 
the  prea.lier,  and  cliealeil  iV.r  a  moment  of  their  uati\e  probity 
and  insolence.— Whai  reward?  — St.  Nichohis  Within,  or  St. 
Nicholas  Without!  The  cur:,e  oi'  Sivi/l  is  upon  hiin— to 
have  been  horn  an  Irlslinum,  and  a  ni.m  of  genius  ^"d  t^i 
have  used  it  for  the  good  of  his  country  !" 

(S.  liirhanl  Klntwi.,,  E.'j. 
This  celebrated  pliilo-'Onhcr,  whose  t;>li'nts  and  scientific 
discoveries  have  reflected  so  much  honor  on  Ids  native  country, 
was  born  near  Galway,  in  the  year  175  1.  He  was  descended 
from  one  of  the  most  ancient  and  respectable  families  of  the 
town,  and,  being  a  younger  brother,  was  originally  Inteiulul 
for  a  profession.  He  was  accordingly  sent  to  St.  Onier's  to 
receive  a  suitable  education;  but  on'  the  death  of  his  cKIlt 
brother,  he  succeeded  to  the  family  estates;  and  having 
thenceforth  abandoned  all  jirofessional  ideas,  he  indulged  Iiis 
propensity  by  applying  to  tliose  philosophical  pursuit->  fur 
which  he  was  so  singularly  gifted.  He  studied  science,  and 
traced  nature  in  her  Im-nost  recesses,  with  that  persevering 
industry  in  the  investigation  of  truth  which  always  marks  ihii 
true  genius.  For  many  years  he  stood  almost  alone  in  his 
scientific  researches  ;  and  if  he  did  not  bring  the  science  of 
chemistry  to  perfection,  he  certainly  led  the  way  to  many  of 
its  most  important  discoveries.  It  has  been  jjointedly  observed, 
as  a  rclleclion  on  Ireland,  that  the  abilities  of  IMr.  Ivinviui 
were  more  appreciated,  and  that  bis  reputation  was  greater  in 
every  country  in  Europe  than  in  his  own.  He  published 
several  learned  w  orks,  viz. :  Elements  of'  Minerafot^t/,  2  vols. 
8vo,  London,  1784;  Gfolugkul  Essays,  Svo.  London,  1709; 
£ssn!/  on  the  Anali/sis  of' Mineral  Waters,  ^vo.  London,  1799; 
Logic,  or  oil  EssuT/  on  the  ElenioUs,  I'rinciplt's  and  dilfernit 
Modes  of  Reasoning,  2  vols.  Svo.  London  1807;  Mctaphy* 
sicnl  Essnj/s,  containing  the  Frindjdes  and  fundamental  Objects 
(f  that  Svii-nce,  Scu.  London  1809;  An  Essay  on  Phi  i-^iston 
and  the  Constitution  of  Acids,  8i'0.;  An  Essay  on  the  Temper- 
atnre  of  di^\rent  Latitudes,  8u^y.  besides  numerous  tracts  in 
the  transactions  of  the  different  societies  of  which  he  was  a 
member.  IMr.  Kirwan,  for  many  years  before  bis  death,  was 
president  of  the  Royal  Irish  Academy,  and  also  president  of 
the  Dublin  Library  Society;  fellow  of  the  Iloyal  Societies  of 
London  and  Edinl)urgh  ;  member  of  the  academies  of  Stock- 
holm, Upsal,  Berlin,  IManchester,  Philadelphia,  of  tlie 
MIneralogical  Society  at  Jena,  &c.  doctor  of  laws,  and 
inspector-general  of  his  majesty's  mines  in  Ireland.  His 
manners  were  rather  singular  :  he  never  eat  in  company, 
owing,  as  was  supposed,  to  some  disorder  iu  his  throat.  He 
entertained  many  curious  suppositions;  amongst  others,  he 
conceived  that  mankind  is  indebted  for  a  large  portion  of 
knowledge,  ])articularly  astronomy,  lo  the  antediluvians;  and 
that  Greek  was  the  first  language  spoken  by  man.  His 
religious  opinions  were  unsettled  to  the  last,  although  it  lias 
been  asserted  that  he  died  "  Eenne  Catholi^jne,*'  notwiihstaud* 
ing  his  having  lived  "  Frru.v  Chemlier."  This  distinguished 
character  departed  this  life,  in  his  house,  Cavendiah-ruw, 
Dublin,  on  1st  June,    1812,   in  the  7Sth  year  of  his  age. 

Notices  of  several  other  natives  of  Galway,  eminent  fur 
their  learning  and  a'.iililies,  will  be  found  Interspersed  through- 
out the  notes,  cuiilained  in  the  ecclesiastical  part  of  this  work, 
to  which,  for  the  present,  tlie  author  begs  leave  to  refer  Uie 
reader. 


ADDKXDA. 


319 


IJ. — A  BniEF  Historical  Accolst  or  nit  Isr.ANus 
or  Arran. 

The  three  i-,laiuls  of  Arran,  lying  in  llie  western  ocean, 
nt  the  mouth  of  the  bay  of  Galway,  are  stated  by  our  annalists 
to  be  tile  remnants  of  a  Iiigli  barrier  of  land  whieb  the 
AtlantiL-  burst  over  at  an  early  period  of  the  world. — fiilc 
j:,:^,-  5,  un'.c. — Tlie  late  j\Ir.  Kirwan,  in  his  essay  on  the 
priiniti\e  stale  of  the  globe,  says,  "  The  bay  of  Galnay 
appears  to  have  been  originally  a  granitic  mountain,  shattered 
and  swallowed."  during  a  great  convulsion,  which  be  sup- 
poses to  have  taken  |)lace;  and  adds,  "A  va^t  mass  of  granite, 
c.illed  tlie  Gregory,  lately  stood  on  one  of  the  isles  of  Arran, 
100  feet,  at  least,  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  This  was  shat- 
tered by  lightning  in  177-1."  That  these  islands  were  inh.a- 
l>ited  subsequently,  to  what  in  reference  to  tbem  may  be 
called  the  adjacent  main  land,  seems  very  probalde.  Thev 
^\erc  anciently  ovei-shadowed  with  wood,  of  which  there  are 
still  very  evident  remains.  Thie  circumstance,  cunibined 
with  their  retiretl  situation  and  wild  appearance,  rendered 
them  peculiarly  well  adapted  for  the  celebration  of  the  pagan 
rites  ai'  the  early  Irisli.  The  immense  cairns,  stone  monuments, 
or  altars,  circles,  and  other  Druidic  remains  yet  to  be  seen 
here,  shew  that  these  islands  were  formerly  the  resort  of  that 
famous  order  of  Heathen   jn-Icsts. 

On  the  invasion  of  Ireland  by  the  Tutha  dc  Danans,  the 
Firbolgs,  al'ter  the  battle  of  Muireadh,  Hed  to  the  isles  of 
Arran,  and  the  other  isles  round  the  coast,  wtiere  they  re- 
mained until  ibey  were  expelled  by  the  Cruithnigb,  or  Picts, 
after  the  provincial  division  of  the  island. — Leabhur  Gabhala. 
— A.  n.  250,  these  islands  were  governed  by  the  tribe  of 
Eogan  Alan;  king  of  north  .Alunster,  and  afterwards  became 
the  residence  of  St.  Iber,  one  of  the  four  bishops  wlio,  in 
A.  1).  4I'J,  (before  the  arrival  of  St.  Patrick,)  were  sent  to 
pre.ich  the  Christian  faith  in  Jreland.  In  the  same  century, 
jEngus,  king  of  Cashel,  granted  the  great  island  of  .Vrran 
to  .St.  Endeus,  who  built  ten  monasteries  and  thirteen  churches 
on  it,  the  principal  of  which  was  afterwards,  from  him,  called 
Ki:i-£iiJa.  The  isl.uid  itself  was  soon  after  distinguished  by 
the  name  of  ylr:i  na  Nammli,  or  Am  ,>f  tlu-  Siiinis  ;  and  so 
great  was  the  number  of  holy  men  and  hermits  hei'e  interred, 
that  the  writer  of  the  Life  of  St.  Kieran  declares  they  were 
known  only  to  the  Al.migiitv  Got?  alone, — In  f/ua  irtsttln 
laiiliiluJo  i'li-orum  saiu:ti>riim  inanct,  ft  iunu/HfrabiU'^  sancti, 
umnibiis  inco^niti  iii<i  solo  Di'o  omnipoU'nti,  ibi  jucnit. —  In 
5iG,  it  \vas  agreed  between  the  kings  of  Munster  and  Con- 
naught  that  the  islands  of  Arran  were  to  acknowledge  no 
sujierior,  or  pay  chief  rent  to  any  but  their  native  princes, 
in  whose  possession  they  remained  for  many  ages  afterwards. 
By  the  annals  of  Innisl'allen  il  appears  that  the  great  island 
was  destr;iyed,  in  1081,, by  the  Danes.— Wr(,i,i»  uti  Xammli 
iLt  bis^adh  L-  Loflilttnntnhh.  —  Cambreruis,  who  wrote  in  the 
century  al'ier  tliis  period,  gr.ively  informs  us,  that  "  Here 
bum  m  bo.lies  are  neither  buried,  nor  do  tiley  jiutrefy,  but, 
lying  oa  the  surf.ice,  and  exposed  10  die  open  air,  lliey  rem.ain 
uncur.  upted  ;  and  men  m.iv  thus  beiiold  and  recognise  their 
gi.-.nd|-.i;lKTs  and  gre.^t-grandlalhers.  A. .other  thing  remark- 
aide,  is,  that  though  alT  Ireland  abmmds  with  r.ats,  this  island 
is  free  from  any,  for  should  that  reptile  be  brought  thither,  it 
either  leapetli  into  the  sea,  or,  being  prevented,  instantly 
dies!" — Tiiis,  however,  is  but  one  of  tlie  nuinerom  fables 
and  falsehoods  widi  which  that  vain  topogmplier  an>used 
his  Oxford  auditory  respecting  Ireland. 

IJy  the  ancient  records  of  Galway  it  appears,  tliat,  from  a 
remote  period,  the  sept  of  M.ic  Tiege  O'  lirieii,  lords  of  these 
islands,  vvere  on  terms  of  alliance  ami  friendship  with  the 
iuliabilauts   of  the   town Fide   anU;   jij:   ."ii,    L'07. — This, 


however,  did  not  save  them  from  being  plundered  and  burned 
by  Sir  John  D'Arcy,  lord  justice,  who  sailed  round  the 
western  coast  of  Ireland,  in  the  year  1334,  with  a  tiect  of 
fifty-six  sail.— (,/_v/i;ic's  Annals.— ]n  Hho,  a  monastery  for 
Franciscans  was  built  in  the  great  island  ;  in  which  there  was 
also  founded  a  famous  abbey  of  regular  canons.  In  the  sixteenth 
century  the  O'Uricns  were  expelled  from  these  islands  by  the 
O'Flalierlies  of  lar-Connauglit ;  infyrniation  of  which  out- 
rage having  been  sent  to  (pieen  Fdizabeth,  a  commission 
issued,  under  which  it  was  found,  that  they  belonged  to  her 
majesty  in  right  of  her  crown.  She  accordingly,  by  letters- 
patent,  dated  I3tli  January,  1JS7,  (instead  of  restoring  them 
to  the  ancient  propiietors,)  granted  the  entire  to  John  Rawson 
of  Athlone,  gentleman,  and  his  iieirs,  on  condition  that  he 
should  retain  constantly  on  the  islands  twenty  foot-soldiers,  of 
the  English  nation — /iol.  Ful.  31  £&.— On'this  occasion  the 
corporalcou  of  Galway  addressed  the  ijueen  on  behalf  of  the 
O'Briens;  but  their  appeal  proved  inelTectual.  After  this 
period,  the  properly  and  inheritance  of  Arran  became  vested 
in  Sir  Robuck  Lynch,  of  Galway  :  but  the  Chin  Tien-es  still 
claimed  them  as  their  ancient  patrimony  ;  and,  taking  advan- 
tige  of  the  troubles  in  IS-II,  with  the  assistance  of  Boetius 
Clanchy,  the  younger,  (a  gentleman  of  considerable  property 
and  inHuence  in  the  county  of  Clare,)  prepared  to  invade  the 
islands ;  but  their  design  w  as  prevented  by  the  timely  interfe- 
rence of  the  marquis  of  Clauricardc,  assisted  by  the  earl  of 
Thomond. —  Clou.  Mem.  7 1 . 

On  the  decline  of  the  royal  authority  in  Ireland,  in  IGjl, 
the  Marquis  of  Clanricarde  resolved  to  fortify  these 
islands  as  places  of  refuge  in  case  of  extremity.  Accor- 
dingly, two  hundred  musketeers,  with  ollicers  and  a  .'unner, 
under  the  comm.and  of  Sir  Robert  Lynch,  were  sent  thither. 
—  Fid,;  uiiU;  pa.  1'27,  naU- — The  fort  of  Ardkui,  in  the 
great  island,  was  soon  after  repaired,  and  furnished  with 
cannon,  which  enabled  it  to  hold  out  against  the  ji:  rliamentary 
forces  near  a  year  after  the  surrender  of  G.dway.  In  the 
beginning  of  December,  1C50,  the  Irish,  routed  in  ■  every 
other  quarter,  landed  seven  hundred  men  here,  by  the  help 
of  boats,  from  lar-Connaught  and  Innis-Bopbin  ;  but,  on  the 
9th  of  January  following,  1  :M0  foot,  with  a  haltering-piece, 
were  shipped  in  the  bay  of  Galway  to  attack  them,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  COO  foot  more  marched  from  the  towii  to 
lar-Connaught,  to  be  thence  conveyed  to  their  assistance,  if 
necessary.  On  the  Ijth,  the  islands  surrendered  on  the 
following  ",\rticlcs,  concluded  between  major  James  Harrison 
and  c.iptain  \Villiam  Draper,  on  bthatf  of  commissary- 
general  Ueynolils,  commander  in  chief  of  the  parliainenlaiv 
forcesjin  the  isles  of  .Vrran,  and  captain  John  lilackwall  and 
captain  Brien  Kelly,  commissioners,  appointed  by  colonel 
Oliver  Synnot,  commander  of  the  fort  of  Ardkvii,  for  the 
surrender  of  the  said  fort. —  I.  It  is  concluded  .and  a  "reed, 
that  all  the  officers  and  soldiers,  bolh  beioln^ing  to  sw  ami 
land,  shall  have  ciuarters,  as  also  all  olhers.'tbiT  ^liTgymen, 
and  all  other  persons  ivithin  the  fort. — 2.  That  they  shiUI  have' 
six  weeks  fur  their  transportation  iiilo  Spain,  or  anv  other 
place  in  amity  with  the  state  of  Kngland  ;  and  that  hostages 
be  given  by  colonel  Syunol  for  tbeVmictual  puformance^of 
these  articles.— 3.  'i'bat  colonel  .Synnot  shall  deliver  up  the 
fort,  wilh  all  necessaries  of  war,  by  three  o'clock  this  instant, 
IJtb  January,  mj2,  before  which  time  all  ollicers  and  soldiers 
belonging  to  the  said  foot  shall  march,  with  drums  beatin",  to 
the  church  near  Ardkyn.  and  there  lay  do.vu  their  ariii^'.— 
4.  That  colonel  Synnot  anil  the  captains,  iM.;!it  in  number, 
shall  have  liberty  to  carry  their  swords;  the  other  officers  and 
soldiers  to  lay  down  their  arms  :  that  commis.ary  Reynolds 
shall  nominate  four  o:i;ccrs   of  the  foit   hosti 'es. 5.  Th.  t 


320 


ADDENDA, 


colonel  Synnot,  with  the  rest  of  the  ofTiccrs  and  soldiers,  and 
all  other  persons  in  the  iort,  shall,  upon  delivering  their  arnns 
and  delivering  their  hostngcs,  be  protected  from  the  violence 
of  the  soldiers,  and  with  the  first  convenicncy  be  sent  to  the 
county  of  Galway  ;  there  to  remain  in  quarters  for  b'lx  weeks, 
in  wliich  time  they  are  to  le  transported,  as  aforesaid  :  pro- 
vided that  no  pcrsoi\  whatsoever,  hclongin;];  to  the  fori  of 
Ardkyn,  and  found  guilty  of  murder,  be  included  or  com- 
prised in  these  articles,  or  have  any  benefit  thereby"-- On^'.Af^'?. 

The  parliamentary  forces,  on  taking  possession  of  the  for- 
tifications found  seven  large  pieces  of  cannon,  a  conMderahle 
quantity  of  arms  and  ammunition  ;  they  also  seized 
a.  French  shallop  of  twenty-eight  oars,  and  several  large 
boats.  The  fort  was  soon  after  newly  repaired,  and  a  strong 
garrison  stationed  in  it.  In  the  mean  time.  Sir  Robert  Lynch, 
the  former  proprietor  of  the  islands,  was  declared  a  forfeiting 
traitor.  His  right  was  assigned  to  Erasmus  Smith,  esq  one 
nf  the  most  considerable  of  the  London  adventurers  in 
Trelaiul;  and  the  interest  of  this  gentleman  having  been 
purchased  by  Richard,  earl  of  Arran,  his  title  was  afterwards 
ronfinned  by  the  act  of  settlement.  On  the  surrender  of 
Galway  to  king  William's  forces,  in  IG91,  a  garrison  was 
sent  to  Arran,  and  a  barrack  was  built,  in  which  soldiers  were 
stationed  for  many  years.  After  several  revolutions,  the 
inheritance  of  the  islands  became  vested  in  the  Digby  family, 
in  whose  possession  they  now  remain. 

The  author  regrets  that  he  cannot  here  introduce  a 
description  of  the  natural  productions  and  stupendous 
scenery  of  these  interesting  islands,  the  singular  customs 
and  simple  manners  of  the  natives,  and  an  account  of 
the  ancient  churches,  stone  crosses,  rude  monuments,  and 
other  remains  of  antiquity  to  be  met  with  here  by  the  curious. 
He  must,  therefore,  for  the  present,  bo  content  with  laying 
before  the  reader  the  following  return  concerning  those  islands, 


made  under  the  Censi 
generally  correct;  — 


i  Act  of  1812,  which 


Lipposed  to  be 


rue    Isltrd*    i.f 


Island  of  Eni 

eer. 

K.IK-,.nv   Vill 
ill  C;rc.,lUI 

nil   i 

Kilrnnan, 

tlitttt, 

Mailifeler, 

ditto, 

Oghill, 

ditto. 

Ballinacroggy 

ditto. 

Oat.i|uiirter, 

ditto. 

KilHiurr), 

ditto. 

emit'. 

ditto 

OjiaiiKlit, 

ditto. 

CrLtMlicrean, 

ditto. 

liuiiguwlcj-, 

ditto. 

i 

1 

■17 
51 

78 
5'J 

a 

24 
22 
19 
IS 

1(1 
19 

211 

n 

1  ■ 

ii 

a 
47 

S2 

"'9 
24 

19 
IS 
l/i 
10 
19 

11 

1 

%^2 

0'-  t 

4 

3 

i 
2' 
1 

i 

4rf 
51 
78 
4S 
9 
211 
19 
17 
18 
1.-. 
10 
19 

ii 

■;si 

4 

4 
4 

2 

1 
1 

■IHJ 

17 

2" 

.1 

Attested  by  Digby  Devcnish,  tiie  person  apiKiintcd  by  the  grand-iun-  t* 
take  an  account  of  the  population  of  the  three  Ulands  of  Arran  (tlf 
same  amounting  to  210O  souls,)  thia  ISth  day  of  August,  1815,  before  u', 
II'.  LePaer  Tiemh. 
John  Blak,:. 

On  the  evening  of  the  Ut  May,  1818,  a  bright  rovolvin" 
light  was  exhihited  from  the  new  light-house,  then  lalel? 
built  on  the  island  of  Arran.  This  inland  bears  by  compass, 
from  Hog's-head,  N.  by  \V.  1  W.  IG  miles;  from  Guilin- 
hcad,  S.  I  VV.  about  «  miles;  from  Blackhead,  within  the  bay 
of  Galway,  VV.  by  N.  1  N.  18  miles;  and  from  Biuitoii- 
island,  near  the  town,   W.  -'-  N.  distance  29  miles. 


APPENDIX 


TO  THE 


HISTORY    OF    GALWAY 


Number  I. 

■islituiio  CoUegii  S.  Nicholai,  Gahie,  per  Dona- 
turn  O'Murri/  Arc/iiepiscopum  Tiiamejisis,  anno 
Domhii  liSi.     Ex  originali  penes  auctorem. 

DoNATi:s,miseratione  divina  Tuamensis  Archie- 


moda  personarum  et  rerum  sustinent,  et  majora 
sustineant,  nisi  celeri  remedio  eis  succurratur,  infu- 
turum.  Ad  supplicationeni  ipsoriiin  parocliiano- 
runi,  quorum  quidam  nonnullas  terras  et  rcdditus 
ac  ediKcia  pro  se  suisque  hercdibus  impcrpetuani 
et  purani  elemosinam,  ad  inf'rascriptuni  nostrum 
internum  condonarunt ;  et  quidam  alii,  si  res  ad 
etFectum  perducatur,  donare  intendunt  ecclesiam 
piscopus,  universis  Christi  fidelibus  prcsentes  lit-  ipsam  parochialem,  provida  super  hoc  delibera- 
teras  visuris  vel  audituris,  salutem  in  Domino  sem-  tione  prohabita,  cum  ipsa  vicaria  ac  quarta  nostra 
piternam.  Inter  cetera  quidem  onera  que  nostris  archiepiscopali,  quam  pro  salute  anime  nostra,  pre- 
humeris  incumbunt,  circa  ilia  precisius  ac  spccialius  decessorum  ac  successorum  nostrorum,  ad  hoc  per- 
providere  debeamus,  per  que  divinus  cultus  tern-  ficiendum  in  puram  et  perpetuam  elemosinam  dona- 
poribus  nostris  incipiat  augeri,  et  populus  Chris-  "Vimus  et  prescntibus  donamus  per  tenoreni,  ac 
tianus  nobis  subjectus  per  alterationem  status  eccle-  dimidia  quarta  quam  servitores  ipsius  ecclesie  ab 
siarum,  quibus  per  singulares  parsonas  antea  abbate  et  monachis  Collts  l'iclori<c,  nostra  dia-cesi, 
descrviri    a    presbiteris    collegialiter     viventibus,     Cistcrciencium  vero  ordinis,   quos    dicte  ecclesie 


rectona  tangit,  pro  servitio  per  longum  tenipus 
detinere  consueverunt,  ac  vicaria  parochialis  ec- 
clesie Sancti  Jacobi  tie  Balci/uc/aer,  nostre  I^nach- 
dunensis  diaecesi,  (juani  de  consensu  vicarii  ejusdem 
ecclesie,  pro  sustcntatione  presbiterorum  inibi 
vivere  volentium,  simili  modo  donavinius,  et  ipsi 


in    quorum   medio   [_  ]    inliabitari  permisit 

religiosis  et  devotis  recipiat  incrementum.  Qua- 
propter  universitati  vestre  scire  prescntibus  inno- 
tescimus,  qualiter  nos,  attente  considerantes  quod 
parochiani  parochialis  ecclesie  Sancti  Nicholai 
villa    (jidwye,     modesti    ct    niorigerosi    homines, 

inter  silvestres  ac  niontanos  in  ipsa  villa  firmiter  ecclesie    ville    Gahvie,    univmius,     annexmius    et 

luurata,  commorantes ;  eisdem  moribus  cum  pre-  incorporamus,  ac   servitiis   Lynciie   et   Diake,    ac 

dictis  montanis  et  silvestribus  non  utentcs,  propter  Saiicte  Marie  aliisquc  terris,  redditibus,  per  ante- 

impetrationcs  que  super  vicaria  dicte  ecclesie  per  fatos  parochianos  ad  hoc  donatis,  et  que  in  futu- 

vicarios  in  antea  solite  gubernari  a  prefate  nationis  rum  donare  velint,  aliisque  beneficiis  que  a  nobis 

hominiI)us,    cotidie    fucrunt  in   tantum    vexatum,  et  apostolica  sede  predicta  ecclesia  obtinuerit,  in 

quod  secundum  decenciam  ct  moduni  Anglicanum,  collegiatam  crigimus  ecclc;.iani,  et  coHegii  privi- 

quem  tenent,  et  eorum  predeccssores   soliti  sunt  legio  ac  libertatibus  et  inmiunitatibus  collegialiter 

tenere  ab  antiquo,  oHicia  audire  divina,  ct  eccle-  inibi  viventes,  de  cetero  nti  volumus  et  gaudere, 

siastica  non  possunt  percipere  sacramenla,  et  ab  ordinantes  et  disponentcs,  ([uod  dicta  ecclesia,  sic 

iliis  indoctis  hominibus  dcpredantur,  perturbantur  ut  premlttitur  in  collegiatam  erects,  per  octo  pres- 

ft  interficiuntur,   nonnullaque  dampna  ac  incom-  biteros  mcrigerosos,  virtuosos  et  doctos  homines, 


APPENDIX. 


et  Anglicanum  moilmn  rite  tcnentcs,  rcgetur  dece- 
tcro  ct  gubernetur,  ac  ipsi  presbitcrl  per  superio- 
rciii  et  preposituni.  vel  ni.ijorem  etbullivos  ac  pares 
ville  predicte,  (iuardiano  collegii  presententur, 
ac  per  ipsiuii,  taiuiuam  vicarii  curam  aniniaruni 
gerentes,  contiriiientur,  ipsecpie  Guardianus  ad  pre- 
sentatioiiem  predictorum  sui)erioris,  sive  majoris  et 
pariuni,  singulis  annis  reniovibilis,  per  ipsos  vica- 
rios  instituatuv,  ac  post  institutionciu  luijusniodi 
factam,  Guardianus  ijjse  super  onines  dictos  vicarios 
ac  parochianos  potestatem  et  curain  exerceat  ani- 
niaruin.  Datum  Galwie  XXVIII.  die  niensis  Sep- 
tembris,  presentibus  ibidem  Willielnio  Lynclie, 
superiore  ville  de  Galwy,  Doniinico  Lynche  ct 
Johanne  Skyrct,  ac  nudtis  aliis,  sub  nostri  sigilli 
tcstinionio,  anno  doniini  148  !•. 

[Tlie  foregoing  institution  of  the  collegiate 
church  of"  St.  Nicholas,  by  the  archbishop  of  Tuani, 
which  was  taken  verbatim  from  tlic  orignial,  in  the 
possession  of  the  author,  is  almost  entirely  recited 
in  the  following  bull  of  contirmation  of  Pope  Inno- 
cent VIII.  of  wliicli  a  translation  is  given.] 

NuMUKIl    II. 

BiiJla  sivc  Diploma  Imioccnlii  VIII.  Guardiannlum 
(ialviensem  constiluens,  scu  iiotiiis  jam  comlilu- 
ttim,  itabllicns,   14S'l-, 

Innocentius  Episcopus,  servus  scrvorum  Dei,  ad 
perpetuam  rci  nienioriam. 
Super  gregeni  dominicuni,  nostra?  divinitiis 
vigilantiic  creditum,  vigilis  .speculatoris  ofHcium, 
jir(>ut  nobis  desuper  conccdilur,  cxtcndcntcs,  ad 
la  libcnter  intcndimus,  per  tju;e  divinus  augetur 
cultus,  &  salus  provcnire  speratur  animarum  iSr 
his  qua;  proptereti  proinde  emanasse  comnerinuis, 
lit  CO  firmius  illibata  pcrdurcnt,  quo  fuerint  niajori 
robore  sulidata,  lil)enter  nostri  adjicimus  nuuii- 
niinis  firmitateni.  Sane  pro  parte  dilectorum  fili- 
orum  universorum  parochianoruni  parochialis  ec- 
clesicB  S.  Nicolai  ville  Galvie  Enachduncnsis  diic- 
ccsis  nobis  i\i',per  exliibita  petitio  contincbat, 
quod  venerabilis  fratcr  noster  Donatus  [0' I\Iarrij, 
CnKonicux  Ju'^^iilaris  S.  Aiii^Hstini)  Archiepiscopus 
Tuamensis,  qui  ecclesiic  Enaclidunensis,  Tuamensi 
ccclcsix  pcrpctuo  unitx,  pra;esse  dignoscitur,  olini 
atteiite  consid'jrans  parochianos  dicta:  ecclesix  S. 
Nicolai  modcstos,  &  morigeratos  homines  esse,  & 
in  i])sa  villa,  niuris,  seu  nucnibus  circunicincta, 
habitantcs,  cisdem  moribus,  quibus  montani,  & 
sylvestres  homines  illarunn  partium  utebantur,  non 
uti,  ac  propter  inipetratioiics,  qu.x  super  vicaria 
dicta:  ecclesia?  S.  Nicolai  per  vicarios  antehac 
solita:  gubernari,  a  privfalis  syivcstris,  iS:  niontanic 
nationis    hominibus    quolidic    iiebant,    in    tantum 


vexari,  quod  secundum  decentiam,  ritum,  &  nioduin 
anglicanum,  quern  incola;  prx-fati,  .i-  eoruni  pr;e- 
decessores  servare  ab  antique  soliti  erant,  oHicia 
divina  audire,  &  ecclesiastica  sacramenta  perci- 
pere  non  poterant,  &  ah  illis  indoctis  liominibus 
perturbabantur,  nonnunquam  bonis  spoliabanlur,  (!t 
interticiebantur,  nomudlaque  alia  danma,  &  inconi- 
nioda  personarum,  i  rerum  sustinerc  ccebaii- 
tur,  it  majora,  nisi  eis  celeri  rcmedio  succurrere- 
tur,  in  futurum  perferre  vcrisimiliter  fornfidabani, 
provida  super  hoc  delibcratione  pricliabila,  ;ul 
ipsorum  parochianoruni  supplicationem,  ecclcsiam 
pra;dictam  S.  Nicolai  in  coUegiatam  et  in  ilia  col- 
legium unius  Custodis,  (J^-  octo  rresbyterorum  ordi- 
naria  auctoritate  erexit,  ac  ordinavit,  &  pro  illo- 
runi  sustentatione  fructus,  redditus,  &  proventus 
procdicta:  vicari;c,  ac  dimidiam  quartam,  quam  scr- 
vitores  dictx  ecclesia;  S.  Nicolai  ii  dilectis  fillis 
abbate,  it  convcntu  monasterii  CoHis  Viclori,r, 
Cistcrciensis  ordinis,  Tuamensis  dia;cesis,  per  Ion- 
gum  tempus  Iiabere  consueverant,  nonnulla  quo- 
que  bona,  redditus,  terras,  decimas,  jura,  &  ser- 
vitia  tunc  expressa,  per  ipsum  Archiepiscopum, 
&  quosdani  ex  dictis  parochianis,  provide  consi- 
dcrantes,  quod  praimissa  ad  decentcm  sustentati- 
oneni  quatuor  ex  dictis  presbyteris  vix  sutticere 
poterant,  ad  hunc  eft'ectum  "dicta;  ecclesitc  S. 
Nicolai  donata,  &  oblata,  ac  quae  per  aliquos  ex 
elsdeni  parochianis  donari  contingcrct  in  futurum 
mensic  capitulari  dicta-  ecclesia:  S.  Nicolai  appli- 
cavit,  &  appropriavit,  ac  ad  eandcm  ecclcsiam 
S.  Nicolai  i)leno  jure  pertinere  voluit,  necnon 
vicariam  parochialis  ecclesiac  S.  Jacobi  de  Balen- 
claer  diclie  Enaclidunensis  dia:cesis  de  consensu 
vicarii  cjusdem  ecclesiic  S.  Jacobi  pro  sustenta- 
tione custodis,  &  octo  preshyterorum  prxdiclo- 
rum,  in  ipsa  ecclesia  S.  Nicolai  vivere  volentium, 
perpetuo  univit,  annexuit,  &  incorporavit ;  &  quod 
dicta  ecclesia  S.  Nicolai,  sicut  primittltur,  in 
collegiatam  erecta,  non  per  unuin  vicarium,  scd 
per  dictos  octo  presbyferos,  sive  vicarios,  mori- 
geratos, virtuosos,  it  doctos,  it  per  unum  Guar- 
dianum,  sive  Custodem,  Anglicanum  ritum,  & 
moduin  in  divinorum  celebratione  recte  tenentes,' 
de  castero  regeretur,  it  gubernaretur ;  qiiodqiie 
ipsi  jiresbyteri  per  superioreni  pra:posituni,  vel 
niajorem,  it  ballivos,  ac  pares  vilkc  pnedicta:, 
prKf'ato  Guardiano,  sive  Cuslodi  dicti  collci;ii 
pnesentarentur,  it  per  ipsum  Guardianum,  sive 
Custodem,  tanquam  vicarii  curam  animarum  in 
solidum  agcntes,  confirmarentur,  ipseque  Guar- 
dianus, sive  Gustos,  ad  pracsentationem  pracdic- 
torum  superiorum,  sive  majoris,  it  parium,  sin- 
gulis annis  reniovibilis,  &  per  ipsos  vicarios  insti- 
tuerctur,  ac  post  institutionem  hujusmodi  factam, 
Guardianus   ipse  super   omiies  dictos  vicarios,   & 


APPENDIX. 


p.irocliianos  potostatem  habci'ct,  ac  curam  c.x- 
erccrct  animarum,  eiidcm  auctoritate  orilinavit, 
])rout  ill  quibusdaiii  Uteris  aiithcnticis,  dicti 
Arcliicpiscopi  sigillo  muiiitis,  plenius  dicitur  con- 
tincri.  Quart-  pro  parte  parocliianoruni  pra^dic- 
toruni  nobi;.  t\iit  biuuilitcr  supplicatuni,  ut  erec- 
tion!, donationi,  applicationi,  appropriation!,  uni- 
on!, annexion!,  li:  incorporation!,  voluntati,  ac 
ordination!  prxdictis  pro  carum  subsisteutia  fir- 
iiiior!  robur  nostra;  confirniationis  adjicere,  ali- 
iisque  in  prosmissis  opportune  providerc,  de  benig- 
nitate  apostolica  dignaremur.  Nos  igitur,  qui 
divin!  cultus  diligimus  augnientum,  <Sr  dudiim 
inter  alia  voluinius,  quod  petenfes  benefieia  eccle- 
siastica  aliis  uniri,  tenerentur  exprimere  vcrum 
annuuin  valorem  fructuum,  reddituuni,  &  pro- 
ventuum  bencficii,  cui  unio  fieri  peteretur,  alio- 
quin  unio  non  valeret,  (S:  semper  in  unionibus 
commissio  fierct  ad  partes,  vocatis,  quorum  inte- 
rest, &  idem  observaretur  in  unionum  jam  facta- 
rum  contirniationibus,  fructuum,  rcddituum,  & 
proventuum  vicaria-  dictcC  ecclesi^  S.  Nicolai,  & 
illius  collegii,  ac  aliarum  donationum,  &  obliga- 
tionum  hujusmodi,  verum  annuum  valorem,  nec- 
non  ultimae  vacationis  dictarum  vicariarum  eccle- 
siarum  SS.  Nicola!,  &  Jacob!  modos,  ac  litera- 
runi  crcctionis,  donationis,  applicationis,  appropri- 
ationis,  unionis,  annexionis,  &  incorporationis, 
ordiaationis,  &  voluntatis  pntdictorum  tenoreni, 
pr;tscnt!bus  pro  expressis  liabcntcs,  hujusmodi 
supplicationibus  inclinati,  erectionem,  donatio- 
iiem,  applicationem,  appropriationem,  unioneni, 
annexioneni,  &  incorporationem,  voluntatem,  & 
ordinationem  prxdictas,  ac  prout  illas  concernunt, 
omnia,  S;  singula  in  dictis  Uteris  contenta,  &  inde 
sccula  quoccunque,  auctoritate  apostolica  tcnoro 
prxsentiuni  confirmamus,  ct  approbamus,  ac  prx- 
sentis  script!  patrocinio  communimus,  supplenuis- 
que  onnics,  &  s!ng\dos  defectus  tam  juris,  quiim 
fact!,  ctiam  alterius  cujuscuncjue  solemnitatis 
om!:src,  si  qui  forsan  intcrvencrint  in  cisdem.  Et 
pro  potioris  cautela?  sufFragio  ecclesiam  praidic- 
tam  S.  Nicolai  in  collegiatam,  &  in  ea  unam  cus- 
todian! pro  uno  Guardiano,  sive  Custodc  qui 
inibi  ut  caput  &  octo  perpetuas  vicarias,  per  tot- 
idem  )n-e.>^bytcros,  (p.i!  inibi  ut  membra  cum  dicto 
Custodc  capitulum  constituant,  cum  comrauni 
sigillo,  area,  sive  bursa,  niensa,  &  aliis  colle- 
gialibus  insigniis,  dicta  auctoritate  apostolica  de 
novo,  sine  prrejudicio  alicujus,  erigiums,  ac  vica- 
riam  pra;dictam  ecclesia;  S.  Jacob!,  cui  cura  im- 
minet  animarum,  &  annuos  fructus,  rcdditus-  & 
[)roventus  sex  niarcarum  sterlingaruni  secundAun 
connnunem  a;st!mationem,  valorem  aunuuni,  ut 
parocbiani  pra?dict!  asserunt,  non  excedunt,  quovis 
niodo,  aut   ex  ci'juscunque  pcrsonic  obitu  vacet, 


etiams!  tanto  tempore  vacaverit,  quod  ejus  col- 
latio  juxta  Lateranensis  statuta  concilii  ad  sedeni 
apostolicam  sit  legitime  devoluta,  ipsa<|ue  vicari.i 
ccclesia;  S.  Jacob!  disposition!  apostolica-  spcci- 
aliter  reservata  existat,  cum  omnibus  juribus,  cc 
pertinentiis  suis,  cidem  ecclesiic  S.  Nicola!  de 
novo  perpetuo  unimus,  amiectinms,  &  incorpora- 
nius  ;  quodque  ecclcsia  pricdicta  S.  Nicolai  sic  in 
collegiatam  erecta,  juxtii  dicti  Archiepiscopi 
ordinationem  pra.'dictam,  per  octo  presbytcrns 
niorigeratos,  virtuosos,  &  doctos,  Anglicanum 
ritum,  &  morem  in  divinorum  celebratione  obser- 
var!  solitos,  perpetuis  f'uturis  teniporibus  regatur, 
&  gubernetur ;  &  illius  presbyter!  predict!  per 
superiorem  pncpositum,  vel  niajorem,  &  ballivos, 
ac  pares  dict;c  vilkc,  Guardiano,  sive  Custodi 
pntdicto  pro  tempore  pra^sentari,  &  per  ipsum 
Guardianuni,  sive  Custodem,  in  perpetuos  pres- 
byteros,  seij  vicarios,  in  eodem  coUegio,  ad 
prsesentationem  eandem,  institui.  Guardianu^ 
vero,  sive  Custos  pra:fatus,  per  eosdem  superio- 
seni,  pracpositum,  sive  niajorem,  &  pares,  annis 
ringulis  removibllis,  cisdcin  presbyteris,  sive  vica- 
riis  praseutari,  iS:  per  ipsos  presbyteros,  sive 
vicarios,  ad  prossentationem  ipsam  in  Guardianum 
pro  illo  anno  inibi  deputari,  &  institui  debeat ;  iX: 
Iiabeat  ipse  Guardianus,  sive  Custos,  post  obten- 
tam  institutionem  suam,  durante  anno,  pro  quo 
electus;  scu  institutus  fuerit,  super  onmcs  dict;r 
ecclesia;  S.  Nicolai  presbyteros,  seu  vicarios,  ac 
parocbianos,  potestatem,  &  ipsoruni,  ac  paro- 
cliianoruni pra-dictorum  curam  exerceat  anima- 
rum, eadem  auctoritate  statuimus,  &  ordinanius  ; 
ac  jus  patronatiis,  &•  prccsentandi  (Juardiano  pres- 
byteros prscdictos  in  vicarios  instituendos,  iS:  Guar- 
dianum presbyteris,  sive  vicariis,  per  cos  institu- 
cndum,  pra-t'utis  superiori,  praoposito,  sive  major!, 
ballivis,  (!v-  paribus  dictic  viihr,  ]'.ro  tempore 
existcntibus,  in  perpctunm  prajlibata  auctoritate 
concedimus ;  jure  tanien  aliarum  parocliialium 
ecclesiaruni,  &  cujuslibet  alterius,  in  omnibus 
semper  salvo.  Decernentes  ex  nunc  irritum,  &- 
inane,  si  seeds  super  lis  ii  quoquam  (]uavis  aucto- 
ritate, scienter,  vel  ignoranter,  coutigerit  atten- 
tari.  Non  obstantibus  priori  voluutatc  nostra 
pncdictii,  ac  constitutionibus,  &  ordinationibus 
apostolicis  contrariis  quibuscunque,  aut  si  aliqui 
super  provisionibus  sib!  iaciendis,  de  liujusinodi, 
vel  aliis  beneficiis  ecclesiasticis  in  illis  partibus 
speciales,  vel  generales  dictx  sedis,  vel  Icgato- 
runi  ejus,  literas  inqietrarent,  etiams!  per  eas  ad 
institutionem,  reservationein,  &  decretum,  vel 
alias  quomodolibet  sit  processum,  quas  quidein 
literas,  &  processus  habitos  per  easdeni,  ac  inJe 
secuta  qua-cuntpie,  ad  pra-f'atam  uiiitam  virariam 
volumus  non  extendi,  scd  nullum  per  hoc  eis  quo;'d 


APPENDIX. 


assccutioncm  bencficiorum  aliorum  prxjuilicium 
gcnerari,  &  quibuslihct  aliis  privilegiis,  indultis, 
&  Uteris  apostolicis,  gcnoralibus,  vcl  spccialibus, 
qiiorniiicuiKiue  ttiioruni  cxistaiit,  per  <.\UiV,  pra;- 
.■ifiitibus  lion  c'xprc'ssa,  vcl  tutalitcr  iioii  inscrta, 
etfc'ctus  earuin  impcdiri  valcat  quoiiiodolibct,  vel 
ilift'erri,  it  de  qiiibus  quorumqiiu  totis  tcuoribus 
habenda  sit  in  nostris  Uteris  nicntio  spccialis,  pro- 
viso quod  propter  unionem  liujusmodi  ccclesla  S. 
.lacobi  debitis  non  fVaiidetur  obscquiis,  &  ani- 
iiiarum  cura  in  ea  nullatenus  negligatur,  sed  ejus 
congrue  supportcntur  oncra  consueta.  Nulli  ergo 
onmino  hominuni  liceat  Iianc  paginam  nostrac  con- 
firniationis,  approbationis,  conjunctionis,  supple- 
tionis,  unionis,  annexionis,  incorporationis,  eoii- 
stitutionis,  ordinationis,  concessionis,  decreti,  & 
voluntatis  inf'ringere,  vel  ei  ausu  temerario  con- 
traire.  Si  quis  autem  hoc  attentare  pra:sumpserit, 
indignationeni  omnipotentis  Dei,  ac  "beatorum 
I'etri  &  Pauli  apostolorum  ejus  se  novcrit  incur- 
surum.  Datum  lionise  apud  S.  Petruni  anno 
incarnationis  Dominicoe  millesimo  quadringente- 
simo  octuagcsimo  quarto,  sexto  idus  Februarii, 
pontificatiis  nostri  anno  primo. 

L.  GRIFUS. 
[The  foregoing  copy  of  the  Bull  of  Innocent 
VIII.  has  been  printed  from  an  ancient  manuscript, 
in  the  possession  of  the  author,  carefully  collated 
with  tliat  given  by  De  Burgo  in  the  Hibernia 
Doniinicana,  page  440.  It  has  been  translated  as 
follows.] 

TRANSLATION. 

Bull  or  Diploma  nf  Pope  Innocent  VIII.  estahlishing 
tlie  IVardensliip  of  Gnlivai/,   1484. 

Innocent,  bishop,  servant  of  the  servants  of  God, 
i^c.  We,  exercising  the  office  of  a  watchful  sen- 
tinel, as  it  is  granted  to  us  from  above,  over  the 
Lord's  flock,  committed  by  the  divine  power  to  our 
vigilance,  do  willingly  mind  those  things  by  which 
divine  worship  is  augmented,  and  the  salvation  of 
souls  is  hoped  to  proceed  from  ;  and  we  cheerfully 
add  the  strength  of  our  power  to  such  measures  as 
\te  have  found  out  these  providentially  to  have 
sprung  from  ;  to  the  end  that  they  may  last  the 
tirnier  uncorrupted,  by  being  the  more  strength- 
ened :  and  for  as  much  as  a  petition  hath  been 
lately  preferred  unto  us,  on  bclialf  of  our  beloved 
children,  all  the  parishioners  of  the  parisli  church 
.of  Saint  Nicholas  of  the  town  of  Galway,  in  the 
diocese  of  Annaghdown,  setting  forth  that  our 
\cnerable  brother,  Donatus,  archbishop  of  Tuam, 
who  is  known  to  be  prelate  of  the  see  of  Annagh- 
down, perpetually  united  to  the  sec  of  Tuam,  had 


some  time  ago  seriously  considered  that  the  parish- 
ioners of  the  said  clnirch  of  Saint  Nicholas  were 
modest  and  civil  people,  and  that  they  lived  in  the 
said  town,  surrounded  with  walls,  not  follou  ing  the 
customs  of  the  mountainous  and  wild  ])cople  of 
those  parts,  and  that  by  reason  of  the  impetrations 
or  provisions  of  the  aforesaid  mountainous  and 
wild  people,  to  the  vicarage  of  the  said  chinch  of 
Saint  Nicholas,  before  conmioni}'  governed  by 
vicars,  they  were  so  much  disturbed  that  the)' 
could  not  assist  at  divine  service,  nor  receive  the 
holy  sacraments  according  to  the  English  decency, 
rite  and  custom,  which  the  aforesaid  inhabitant* 
and  their  ancestors  always  used  ;  they  being  much 
disquieted  therein,  and  sometimes  robbed  of  their 
goods,  and  killed  by  those  unlearned  men,  and 
also  that  they  were  obliged  to  sustain  many  other 
damages  and  inconveniencies,  both  in  person  and 
substance,  from  them,  and  feared  to  suffer  more 
for  the  future,  if  not  speedily  succoured.  This 
matter  being  providently  considered,  the  said  Do- 
natus, at  the  humble  request  of  the  said  parish- 
ioners, has  constituted  and  erected,  by  his  proper 
authority,  the  aforesaid  church  of  Saint  Nicholas 
into  a  collegiate,  and  therein  a  college  of  one 
warden  and  eight  priests,  and  for  their  support  he 
bath  applied  the  fruits,  rents  and  incomes  of  the 
said  vicarage,  and  the  half  quarter  which  the  in- 
cumbents of  the  said  church  of  Saint  Nicholas  had 
been,  for  a  long  time,  accustomed  to  have  from 
our  beloved  children,  the  abbot  and  convent  of  the 
monastery  of  Knockmny,  of  the  Cistercian  order, 
and  diocese  of  Tuam  ;  he  has  also  appropriated  to 
the  capitular  table  of  the  said  church  of  Saint 
Nicholas,  other  goods,  rents,  lands,  tythes,  rights 
and  services  then  expressed  by  him  the  said  arch- 
bishop, and  by  some  of  said  parishioners  bestowed, 
providently  considering  that  the  said  premises  were 
scarcely  suflicient  to  support,  decently,  four  of 
the  said  priests. —  It  was  his  will,  that  whatever  any 
of  the  said  parishioners  might  chance  to  bestow  for 
the  future,  should  belong  in  full  right  to  the  said 
church  of  Saint  Nicholas  ;  and  he  has  likewise  so 
united,  annexed  and  incorporated  for  ever  to  the 
said  church  of  Saint  Nicholas,  the  vicarage  of  the 
parisli  church  of  Saint  James  of  Balcnclaer,  (Clare- 
Guliwy)  of  the  said  diocese  of  Annaghdown,  by 
consent  of  the  vicar  thereof,  for  the  sustenance  of 
the  warden  and  eight  priests  aforesaid,  in  the  said 
church  of  Saint  Nicholas;  and  by  the  same  proper 
authority  the  archbishop  (as  it  is  said  to  be  more 
amply  contained  in  certain  authentic  letters  under 
bis  own  seal,)  has  ordained  that  the  said  church  of 
Saint  Nicholas,  erected  into  a  collegiate  as  afore- 
said, should  be  governed  and  ruled  for  the  future 
not  by  one  vicar,  but  by  the  said  eight  priests  or 


APPENDIX. 


vicLirs,  who  were  to  be  viituoiis,  learned  and  wcll- 
bred  men,  and  by  one  warden  or  custos,  who  all 
should  rightly  observe  the  English  rite  and  custom 
in  divine  service  ;  and  he  has  likewise  ordered  that 
the  said  priests  should  be  presented  by  the  sove- 
reign, provost  or  mayor,  and  bailitl's  and  equals  of 
the  town  aforesaid,  to  the  aforesaid  warden  or 
custos  of  the  said  college,  and  should  be  confirmed 
by  the  said  warden  or  custos  as  vicars  having  the 
care  of  souls ;  and  that  the  said  warden  or  custos, 
who  is  removeable  every  year,  at  the  presentation 
of  the  aforesaid  sovereign  or  mayor  and  equals, 
should  be  instituted  by  the  said  vicars  ;  and  that 
the  said  warden,  being  thus  instituted,  should  have 
power  over  all  the  said  vicars  and  parishioners,  and 
exercise  the  care  of  souls. — Wherefore  there  has 
been  an  humble  address  made  unto  us,  on  behalf 
of  the  aforesaid  parishioners,  that  we  might  be, 
pleased,  by  our  apostolical  favour,  to  add  the  autho- 
rity of  our  contirmation,  will  and  ordination  to  the 
aforesaid  erection,  donation,  application,  appro- 
priation, union,  annexation  and  incorporation,  to  tlie 
end  that  they  may  subsist  more  firmly,  and  that  we 
might  be  further  pleased  to  provide  what  may  seem 
fit  in  relation  to  the  premises. — We,  therefore,  who 
love  the  advancement  of  divine  worship,  and  have 
been  alwaj's  willing  that  whoever  would  have  eccle- 
siastical benefices  united  to  others,  should,  among 
other  things,  be  bound  to  express  the  true  yearly 
value  of  the  fruits,  rents  and  incomes  of  the  bene- 
fices for  which  the  union  should  be  desired,  other- 
wise that  the  union  should  be  of  no  force,  and  that 
always,  in  case  of  unions,  matters  should  be  made 
known  to  the  parties  concerned,  as  is  observed 
in  the  confirmation  of  unions  already  made:  we 
having  thus  an  account  of  the  true  yearly  value  of 
the  fruits,  rents  and  incomes  of  the  said  vicarage 
of  the  said  church  of  Saint  Nicholas  and  the  col- 
lege thereof,  and  of  the  other  donations  and  obla- 
tions, and  of  the  manner  of  the  last  vacation  of 
the  said  vicarages  of  the  churches  of  Saint  Nicholas 
and  Saint  James,  and  having  expressly  before  us 
the  tenor  of  the  letters  of  the  aforesaid  erection, 
donation,  application,  appropriation,  union,  an- 
nexation and  incorporation,  ordination  and  will, 
and  in  regard  of  the  aforesaid  petition  :  we,  by 
our  apostolical  authority,  in  virtue  of  these  pre- 
sents, do  confirm  and  approve,  and  by  force  of 
this  writing  do  strengthen  the  aforesaid  erection, 
donation,  application,  appropriation,  union,  an- 
nexation, incorporation,  will  and  ordination,  and 
all  and  everj-  matter  contained  in  said  letters,  and 
all  tilings  which  followed  the  same  ;  and  we  do 
supply  all  and  every  defect,  as  well  of  law  as  of 
fact,  and  of  any  other  solemnity  omitted,  if  any 
lias  liappened  therein;  and,  for  the  further  security 


of  the  premises,  we,  by  the  aforesaid  apostolical 
autliority,  and  without  prejudice  to  any  other,  do 
erect  the  said  church  of  Saint  Nicholas  into  a  col- 
legiate, and  therein  do  appoint  one  wardenship  for 
one  warden  or  custos,  and  eight  perpetual  vicarages 
for  so  manj'  priests,  who,  as  head  and  members  of 
the  said  collegiate,  shall  constitute  a  chapter 
having  privilege  of  a  common  seal,  a  chest  or  burse, 
a  table  and  other  collegiate  ornaments.  We  do  also, 
by  the  said  apostolical  authority,  for  ever  unite, 
annex  and  incorporate  anew  the  aforesaid  vicarage 
of  Saint  James,  with  all  its  rights  and  appurte- 
nances, and  with  all  other  fruits,  rents  and  incomes 
thereof,  (not  exceeding  the  anim:d  value  of  six 
marks  sterling  according  to  the  common  estima- 
tion, as  the  aforesaid  parishioners  alledge,)  to  the 
said  church  of  Saint  Nicholas,  to  whom  the  care  of 
souls  appertains,  and  though  the  vicarage  of  Saint 
James  should  be  vacant  for  so  long  a  time  as  that 
the  collation  thereof  should  lawfully  devolve  to 
the  apostolical  see,  according  to  the  statutes  of 
the  Lateran  council,  and  though  it  be  speciallr 
reserved  to  the  disposal  of  the  see  aforesaid.  And 
by  the  same  authority  we  appoint  and  order,  that 
the  aforesaid  church  of  Saint  Nicholas,  so  erected 
into  a  collegiate,  according  to  the  aforesaid  ordi- 
nation of  the  said  archbishop,  be,  for  the  time  to 
come,  perpetually  ruled  and  governed  by  eight 
priests,  who  must  be  learned,  virtuous  and  well- 
bred  men,  and  accustomed  to  observe  the  English 
rite  and  manner  of  divine  service  ;  and  that  the 
aforesaid  priests  be  presented  by  the  chief  magis- 
trate or  mayor,  and  bailiffs  and  equals  of  the 
said  town,  to  the  aforesaid  warden  or  custos  for 
the  time  being;  and  that,  on  the  same  presentation, 
they  be  instituted,  by  the  said  warden,  perpetual 
priests  or  vicars  in  the  said  college;  but  the  afore- 
said warden  or  custos,  who  is  everj'  year  remove- 
ai)Ie,  to  bo  presented  to  the  aforesaid  priests  or 
vicars  by  the  said  sovereign,  jirovost,  or  mayor  and 
equals,  and  at  the  said  presentation  to  be  by  the 
said  priests  or  vicars  deputed  and  instituted  war- 
den for  that  year  in  the  said  college;  and  that  the 
said  warden  or  custos,  after  having  obtained  Inn 
institution,  should  have,  during  the  year  for  which 
he  is  elected  or  instituted,  power  over  all  the  said 
priests  or  vicars  of  the  said  church  of  Saint 
Nicholas,  and  over  the  parishioners  of  the  same, 
and  exercise  the  care  of  souls  of  both  the  said 
priests  and  parishioners,  without  prejudice  to  the 
right  of  any  other  parish  churches,  or  of  any  other 
whomsoever.  We,  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  do 
grant  for  ever  to  the  aforesaid  sovereign,  provost 
or  mayor,  bailills  and  equals  of  the  said  town  a 
right  of  patronage,  and  of  presenting  the  aforesaid 
priests  to  the  warden,  to  be  instituted  vicars  by 


APPENDIX. 


him,  and  of  presenting'  t!\e  warden  to  the  said 
priests  or  vicais,  to  be  instituted  by  them.  And 
it"  any  attempt,  contrary  to  these,  sliall  happen  to 
be  made,  knowingly  or  ignorantly,  by  any  person 
or  by  any  antliority  whatsoever,  we,  from  this  time 
forth,  deeree  tlie  same  to  be  void  and  of  no  forec, 
notwithstanding;  any  other  former  will,  or  any  other 
a))ostolical  constitutions  or  ordinations  to  the  con- 
trary. And  if  any  person,  that  was  to  be  provided 
for,  has  obtained  any  special  or  general  letters  of 
the  said  see  or  its  legates,  for  this  or  any  other 
ecclesiastical  benefices  in  those  parts,  though,  by 
the  said  letters,  they  might  have  proceeded  to  an 
inhibition,  reservation  and  decree,  or  otherwise, 
howsoever  the  process  might  be ;  it  is  our  will 
that  the  said  letters,  and  the  process  had  under 
the  same,  and  whatever  may  thence  follow,  be  not 
henceforth  extended  to  the  aforesaid  united  vica- 
rage. But  by  this  we  would  have  no  prejudice 
done  to  them,  as  to  their  obtaining  other  benefices, 
privileges,  indulgences,  or  any  other  apostolical 
letters,  special  or  general,  of  whatsoever  tenor 
they  be,  nor  that  their  effect  may  be  any  way 
iiindered  or  deferred  in  relation  to  any  other  matter 
but  what  is  expressed  or  totally  inserted  in  those 
presents,  of  which  and  their  tenor  a  special  recital 
may  be  found  in  our  letters,  provided  that  by  this 
union  the  chureh  of  Saint  .lames  be  not  deprived 
of  due  service,  and  that  the  care  of  souls  be  by 
no  means  neglected  therein,  but  tlie  accustomed 
tluties  thereof  be  properly  supported.  Let  it  not 
be  lawful  for  any  person  to  break,  or,  b3'  a  rash 
boldness,  oppose  these  our  letters  of  confirmation, 
approbation,  conjunction,  application,  union  and 
annexation,  incorixniition,  constitution,  ordination, 
concession,  decree  and  will  ;  and  if  any  one  shall 
presume  to  attempt  it,  let  him  know  that  he  incurs 
the  indignation  of  Almighty  (iod,  and  of  his  bles- 
sed a])ostles,   Peter  and  Paul. 

Dated  at  Home,  at  St.  Peter's,  in   the  year  of 
our  Lord's  incarnation    MSI,  the  Gth  of  the  ides 
of  February,  and  the  first  year  of  our  popedom. 
L.  Grifus. 

Number  III.  ' 

Cltarta  EUznlid/uc  Ju'i^ina-. 

Eiizabetha,  Dei  gratia,  Anglic,  Prancie  et  Ili- 
bcrnie  ]!egina,  fidei  defensor,  etc.  onuiihus  ad  quos 
prtscnfes  litere  pervenerint,  saluteni.  Lispexinnis 
literas  [latentes  percliarisi^imi  fratris  nostri,  douiini 
Edwardi  sexti,  nuper  Pegis  Ariglie,  niajori,  ballivis, 
bnrgensibus  et  conmiunitati  ville  nostre  de  Galway, 
infra  regnum  nostrum  Illbeniie,  quaruni  quidem 
lenor  scquitur  in  hec  verba  :  — 


Edwardus  sextus,  Dei  gratia,  Anglic,  Prancie,  et 
Hibernie  Ivex,  fidei  defensor,  tt  in  terra  ecclesie 
Anglicane  et  Hibernie  suprenunn  cai)ut;  omnibus 
ad  quos  prcsentes  litere  pervenerint,  salutem. 
Inspeximus  patentes  doniini  Ilenrici,  luiper  Itcis 
Anglic  octavi,  patris  iiostri  percharissimi,  fatUis 
in  hec  verba. 

Ilenricus,  Dei  gratia,  Anglic,  Francio  et  Hi- 
bernie Rex,  fidei  defensor,  in  terra  ecclesie  Angli- 
cane et  Hibernie  supremum  caput ;  omnibus  ad 
quos  presentes  litere  pervenerint,  salutem. 

.Sciatis  quod,  cum  doniinus  Uicardus,  nuper 
Pex  Anglic  secundus  ])ost  conquestum,  habita 
consideratione,  quod  villa  de  Galway,  in  Connacia, 
que  est  clavis  illarum  partium  terre  sue  Hibernie, 
in  qua  quidem  villa  cimcti  fideles  et  ligei,  tarn 
extranei  (piam  alii,  ad  partes  predictas  venientes, 
fuerunt  reccpti,  salvati,  confortati  et  relevati,  tam 
per  Hibernicos  inimicos,  quam  Anglicos  rebelles 
suos,  undique  existit  tunc  indies  vallata;  quod 
burgenses  ejusdeni  ville,  et  alii  in  eadem  comnio- 
rantes,  et  ad  eandem  venientes,  absque  magiio 
conductu,  nee  per  terram,  seu  per  aquam  ad 
eandem  villam  venire,  seu  exinde  ad  merchandizas 
et  alia  negotia  fiicienda  exire,  non  andebant ; 
iidemque  burgenses,  ])ro  salva  custodia  dicte  ville 
contra  maliciam  diclorum  ininn'corum  et  rebeliiuni, 
continue  die  noclecjue  nuuiiebaut  et  sustentabaiit 
in  eadem  villa  divcrsos  homines  defensibiles,  sump- 
tibus  suis  propriis,  in  status  sui  depauperationeni 
nianifcstam,  in  auxilium  rclevationis  et  eonfortati- 
onis  ville  predicte,  et  ut  mercatores  et  alii  ma"is 
animarentur  et  confortarentur  ad  eonniioranduni  et 
inhabitandum  in  eadem  villa,  ad  nieliorem  resis- 
tenciam  malicie  dietorum  inimicorum  et  rebeliiuni, 
per  literas  suas  patentes,  datas  apud  Dublin,  vice- 
simo  sexto  die  Januarii  anno  regni  sui  decimo 
nono,  de  gratia  sua  speciali  conce.;serit,  et  liceii- 
tiam  dcderit,  pro  se  et  heredibus  suis,  quantum 
in  ipso  fuit,  preposito  et  conibuigcnsihus  ejusdem 
ville  de  Galway,  quod  ipsl  et  hcredes  eorum,  et 
successores  comburgcnses  ibidem,  extimc  imper- 
petuum,  singulis  annis  de  anno  in  annum,  de  eoruin 
communi  assensu,  inter  cos  eligere  valerent  unum 
superiorem  ejusdem  ville,  quotlque  idem  superior, 
cum  sic  per  cos  clectus  foret,  videlicet,  post  pri- 
niam  elcctionem  luijusmodi  superi(u-is,  coram  dieto 
preposito  ejusdem  ville,  ex  tunc  singulis  aiuiis 
coram  superiore  diete  ville  in  anno  proximo  ])re- 
ccdente,  sacramentum  prcstaiet  cor])orale,  ad  vil- 
lam predictam  bene  et  fideliter  regendam  et  gnber- 
nandam,  et  leges  ipsius  nu|)er  Regis,  et  bonas  coii- 
suetudines  ejusdem  ville  usitatas  et  approbata.-, 
manutenendas,  et  alia  quecuuque  ad  officium  luijus- 
modi superioris  in  consimili  burgo  concerneiicia, 
rite  pro  bono  regimine  et  utilitate  uicle  viile,  fuci- 


APPENDIX. 


t'lula  ct  excrcenda :  et  insupcr  concessit,  pro  se  et 
hurcdibus  .suis,  eisdem  comburgLMisibus,  lieredibus 
ot  successoribus  suis  burgcnsibus  ibidem,  quod 
nuilus  niei-ciUor,  aut  alius  quicuiuque  alienigena, 
sive  inJigcna,  cujuscuiiquc  status  sou  conditionis 
forot.  qui  in  villa  predicta  continue  vesidcns,  et  tan- 
quani  comburgcnsis  cjusdeni  viUe  juratus  non  fuis- 
sL't,  ad  omnia  oncra  in  cadcni  villa  prout  ipsi  com- 
burgonscs  lacerent,  de  tempore  in  tcmpus  suppor- 
tanda  et  sustinenda,  infVa  libertatem  ejusdem  ville, 
per  terram  sive  per  aquam,  aliquas  merchandizas 
seu  victualla  ad  retalia  ex  tunc  eineret  vel  venderet 
quomodocunque,  nisi  solummodo  in  grosso :  et 
ctiam  quod  ipsi,  heredes  et  successores  sui,  com- 
burgenses  ville  predicte,  ex  tunc  imperpetuum, 
libere  haberent,  gauderent  ct  retercntur  in  villa 
predicta,  et  alibi,  ubicunquc  infra  rcgnum,  potes- 
tafcni  ct  domlniimi  ipsius  nupcr  Regis  laborarcnt, 
imiversis  ct  singulis  libcrtatil)us,  iVai\chcsiis,  juris- 
dictionibus,  ]M-ivilegiis,  cognitionibus  placitoruni, 
custumis  et  libcris  consuetudinibus,  ita  libere  et 
quictc,  (juibus  burgenses  sui  ville  de  Drogbeda  ex 
iitrac|ue  parte  aque,  indies  gaudcbant  et  atcbantur, 
ct  per  cartas  conlinnationuni  suas,  et  progenitorum 
suorum,  Iiabucrunt  seu  de  jure  habere  solcbant, 
:ideo  libere  et  quiete,  ac  codem  modo,  prout  dicti 
burgenses  ville  de  Drogbeda,  eis  usi  fuerunt  et 
gavisi;  salvis  Domino  ville  de  Galway  predicte,  ct 
lieredibus  suis,  rcdditibus,  scrvitiis,  tinibus,  anier- 
ciamentis,  exitibus  et  aliis  proficuis,  ei,  et  Dominis 
^illc  predicte,  de  eadcm  villa  et  curia  ejusdem  ex- 
jiectantibus  seu  pertinentibus,  et  prout  ipse  ct  ante- 
ccssorcs  sui,  Domini  ville  predicte,  ea  liberius  et 
((uictius  haliucrunt,  sen  pcrcipere  de  jure  consue- 
vcrunt,  debucrunt  et  solcbant:  et  similiter  con- 
cessit pro  se  et  heredibus  suis,  eisdem  burgensibus 
ville  de  Galway,  quod  licet  ipsi  aut  eoruni  here- 
des, seu  successores,  burgenses  ejusdem  ville, 
libertatibus,  franchcsiis,  jurisdictionibus,  privile- 
giis,  cognitionibus,  custumis  et  consi\etudinil)us 
prcdictis,  aut  eorum  aliquo,  quocunique  casu 
enicrgente,  extunc  abusi  seu  usi  non  f'uisseiit, 
quod  ipsi  libertatibus,  franchcsiis,  jurisdictioni- 
bus, piivilcgiis,  cognitionibus,  custumis  et  consue- 
tudinibus prcdictis,  et  eorum  quilibct,  extunc 
libere  uti  ct  gauderc,  absque  impctitione,  seu  impe 
ilimcnto  sui,  bcredum  seu  niinistrorum  quorumcum- 
<iuc,   prout  in  literis  prcdictis  ])!cnius  continetur. 

Cunupie  etiani  prcfatus  Dominus  Ricardus, 
nuper  Rex  Ang'ie  secundus,  dccimo  octavo  die 
Novenibris,  anno  regni  sui  dccimo  nono  ;  per  alias 
litcras  suas  patentcs,  in  auxiliuni  ville  predicte  de 
Galway,  que  nierciiizatur  inter  diversos  inimicos 
ct  rcbclles  suos,  tarn  Anglicos  quam  Hibernicos, 
situata,  et  eorum  quotidianos  agressos  in  tantam 


dcpaupcrtatcm  existebat,  quam  pro  salvatione  fide- 
lis  populi  sui  dictc  ville,  muro  lapideoincludcndum, 
quam  parcium  adjacentium,  ct  in  auxiliuni  ejus- 
dem ville  pavandc,  concessit  dilectis  sibi  prcposito 
et  ballivis,  ac  communitatibus  ville  de  Galway,  et 
|)ostcris  suis,  (|uod  capere  possint,  per  cos,  sivc 
ab  eorum  deputandum,  in  ca  parte,  de  rebus  vena- 
libus,  ad  candcni  villain  per  terram  sive  per  aquaiu 
venicntibus,  sive  ab  eadem  transientibus,  consue- 
tudines  et  custunias  subscriptas,  videlicet,  dc  qua- 
libct  libra  zinziberis  venali  unum  denarium,  de 
qualibct  libra  croci  venali  duos  denarios,  de  qua- 
libct  libra  piperis  venali  unum  quadrantem,  de 
qualibct  libra  galingale  venali  unum  denarium,  de 
qualibet  libra  de  cloves  venali  unum  denarium,  de 
qualibct  libra  de  graines  de  paradize  venali  unum 
denarium,  de  omnibus  aliis  generibus  specicruni, 
valoris  duodecim  denariorum,  vcnalibus  unani 
quadrantem,  dc  centum  libris  cere  vcnalibus  sex 
denarios,  de  centum  libris  de  alome  vcnalibus  trcs 
denarios,  de  quolibet  corio,  tannato,  frisco  aut 
sallito,  et  in  succo  posito  vel  ponendo,  in  eadcm 
villa,  intus  et  extra  usque  ad  insulum  <|nc  vocatur 
En'nkijrcacli,  unum  obulum,  dc  qualibet  libra 
cerici  venali  trcs  denarios,  de  qualibct  jiccia  de 
legis  venali  quatuor  denarios,  de  qualibct  pecia 
panni  Anglici  venali  trcs  denarios,  de  (jualibct  pecia 
panni  Ilibcrnici  linci,  continentis  duodecim  virgas, 
unum  obulum,  de  qualibet  centena  fcrri  venali 
duos  denarios,  de  qualibct  bcnda  peciarum  ferri 
venali  unum  denarium,  de  qualibet  sence  de  sabulis 
venali  unum  denarium,  dc  centum  petris  ferri  de 
Spayne  vcnalibus  quatuor  denarios,  de  quolibet 
fotcmello  plumbi  venali  unum  obulum,  de  centum 
libris  siruse  unum  denariuju,  de  omnibus  generibus 
de  avedepis  valoris  duodecim  denariorum  vcnalibus 
unum  quadrantem,  de  njille  clavorum  de  spikings 
vcnalibus  ummi  denarium,  dc  quolibet  frailo  de 
bati'y  vcnidi  octo  denarios,  de  quolibet  grosso 
cacabo,  vel  grossis  patellis  venali  quatuor  denarios, 
de  qualibet  centena  de  batrye  venali  quatuor  dena- 
rios, dc  quolibet  dolio  vini  venali  sex  denarios,  de 
(lualibct  pipa  vini  venali  tres  denarios,  de  quolibet 
cornico  cursall  brasii  venali  unum  dciiariani,  de 
quolibet  cornico  capitali  brasii  venali  duos  dena- 
rios, de  quolibet  cornico  frunienti  venali  duos 
denarios,  de  quolibet  sumagio  bladii  venali  unum 
obulum,  de  cpiolibct  sumagio  buturi  venali  unum 
denarium,  dc  quolibet  Icstro  buturi  venali  unum 
denarium,  de  qualibet  petra  sepi  venali  unum  obu- 
lum, de  quolibet  nieisc  de  halecibus  venali  unuin 
obulum,  dc  quolibet  cornico  salis  venali  unum 
denarium,  dc  quolibet  cornico  ordci  fabarum,  pisa- 
rum  venali  unum  denarium,  dc  quolibet  cornico 
avenarum  et  alioruni  bladorum  venali  unum  dena  • 


APPENDIX. 


rium,  (le  qualibet  jietra  lane  vcnali  unuin  denaiiiim, 
(Ic  quolibet  siicco  lane  vcniili  ([uatuor  denarios,  dc 
quolibet  corrco  tannato,  vcl  IVisco,  aut  sallito 
vcnali  unum  obulum,  de  quibuscunque  correis 
valoris  duodecini  denariorum,  et  alioruin  pellium 
de  shorliriges  venalibus  ununi  denarinm,  de  centum 
pclllbus  lanutls  venalibus  ununi  denarluni,  dc  cen- 
tum pellibus  agnorum  venalibus  duos  denarios,  de 
valore  daoJecini  denariorum  aliorum  pellium  vena- 
lium  ununi  quadrantem,  de  quolibet  equo  valoris 
quadraginta  soUdorum  ct  ultra  venali  sex  denarios, 
dc  quolibet  caballo,  aftVo,  tauro,  bove  et  vacca 
venali  unum  denarium,  de  ([uolibct  vitulo  venali 
unum  quadrantem,  de  quolibet  porco  magno  venali 
unum  denarium,  de  quolibet  ove  vel  capra  venali 
unum  obulum,  de  quolibet  porco  parvo  venali 
ununi  obulum,  de  centum  pellibus  cuniculoruin 
duos  denarios,  de  centum  pellibus  de  «oliells 
venalibus  tres  denarios,  de  quolibet  sumagio  pis- 
cium  venali  unum  obulum,  de  centum  piscibus 
siccis  venalibus  duos  denarios,  de  quolibet  sal- 
mone  venali  unum  ([uadranteni,  do  mille  anguillis 
et  nierlinguis  venalibus  unum  denarium,  de  quoli- 
bet genere  maeremii  necnon  bigis  currilis  et  burdis 
valoris  quatuor  solidorum,  unum  denarium,  de 
([uolibct  f'alcone  vel  austurco  venali  unum  dena- 
rium, de  quolibet  tcrcello  vel  terccletto  vcnali 
unum  obulum,  de  qualibet  mola  molendini  unum 
denarium,  de  duobus  molis  manualibus  unum  quad- 
rantem, de  duodecim  cornocis  earbonum  venalibus 
unum  denarium,  de  qualibet  petrabuturi  uncti,  ccpi 
et  casei  venali  unum  obulum, de  quolibet  dolio  mellis 
venali  octo  denarios,  de  qualibet  pipa  salmonis  venali 
decern  et  octo  denarios,  de  qualibet  centena  de 
vitro  venali  unum  denarium,  de  qualibet  centena  de 
scalpon  seu  alterius  piscis  salsi  sicci  vel  duri  venali 
unum  denarium,  de  duobus  niillibus  ccparum  vena- 
libus unum  quadrantem,  de  octo  libris  canabi  et  lini 
venalibus  unum  denarium,  de  octo  slianncsaleii  vena- 
libus unum  quadrantem,  de  qualibet  nova  cista  vel 
arca,et  quolibet  uiilliari  discorum  et  pattellorum  lig- 
iiorum  venalibus  unumcpiadrantem.de  centum  libris 
de  pice  vel  rosino  venalibus  unum  obulum,  de  cen- 
tum gaddes  asseris  venalibus  unum  obulum  de  quo- 
libet mercimonio  valoris  duodecim  denariorum,  de 
quo  superius  non  (it  mentio,  unum  quadrantem,  de 
quolibet  mercimonio  valoris  sex  solidorum  et  octo 
denariorum,  venali,  superius  non  expressato,  unum 
obulum,  de  qualibet  mercimonio  valoris  tresdecim 
solidorum  et  quatuor  denariorum  venali,  similiter 
non  antea  contenta,  unum  denarium  :  Et  ideo  pre- 
t'atis  preposito,  ballivis  et  conimunitati  dicte  ville  de 
(jaiway,  mandaverit,  quod  consuetudiues  et  custu- 
nias  predietas  et  earum  quamllbet,  in  villa  j)redlcta, 
ill  forma  predlcta,  de  die  in  diem,  levari,  colligi, 
recepi  et  habere  f'acerent  et  ordinarent,  ita  semper 


quod  denarii  indc  prevenientes,  circa  muragium  ef 
pavagium  dicte  ville,  et  non  alibi,  tideliter  expcn- 
dantdr,  prout  in  eisdem  Uteris  plenius  contiuetur. 

Quasquidem  anibas  literas  patentes,  ac  omncs 
concessiones  in  eisdem  contentas,  Uoniinus  Ilen- 
ricus,  nuper  Uex  Anglic,  predecessor  nostcr,  per 
literas  suas  patentes,  datas  apud  Westnionastc- 
rium  duodecimo  die  Marcii  anno  regni  sui  tercio, 
acceptavit,  approbavit,  ratificavit  et  prefatis  pre- 
positis,  ballivis,  burgensibus  et  conmiunitati,  tenure 
predictoruni  literarum  concessit  et  confirmavit, 
prout  litere  predicte  rationabiliter  testabantur  et 
prout  iidem  propositus,  ballivi,  burgenses  et  com- 
munitas  libertatibus,  franclicsiis,  jurisdictionibus, 
privilegiis,  cognitionibus  custuniis  et  consuetudi- 
nibus  predictls,  et  eorum  quolibet,  semper  ratio- 
nabiliter usi  fuerunt  et  gavisi,  prout  in  eisdem 
Uteris  de  confirmatione  similiter  plenius  continetur. 

Cumque  postea,  Dominus  Edwardus  quartus, 
avus  iioster,  nuper  Ilex  Anglie,  per  literas  suas 
patentes,  datas  apud  Woodstocke  vicesimo  octavo 
die  Augustii  anno  rcgni  sui  quarto,  acceptavit, 
approbavit,  ratificavit  et  superiori,  preposito,  bal- 
livis, burgensibus  et  communitati  dicte  ville  de 
Galway,  et  succcssoribus  suis,  concessit  et  confir- 
mavit onincs  et  singulas  literas  patentes  predietas, 
et  omnia  et  singula  in  eisdem  contenta;  ac  etiani 
omnimodas  actiones,  demanda  ac  omnc  id  quod  ad 
ipsuni  avuni  nostrum,  versus  cosdein  tunc  superi- 
orem,  prepositum,  ballivos,  burgenses  et  comniu- 
nitatem,  vel  suecessores  suos,  ratione  prcmissorum 
aut  alicujus  eorundem  pertinuit,  seu  pertincre 
poterit,  eis  pardonavit,  remisit  et  relaxavit :  Et 
ulterius,  pro  majorc  sccuritati  ipsorum  tunc 
superioris,  prepositi,  ballivorum,  burgensiuni  et 
comniunitatis  ejusdem  ville  de  Galway,  et  suc- 
cessorum  suorum  predictoruni,  de  ubcriori  gratia 
sua,  concessit  eis,  quod  ipsi  et  suecessores  sui, 
onmes  et  singulas  dictas  consuetudiues  ct  custu- 
nias,  in  dictis  Uteris  patentlbus,  decimo  octavo  dio 
Novembris  prcl'atis  preposito  ballivis  et  commu- 
nitati ut  prcdictum  est  t'actis,  specificatas ;  de 
rebus  venalibus  ad  eandeni  villam  de  Galway,  per 
terram  sive  per  aquam  venientibus,  seu  ab  eadem 
transeuntibus,  per  se  vel  per  ministros  suos  ad  hoc 
deputandos,  in  ea  parte  de  tempore  in  tenipus, 
cajiere,  reeipcre,  levare,  habere  et  reniittere  pos- 
sint,  libere,  quiete,  bene  et  pacifice  imperpetuuni; 
absque  impetitione,  impedimcnto,  contrauictione 
heredum  suorum,  aut  aliorum  ofticiarioruin  seu  nii- 
nistrorum  suorum  quorumcunque  ;  ita  semper  quod 
denarii  inde  prevenientes,  circa  muragium  et  pava- 
gium ejusdem  ville,  et  non  alibi,  ut  predictum  est 
exjienilantur :  Et  ulterius,  pro  niajore  sceuritate 
et  salva  gardia  ville  predicte,  voluit  et  ordinavit 
predictus  Dominus  Edwurdus,  avus  noster,  quod 


APPENDIX. 


nullus  cujuscunque  status,  gradus  seu  conditionis 
fuerint,  locum-tcnente  ct  cancellavio  suis  tL-rre 
nostre  prcdictc  oinnino  exccptis,  villam  iiostram 
predictani,  nisi  per  liccntiam,  assensum  et  saper- 
visionem  superioris,  propositi,  ballivorum,  burgen- 
siii'.u  rt  coinniunitatis  ejusdem  ville,  ingrediatur 
([■aocpio  modo,  pro\it  in  uisdeni  Uteris  de  coiifirnia- 
tione  dicti  avi  nostri  similiter  plenius  continetur. 

Cunique  ctiam  postea,  Rieardus,  nuper  Ucx 
Anj^Iie  tertius,  per  literas  suas  patentcs,  datas  apud 
^^'estnlonasteriunl  quinto  docinio  die  Deccmbris, 
anno  regni  sui  secuiido,  prcniissa  coujiderantes, 
et  lit  predicta  villa  de  Galuav,  inimicos  ac  rebelles 
predictos  forcius  resisteret,  de  gratia  sua  special!, 
oitmes  et  singulas  literas  patentes  superius  rccitatas, 
et  omnia  et  singula  in  eisdem  contenta,  rata  habcn- 
tes  et  grata,  eas,  pro  se  et  heredibus  suis,  quantum 
in  ipso  fuit,  acceptavit,  approbavit,  ratificavit  et 
tunc  superior!,  preposito,  ballivis,  burgensibus  et 
conimunitati  dicte  ville  de  Gahvay,  confirniavit ; 
ac  etiam  onmimodas  actiones  et  demanda,  ac 
onnie  id  quod  ad  ipsum  Regcm  Ricarduni,  versus 
eosdeni  superioreni,  prcpositum,  ballivos,  burgen- 
ses,  coiiimunitatem  vel  successores  suos,  ratione 
premissorum,  vel  alicujus  eorundeni,  pertinuit, 
seu  pcrtinere  poterit,  eis  pardonavit,  remisit 
et  relaxavit :  Et  ulterius,  pro  majore  securitate 
corundem  tunc  superioris,  prepositi,  ballivorum, 
burgensium  et  communitatis  ville  predicte,  et  suc- 
cessorum  suoruni  predictorum,  de  uberiori  gratia 
sua,  concessit,  quod  ipsi  ct  successores  sui,  ounies 
et  singulas  dictas  consuetudines  et  custunias,  in 
dictis  literis  patentibus  de  decimo  octavo  die 
Noven'.bris,  prefatis  preposito,  ballivis  et  commu- 
nitati,  ut  predictuni  est,  factas,  specificatas,  de 
rebus  venalibus  ad  eandem  villam  de  Gahvay  per 
terram  sive  per  aquam  venientibus,  seu  ab  eadem 
transeuntlbus,  per  se,  vel  per  ministros  suos  ad 
hoc  deputandos,  in  hac  parte,  de  tempore  in  tem- 
pus,  capere,  recipere,  levare  habere  et  remittere 
possint,  libere,  quiete,  bene  et  pacifice  imperpe- 
tuuni,  absque  impetitione  sou  contradictione  ipsius 
Regis,  lieredum  seu  ministrorum  suoruni  quorum- 
cun(iuc  ;  ita  scnqier  (piod  denarii  inde  prevenientes, 
circa  muragium  et  pavagium  ejusdem  ville,  et  non 
alibi,  ut  prcdictum  est,  expendantur :  Et  ulterius, 
pro  majore  securitate  ct  salva  gardia  ville  de  Gal- 
way  predicte,  idem  nuper  Rex  voluit  ct  ordinavit, 
ac  per  easdem  literas  suas  patentcs,  licenciam 
dfcdit  et  concessit  superior!,  preposito,  ballivis  et 
conimunitati  ejusdem  ville  nostre,  quod  ipsi,  annu- 
atlm  imperpetuum,  eligere  ex  corum  commun! 
asscusu,  uiiuin  mnjorem  ct  duos  ballivns,  infra  eandem 
villam  de  Gahvay,  prout  tieri  solet  in  villa  Bristol!, 
ad  eandem  villam  de  Gahvaj'  bene  et  laudabiliter 
regendam  et  gubernandam,  ac  leges  suas  ct  bonas 


consuetudines,  ibidem  ab  antifpio  consuetas  et 
approljatas,  manutenendas  et  minlstrandas  in  omni- 
bus, prout  decet :  Necnon  pro  majore  sccuritati  et 
salva  gardia  dicte  ville  de  Gahvay,  voluit  et  ordi- 
navit, quod  nullus,  cujuscunque  status,  gradus  seu 
conditionis  fuerit,  eandem  villam  de  Gahvay,  nisi 
per  licenciam,  assensum  et  supervisionein  eorum 
majoris,  ballivorum  et  communitatis  ejusdem  ville, 
ingrediatur  quoquo  modo  in  t'uturo.  Preterea,  de 
uberiori  gratia  sua,  ac  pro  majore  securitate  ct 
salva  gardia  dicte  ville  de  Gahva)',  voluit  et  ordi- 
navit ac  jiro  se  ct  heredibus  suis,  quantum  in  ipso 
fuit,  concessit  quod  extunc,  nee  Domiir.is  M'll'il- 
liam,  Dominus  de  Clanrichardc,  nee  hcredes  sui, 
liaberent  seu  haberet  aliquod  guberuium,  sen 
aliquam  potestatem  infra  dictam  villain  de  Gahvay, 
ad  ibidem  aliquod  agendum,  percipienduni,  exigen- 
dum,  ordinandum  seu  disponendum,  per  terram  seu 
per  aquam,  in  quantum  ipse  dominus,  et  predeces- 
sores  sui,  percipere  et  exigere  consueverunt  ab 
antiquo  ;  absque  licencia  special!,  ac  per  assensum 
et  supervisionem  majoris,  ballivorum  et  communi- 
tatis dicte  ville  de  Gahvay;  quibus  dedit,  concessit 
ct  attribuit  pleuarlam  potestatem  et  auctoritatem, 
eandem  villam  regendam  et  gubernandam,  bene  et 
laudabiliter  in  omnibus,  prout  decet,  prout  in  eis- 
dem literis  suis  patentibus  plenius  continetur. 

Janique  nos  [Hen.  oclavns.)  premissa  conside-- 
rantes,  et  ad  auxilimn,  rclevamen  et  confortatio- 
nem  ville  nostre  de  (lahvay  predicte,  ut  niercatorcs 
et  alii,  in  eadem  villa  ad  commoraiulum  et  inhabi- 
tandum  magis  animarentur  et  contortarentur,  ad 
nialiciam  inimicorum  et  rebellium  quorumcunque, 
et  precipue  parcium  illarum,  forcius  rcsistenduni, 
de  gratia  nostra  special!,  omnes  et  singulas  literas 
patentes,  superius  rccitatas,  ac  omnia  et  singula  in 
eisdem  contenta,  rata  hatentes  et  grata,  ea  pro 
nobis,  heredibus  et  successoribus  nostris,  quantum 
in  nobis  est,  acccptamus,  approbamus  et  ratitica- 
mus,  et  nunc  major!,  ballivis,  burgensibus  et  coni- 
munitati dicte  ville  nostre  de  Gahvay,  heredibus 
et  successoribus  suis,  tenore  presentium,  damus, 
concedimus  et  confirmainus  :  ac  etiam,  omnimodas 
actiones  et  demanda,  ac  omne  id  quod  ad  nos 
versus  eosdem  majorcm,  ballivos,  burgenses  et  com- 
munitatem,  vel  eorum  ali(iueni  vel  aliquos,  lieredes 
vel  successores  suos,  ratione  premissorum,  vol 
alicujus  corundem,  pertinebat  seu  pcrtinere  poterit, 
eis,  et  corum  cuilibet,  pardonavimus,  reniisimus 
et  rclaxavimus,  ac  per  presentes  pardonamus, 
remittimus  et  relaxamus  :  Et  ulterius,  pro  major! 
securitate  corundem  nunc  majoris,  ballivorum, 
burgensium  et  communitatis  ville  nostre  de  Gahvay 
predicte,  heredum  et  successoruin  suorum  predic- 
torum,  de  uberiori  gratia  nostra,  ac  ex  certa  scientia 
et  mero  motu  nostris,  damus  et  concedimus  eisdem 


APPENDIX. 


niajori,  ballivis,  bm-gciisibus  ct  communitati,  liere- 
dibus  et  succcssoribus  suis,  oniiies  et  sini;uUis  liber- 
tntcs,  tVancbcsias,  custur.ias,  consuctudincs,  com- 
modifates  proficua,  res,  tohieta  ac  omnia  alia  qiic- 
can(]'ae,  in  prodictis  scparalibus  Uteris  patentibus 
Uogum  predicioruni,  et  earuni  qualibct  specificata 
etcon'enta;  aliqua  resnniptione,  (orisfaetiono  vel 
aclnieliillatione  literai'imi  patentiuni  prcdictannn, 
\  el  earuni  alloujus,  vcl  predictaruni  iibertalum, 
■franeliesiariuit,  priviIp<;ioruni,  eustuniarioruni,  eon- 
snetudinuni,  coiiniioditatuni,  proiicuoriim,  rerun) 
tobictoruni  ct  oniniu\n  aliarnni  (prarunieunciue,  aut 
alicujus  carundcni,  non  obstante.  Coneessinuis 
etiani,  ct  ])er  prcscntcs  danuis  et  concedinius 
eisdeni  niajori,  ballivis,  burgensibus  ct  communi- 
tati, portuin  nostrum  de  (lalway  prcdicta,  ac 
baiani  sive  bracliinin  marls  quod  intrat  inter  insulas 
de  Arrcn,  et  cxindc  transcurrit  sive  flyit  usque  ad 
villani  nostram  de  Gahva}'  predictam ;  ct  (juod 
omncs  naves  et  batellc  que  ingrcdiunlur  portum, 
baiam  sive  bracbium  predictuni,  cargentes  et  dis- 
cargcntes  ad  villani  nostram  de  Gahvay  ]>rcdictam, 
ct  nusquam  alibi  infra  portum,  baiam  sive  braehiuni 
prcdiclum,  nee  in  aliqua  terra  juxtii  haiam  sive 
braehiuni  illud  Jacentcs  sive  cxistcntes,  vel  in  aliqua 
aqua  sive  rivulo  ad  ba_yam  sive  bracbium  illud  cur- 
rcntcs,  vel  ab  cadem  baia  sive  bracbio  discendentes 
vel  excurrcntcs  :  Et  ijuod  prcdicti  burgcnses  et 
communitas,  ac  eorum  licrcdes  ct  succcssores, 
impcrpetuuin,  sint  quicti  de  tlicolonio,  lastagio, 
passagio,  pontagio,  niuragio,  pavagio,  poudagio  ac 
omnibus  aliis  custuniis  ct  consuetudinibus,  per 
tola  rcgna  et  potcstatcm  nostram  ;  et  quod  quilibet 
iii;'j(n'  \illc  prcdictc  imposteiuni  ellgcndus,  jura- 
n'cntuni  in  oiiicio  illo  prcstari  solitum,  coram  illo 
(jui  in  officio  niajoris  ejusdcra  ville  proximo  fuit, 
vcl  coram  aliis  duobus  qui  ofKcium  illud  in  eadem 
villa  antea  gerebant,  juramcntum  dabit  et  clFcctu- 
aliter  in-cstabit :  Et  quod  imlla  j)ersona  sive 
nulle  pcrsoi'.e,  qui  inipostcrum  v  ina  in  aliqua  nave 
vel  in  battella  ad  keiam  vcl  portum  de  Gahvay 
prcdicte  portaverint,  et  ibidem  vina  ilia  discar- 
caverit  vel  discarcavcrint,  prisa  pro  vinis  illis 
I'on  solvat  vcl  solvant,  quia  prisa  vinorum  ibidem 
iiactenus  solvi  non  consuevit ;  et  quod  nullus  mer- 
<-ator  extraneus  vcl  indigcna,  nee  ulli  mcrcatores 
.vel  imiigene  qui  aliquas  marcliandizas  vel  nierci- 
nionia  ad  villani  predictam,  vcl  iid  portum  sive 
kevam  cjusdcm  ville  portaverit,  disearcaverit,  trans- 
portavcrit  sive  carcaverit,  vel  portaverint,  discarca- 
vcrint,  transportaverint  sive  carcaverint,  custmnas, 
pondagia  vcl  tolncta  uUa,  ne(]ue  aliijuam  aliam 
rem  pro  eisdeni  merclmoniis  vcl  mcrcbandizis,  non 
solvat  vel  solvant,  nisi  tatia  custunie,  pondagia  ct 
tolncta,  qualia  ibidem,  tcniporibus  relroactis,  pro 
talibus  merchandizis  sive  nierclmoniis.  solvi  con- 


suevit;  et  quod  prcdicti  major,  ballivi,  burgcnsc- 
et  conuiiunitas  ville  predicte,  bcredcs  ct  succcs- 
sores sui,  ct  coruni  quilibet,  cargeut  ct  transpor- 
taverint  ubicunque  sibi  placuerit  vel  jilacuerint, 
omnia  et  omnimoda  mcrcbandizas  et  mercimonia, 
tam  stnpule  quani  aliter,  lineis  et  floccis  lanlum- 
inodo  cxccptis,  aliquo  statute,  actu  vel  orclina- 
tione,  iiide  in  conlrarium  edito,  non  obstante. — 
Coneessinuis  insuper,  ct  per  prcscntcs  danuis,  ct 
concedinius  prel'atis  niajori,  ballivis,  burgciisibui 
ct  communitati  ville  nostre  de  Ciahvay  prcdictc, 
bcrcdibus  et  succcssoribus  suis,  ct  eorum  cuilibct, 
omnia  ct  singula  talia  libcrtatcs,  usus,  jurisdic- 
tiones,  privilcgia,  francbesias  ct  consuctudillc^, 
cognitioncs  placitorum,  qualia  major,  vicccomitcs, 
burgcnses  et  eoninnniitas  ville  nostre  de  Droglicda, 
ex  utraque  parte  u(iue,  in  regno  nostro  Ilibcrnie 
prcdictc,  babent  sive  liabucrunt,  vcl  ralionabilitcr 
usi  i'atiint,  aut  indc  gaudcbant  et  utcbaiUur; 
adeo  libere  et  quiete,  ac  siniili  modo  prcut  dicti 
major,  vicccomitcs,  burgcnses  et  communitas  ville 
nostre  de  Droglicda,  eis  usi  f'uerunt  ct  gaviai, 
absque  impctitione,  perturbatione,  molcstatioiic, 
inipediniento  sen  gravaminc  iiostri,  liercduni  scu 
succcssorum  noslrorum,  aut  locum-tencntis  ucpu- 
tati  regni  nostri  Hibcri?ie  predicte,  justiciarioruiii, 
vicecoiiiituni,  cscactcrum,  coronalorum,  senescallo- 
rum,  ballivorum  scu  alioruni  ministrorum,  scu  olii- 
ciariorum  nostrorum,  lieredum  vel  successoruin 
nostrorum  quorunicunque,  vel  aliorum  quoruin- 
cunque.  Salvis  nobis,  et  lieredibus  nostris,  rcddi- 
tibus,  feodis-firniis,  servieiis,  anicrcianicntis,  cxi- 
tibus  ct  aliis  proficuis  nobis  et  antcccssoribus  nos- 
tris, Dominis  ville  prcdicte,  dc  eadem  villa  ct  curiis 
cjusdcm  excuntibus,  spcctantibus  sive  jiertincn- 
tibus,  prout  nos,  et  anteccssorcs  nostri,  Domini 
ville  prcdicte,  ca  liberius  ct  quictius  iiabucrinuis, 
sen  dejure  percipcre  dcbucrimus  ct  consuevcrinuis. 
iSalvis  etiani  nobis,  lieredibus  et  succcssoribus  nos- 
tris, custuniis  cujuslibct  lastagii  correorui)!  in  portu 
ville  predicte  vocatis  le  cockctt,  prout  ea  liabucri- 
nius  scu  percipimus  de  jure  dcbuerinius.  Salvis 
etiani  preposito  et  burgensibus  ville  de  Athenry,  ct 
succcssoribus  suis,  in  prcdicta  villa  nostra  de  Cial- 
way,  ct  portu  cjusdcm,  omnia  et  singula  talia  libcr- 
tatcs, franclicsia?  et  privilcgia,  qualia  preposilus  ct 
burgcnses  de  Atlienryc  prcdicta,  vcl  eorum  aliquis 
vcl  ali(|ui,  in  eadem  villa  nostra  de  (jalivay,  et  in 
portu  ejusdem,  temporibns  retroactis  habere  coii- 
sueverunt  vel  usi  f'uerunt,  vel  coruui  aliquis  habere 
consuevit  vel  usus  i'uit ;  prescntibus,  lileris  nosiris 
j)atciilibus  nee  alicpio  in  cisdcm  contentis  et  spcci- 
ficatis,  ullo  niodo  non  obstante.  Eo  quod  cxpic.-sa 
mentio  de  vero  annuo,  aut  dc  aliquo  alio  valorc,  vil 
dc  ccrtitudinc  |)rcnilssorum,  sive  eorum  alicujus, 
aut  dc  aliis  donis  sive  conccssionibns  per  nns,  vise 


APPENDIX. 


per  aliijucm  progcnitorum  slvc  prcdcccssoi'um 
iiostroruui,  prctlitis  iii:ijori,  ballivis,  burgciisibus 
ft  coniiiuinituti  villf  de  Gal  way  prcdicte,  seu 
corum  alicui,  ante  hec  tcmpora  factis,  in  prcscn- 
tibus  miaime  facta  existit;  aut  aliquo  statuto, 
actu,  orilinatione,  provisione  sive  rcstrictione,  inile 
in  contrarium  I'actis,  editis,  ordinatis  sivc  provisis, 
aut  aliqua  alia  re,  causa  vel  materia  quacunque, 
in  aliquo  non  obstante.  In  cujus  rei  testimonium, 
lias  literas  nostras  fieri  fecimus  patentes,  teste  nie- 
ipso  npud  Westmonastcrium,  tercio  die  Julii  anno 
rej^ni   nostri  tricesimo  sexto. 

Xos  autem  (Edw.  VI.)  literas  predlctas,  ac 
omnia  et  singula  in  eisdem  contenta,  rata  habenles 
ct  grata,  ea,  pro  nobis  et  heredibus  nostris,  quan- 
tum in  nobis  est,  acceptamus  et  approbanuis,  ac 
dilectis  nunc  majori,  ballivis,  burgensibus  et  com- 
niunitati  de  Galway  predicta,  ac  successoribus  suis 
fjusdeui  ville,  tcnore  presentium,  ratiticamus  ct 
conlinnanRis,  prout  litere  predicte  rationabiliter 
tcstantiu-.  In  cujus  rei  testimonium,  has  literas 
nostras  fieri  fecimus  patentes.  Teste  me-ipso,  apud 
Westmonastcrium,  octavo  die  Novembris  anno 
regni  nostri  tercio. 

Sciatis  quod  nos  (Eliz.  R'rginaJ  de  gratia  nostra 
spcciali,  ac  ex  certa  scientia  et  mere  motu  nostris, 
dedimus,  concessimus,  confinnavimus,  ratificavi- 
mus  et  ap})robavimus,  ac  per  presentes  literas  nos- 
tras patentes,  pro  nobis,  heredibus  et  successoribus 
noslris,  quantum  in  nobis  est,  damus,  concedinius, 
confirmaraus,  ratifieamus  et  approbanms,  Petro 
Lynche,  nunc  majori  predicte  ville  nostre  de 
(jaluay,  in  dicto  regno  nobtro  Hibernie,  Johanni 
Blake  et  Francisco  Martin,  nunc  ballivis  dictc 
ville,  burgensibus  et  comnumitati  ejusdem  ville, 
tt  successoribus  suis,  impcrpetuum,  quocunquc 
nomine  cor|)orationis,  seu  quibuscunque  nominibus 
corporationis,  seu  alio  nomine  quocunque  ipsi,  vel 
ali(i',iis  eoru!n,  in  aliquibus  litcris  patentib'j.s  aliquo- 
rum  progenitoruni  vel  predecessorum  nostroruni, 
vel  aliquo  alio  niodo  incorporantur,  nuncupantur, 
appelhnitur  aut  vocentur,  aut  incorporatur,  nun- 
cuputar,  appellatur  sen  vocatur,  aut  un(|uani  seu 
aliquo  tempore,  incorporabantur,  nuncupabanlur, 
appellabantur  seu  vocabantur,  aut  incnr[)orabatur, 
nuneujj.ibatur,  appellabatur  seu  vocabatur,  onmia 
et  singula  privilegia,  francliesias,  libertateSj  com- 
moditiiics,  jurisdictiones,  custunic,  eniolumenta, 
fori>r.ifta,  prescriptiones,  iisus,  coiisuctudines,  cog- 
iiitioiies  |>!acitoruni,  honores,  digniiatcs,  electiones, 
donatiiiKcs,  concessiones,  auctoritates,  tines,  re- 
dcr.;;iiiones,  aniercian-.enta,  exltus  et  onmia  alia 
pioficua  et  hcreditamenta  (luecunque,  in  predictis 
litcris  patentibus,  et  in  onmibus  et  singulis  aliis 
Uteris  patentibus  in  cisdein  inspectis  et  reeitatis, 
contenta,  concessa,  specificata  et  expressa;  in  tarn 


aniplis  modo  et  forma,  ac  adeo  pleue,  libere  et 
integre,  prout  predicte  litere  patentes  testantur ; 
necnon,  in  tain  amplis  modo  et  forma,  prout  ipsi, 
vel  prcdecessores  sui,  aliquo  tempore,  ea  habue- 
runt,  tcnucrunt,  occupaverunt,  usi  seu  gavlsi  fue- 
runt,  ac  debuerunt  ratione  alicujus  prcscriptionis, 
iisiis,  consuetudinis,  aut  ratione  seu  pretextu  ali- 
cujus alterius  rei,  cause  vel  maferie  cujuscunquc ; 
licet  ipsi  vel  prcdecessores  sui  seu  eorum  aliqui 
vel  aliquis,  preniissis,  vel  aliquo  premissorum,  male 
usi,  non  usi  vel  abusi  fuerunt  vel  fuit :  Et  ulterius, 
de  ubcriori  gratia  nostra  speciali,  ac  ex  certa  sci- 
entia et  mero  motu  nostris,  dedimus  et  cojicessi- 
mus,  ac  per  presentes  literas  nostras  patentes,  pro 
nobis  heredibus  et  successoribus  nostris,  quantum 
in  nobis  est,  damus  et  concedinius  predictis  majori, 
ballivis  ct  burgensibus  et  conununitati,  et  succes- 
soribus suis  impcrpetuum,  plenani  potestatem  et 
auctoritatcni  eiigendi,  faciendi,  constituendi  et 
creandi  annuatim,  die  lune  proxime  post  festuni 
Sancti  Michaelis  Archangeli,  in  guildhalda  seu 
theolonco  ville  predicte,  rccordatorem,  coronato- 
rem,  escaetorem,  custumarium,  contra-rotulatoreni 
custume,  scrutatorem,  gageatorem,  et  omnes  alios 
officiarios  et  niinistros  quoscunque,  infra  villani 
predictara,  et  francliesias  et  libertates  ejusdem, 
necessarios  et  oportunos  ;  et  quod  predicti  recor- 
dator,  coronator,  escaetor,  custuniarius,  conlra- 
rotulator  custume,  scrutator,  gageator  et  onmes 
alii  oiTiciarii  et  ministri  ([uicunque,  sic  per  predictos 
majorem,  ballivos,  burgcnses  et  conmiunitatem,  et 
successores  suos,  de  teiu])ore  in  tenipus  clecti, 
facti,  coiistiiuti  et  creati,  et  eorum  quilibet  habcant 
et  liabeat  plenani  potestatem  et  auctorilatem  faci- 
endi et  exercendi  omnia  et  singula,  que  ad  ollicia 
predicta  et  ad  eorum  quodlibct,  ct  ad  oIKciarios 
predictos  et  ad  eorup.i  (jiiemlibet,  peninent  seu 
speetant,  vel  pertinere  seu  spectare  debeiit ;  ac 
recipere,  habere  et  Icvare  ad  usus  suos  proiirios, 
onmia  et  singula  feoda,  vegarda,  coniniuditaies  ct 
proficua  quecunque,  ad  ollicia  predicta,  et  ad 
eorum  quodlibct,  ct  ad  oHiciarios  predictos,  et  ad 
eorum  qucinliliet  pertinentia  et  spcctantia,  adeo 
plenc,  libere  et  integre,  ac  in  tam  anqilis  modo  ct 
forma,  prout  aliijui  alii  rccordator,  coronator, 
escaetor,  custuniarius,  contra-rotulator  cusluine, 
scrutator,  gageator  seu  aliqui  alii  luijiii-modi  ofK- 
ciarii  seu  niimstri,  vci  eorum  ali(|uis,  in  alicpiibus 
villis,  civitatibus  aut  aliis  locis  infra  regiium  nos- 
trum Ilibemie  predicte,  facere,  exerecre,  habere, 
recijjere,  levare  et  gaudere  possunt  aut  possit. 
valeant  ant  valeat ;  et  quod  iiuUus  alius  rccordator, 
coronator,  esc  -otor,  custuniarius,  contro-nitulator 
custume,  scrutacar,  gageator  sive  aliqui  alii  liujus- 
modi  officiaiii,  seu  nnnistri  nostri,  hcredum  vel 
successoruni  uostrorum,  ad  olficia  ilia  cxerccnda 


APPENDIX. 


vel  habcnda  infra  villain  prcdictam,  franclicsias  et 
libertates  ejusdem,  ingrediantur  aut  ingrediatur, 
aut  aliquo  modo  se  intromittat  aut  introniittant : 
Et  iiisupcr,  de  aiiijiliori  gratia  nostra,  ac  ex  certa 
scientia  et  niero  niotu  nostris,  dcdinuis  ct  conccs- 
siuius,  ac  per  prescntes  litcras  nostras  patcntes,  pro 
nobis  licrcdibus  et  successoribus  nostris,  (piantum 
in  nobis  est,  damns  et  concedinuis  predictis  niajori, 
ballivis,  burgensibus  et  conmuuiitati  ct  successo- 
ribus suis  iniperpetuum,  plcnani  potestatem  et 
auctoritatem  dandi  et  concedendi,  cum  licentia 
dcputati,  seu  gubernatoris  dicti  regni  nostri  Iliber- 
nie,  de  tempore  in  tempus,  in  scripto  prius  obtenta, 
tani  in  tempore  guerre  quam  in  tempore  pacis, 
omnibus  et  singulis  mercatoribus  alienigenis  ad 
villani  predictam,  causa  merchandizandi  et  cum 
nierchandizis,  tam  de  tempore  in  tempus,  venire 
volentibus  et  venientibus,  salvum  et  secu\rum  con- 
ductum  et  protectionem  veniendi  ad  villam  prc- 
dictam, et  ab  cadem  rcdeundi,  salvo  et  secure, 
cum  navibus,  batellis,  bonis  et  nierchandizis  suis, 
libere  et  quiete,  absque  impcdimento,  impetitione, 
calumnia,  molestatione  seu  gravamiiie  nostri,  here- 
dum  vel  succcssorum  nostrorum,  aut  aliquorum 
locum-tenentium,  deputatorum,  justiciariorum  vel 
aliorum  ofRciariorum  seu  ministrorum  nostrorum, 
lieredum  vel  suceessorum  nostrorum  quorumcun- 
que :  Et  insuper,  de  uberiori  gratia  nostra,  ac  ex 
certa  scientia  et  mero  motu  nostris,  dedimus  et 
concessinius,  ac  per  ])resentes  literas  nostras 
patentcs,  pro  nobis  heredibus  et  successoribus  nos- 
tris, quantum  in  nobis  est,  damns  et  concedimus 
predictis  majori,  ballivis,  burgensibus  et  conmiu- 
nitati  ville  nostre  predicte,  et  successoribus  suis 
iniperpetuum,  quod  prcdictus  major  ville  nostre 
jiredicte,  qui  nunc  est,  durante  tempore  quo  fuerit 
major  ejusdem  ville,  sit  admirallus  nostri,  heredum 
et  suceessorum  nostrorum,  infra  villam  predictam, 
ct  libertates  et  rrancliesias  ejusdem,  et  infra  et 
super  insulas  de  Arrcii,  et  ab  insulls  predictis  usque 
ad  Galway  predictam,  ex  utraipie  parte  aque  ibi- 
dem, tam  jier  mare  quani  per  terram  et  aquas 
dulces ;  et  quod  omnes  et  singuli  alii  niajores  ville 
nostre  predicte,  qui  pro  tempore  fuerint  majorcs 
ville  pretb'cte,  quamdiu  fuerint  nuijores  ejusdem 
ville,  sint  admiralli  nostri,  lieredum  et  suceessorum 
nostrorum,  et  eoruni  (]uilibet,  (jiii  pro  tenqiore 
fuerit  major  ejusdem  ville,  quamdiu  fuerit  major 
ville  predicte,  sit  admirallus  noster,  heredum  et 
suceessorum  nostrorum,  infra  portuni,  baiani,  vil- 
lam, libertates,  franchesias  et  suburbia  de  Gahvay 
predicte,  et  infra  et  super  i.-isulas  de  Arrcn,  et  ab 
insuiis  predictis  usque  ad  Gahvay  predictam,  ex 
utraque  parte  aque  ibidem,  tain  per  mare  ([uaui 
per  terram.  et  aquas  dulces ;  et  quod  prcdictus 
ijuijor  qui  nunc,  est,  ct  quilibet  alius  major  qui  ])ro 


tempore  fuerit  in  villa  predicta,  liabcat  et  habeanf 
plenani  jiotestatem,  auctoritatem  et  jurisdictioneiii, 
de  tempore  in  tempus  inquirendi,  audieudi,  ternii- 
iiandi,  faclendi,  exercendi  et  exequaudi  omnia  et 
singula,  ad  otricium  et  jurisdictioneiii  admiralli  per- 
tinentia  et  spectantia,  infra  portum,  baiani,  villain, 
libertates,  franclicsias,  suburbia,  insulas  ct  loca 
predicta,  tam  per  mare  quani  per  terram  et  aquas 
dulces  predictas;  in  tam  amplis  modo  et  forma,  ac 
adeo  pleuarie,  libere  et  iiitegre,  prout  adiiiirallus 
noster,  seu  admiralli  heredum  ct  suceessorum  nos- 
trorum, pro  tempore  existentium,  in  aliquo  loco 
infra  regnum  nostrum  Anglie,  vel  infra  regnuiii 
nostrum  Hibernie,  inquirere,  audire,  deterniinare, 
facere,  exercere  seu  exequi  potest  aut  valeat ;  et 
quod  nullus  admirallus  noster,  heredum  vel  suc- 
eessorum nostrorum,  aliquam  potestatem,  auctori- 
tatem, seu  jurisdictionem,  infra  portum,  baiani, 
libertates,  fraiichesias,  suburbia,  insulas  et  loca 
predicta,  per  mare  aut  per  terram  vel  aquas  dulces, 
habeat  seu  exerceat,  nee  aliqualiter  in  aut  de  ali- 
quo quod  ad  orticium  admiralli  pertinet,  infra  por- 
tum, baim,  villam,  libertates,  fraiichesias,  suburbia, 
insulas  et  loca  predicta,  se  intromittat  ve!  introniit- 
tere  potcrit  aut  valeat,  et  quod  predicti  major,  ballivi 
burgenses  et  communitas,  et  eorum  successores, 
imperpetuum,  habeant,  gaudeant,  percipiant  et 
levent,  ad  communem  usum  ville  predicte,  omnia 
et  singula  wrecka  maris,  forisfacta,  fines,  amcrci- 
amenta,  redemptiones,  exitus,  commoditates,  ad- 
vantagia,  emolumenta  et  proticua  quecunque,  infra 
portum,  baiam,  villam,  libertates,  franchesias,  sub- 
urbia, insulas  et  loca  predicta,  tam  per  mare  (piam 
per  terrain  et  aquas  dulces,  ratione  admirallitatis 
vel  admiralli  jurisdictionis  forisfacta,  crescentia  et 
prevenientia,  vel  iinposterum  forisfacienda,  cres- 
cenda  et  prevenienda;  et  quod  predicti  major,  bal- 
livi, burgenses  et  communitas,  et  successorcs  sui 
iniperpetuum,  possint  et  valeant,  de  tempore  in 
tempus,  se  in  plenariam  possessionem  et  seisinam 
de  et  in  omnibus  et  singulis  j)redictis  vvrecke  maris, 
forisfactis,  finibus,  amerciamentis,  redemptionibus, 
exitibus,  commoditatibus,  emolumcntis  et  proticuis 
quibuscunquc,  mittere  et  ea  levare,  percipere, 
capere,  colligere  et  habere  per  se,  vel  olficiarios 
suos,  vel  per  eorum  aliquem,  et  penes  se  detinere 
alisqne  alicpio  compoto,  seu  aliquo  alio  nobis,  hcre- 
dil)us  vel  successoribus  nostris,  vel  alicui  admirallo 
nostro,  heredum  vel  suceessorum  nostrorum,  red- 
dendo, solvendo  vel  faciendo :  Et  ulterius  de  ube- 
riori gratia  nostra  speciali,  ac  ex  ccita  scientia  et 
mero  motu  nostris,  pro  nobis,  heredibus  et  succes- 
sorilius  nostris,  damns  et  concedimus  prefatis 
majori,  ballivis,  burgensibus  et  communitati,  et 
successoribus  suis  imperpetuum,  quod  nulli  bur- 
genses, inhabitantes,  commorantes  seu  resideiites 


APPENDIX. 


infra  villam  francheslas  et  libcrtatcs  Ac  Galway 
prcilicta,  ncc  aliqviis  eoi'utn,  aliquo  tempore  futuro, 
trahantur,  conipellantur,  trahutur  vel  compellatur 
ad  venieiiduni  extra  villain,  tVanchcsias  ct  libcr- 
tatcs  de  Galway  predictc,  coram  aliquibus  jusli- 
ciariis,  baronibus,  comniissionariis  et  aliis  oHiciariis 
iiostris  ([uibasciiuque,  ad  aliquas  assisas,  scssioiics, 
inqiiisitloncs  jitratas  in  civitate  nostra  Dublin,  sive 
in  coniniitatu  Uubiiii,  vel  alibi  intra  regiuiiu  niis- 
truni  niboniie  teneiidas  de  aliqua  re,  causa  vel 
nuiteria,  sive  aliquibus  rebus,  causis  vel  niateriis, 
infra  dictani  villam,  franchesias  et  libertates  ejus- 
dcm  ortis,  factis  sive  pcrpetratis,  oriundis,  faci- 
eudis  sive  pcrpetrandis;  nee  dicti  burgenses,  inha- 
bitantes,  connnorantcs  sive  residentes  infra  dictam 
villam,  franchesias  et  libertates  ejusdem,  ponantur, 
impannellcntur,  retornentur  sive  jurentur,  nee 
aliquis  eorum  ponatur,  impanelletur,  retonetur 
sive  juretur  extra  dictani  villam  de  Galway,  pro 
alicjua  re,  forisfactura,  causa  emergente,  sive 
crescente,  oriunda,  facienda,  perpetranda  emer- 
gcnda  sive  crosccnda  intra  dictani  villam  de  Gal- 
way. franchesias  et  libertates  ejusdem,  coram  ali- 
quibus justiciariis,  baronibus,  comniissionariis  vel 
aliis  otHciariis  nostris  quibuscunque,  in  aliquibus 
assisis,  juratis,  attinctis,  recognitionibus  seu  aliis 
inquisitionibus  quibuscunque  in  dicta  civitate 
Dublin,  sive  in  dicto  coniniitatu  Dublin,  vel  alibi 
infra  dictum  regnuni  nostrum  Hibernie  predicte, 
capiendis,  arraiandis  sive  rctornandis,  licet  tan- 
gant  nos,  heredes  vel  successores  nostros,  aut 
alios  quoscunque,  sed  tantunimodo  infra  villain 
nostram  de  Galway  predicte,  franchesias  et  liber- 
tates ejusdem,  coram  justiciariis,  baronibus,  com- 
missionariis  sive  aliis  officiariis  nostris  quibuscun- 
que, cum  nos  heredes  et  successores  nostri  de 
tempore  in  tenipus  viderimus  expedire. 

Preterea  de  gratia  nostra  speciali,  ac  ex  certa 
scientia  et  mero  motu  nostris,  dedimus,  conces- 
sinius,  ac  per  presentes  literas  nostras  patcntes, 
pro  nobis  heredibus  et  successoribus  nostris,  quan- 
tum in  nobis,  heredibus  et  successoribus  nostris 
est,  damns,  et  concedimus  predictis  nunc  niajori, 
ballivis,  burgensibus  et  conimunitati,  et  succes- 
soribus suis  imperpetuum,  quod  nuUus  mercator 
extrancus,  alienigena  vel  indigcna,  ncc  ulli  mer- 
catores  extranci,  alionigene  vol  indigene,  qui  ali- 
(juas  mercliandizas,  res  vonalcs,  vol  mercimonia 
quecunque  ad  villain  predictam,  vel  ad  portuin  sive 
baiam  ejusdem  ville,  sive  a  villa  predicta,  vel  a 
portu  sive  kacia  ejusdem  ville,  per  terrain  vel  per 
a(|uani  portaverit,  dlscarcaverit,  transjiortaverit 
'■ive  carcaverit,  vel  portavcrint,  discavcavcrint, 
transportavcrint  seu  carcaverint,  custumas,  ponda- 
gia,  tolneta  vel  aliqua  alia  onera,  res  vel  debitii 
cjuecunquc  nobis,  heredibus  vel  successoribus  nos- 


tris, vel  alicui  alii  sive  aliquibus  aliis,  pro  eisdem 
inerchandizis,  rebus  venalibus,  vel  niercimoniis  vel 
pro  aliqua  parte  eorundeiii,  solvat  seu  rcddat, 
solvant  seu  reddant,  aut  solvere  seu  reddere  coiii- 
pellatur  vel  conipellantur,  nisi  solummodo  custumc 
ct  onera  subsequentia ;  (viz.)  de  qualibet  libra  zin- 
ziberis  venali  ununi  denarium,  de  (pialibet  libra 
croci  venali  duos  denarios,  de  (jualibet  libra  piperis 
venali  ununi  quadraiitem,  de  qualibet  libra  de 
galingale  venali  unum  denarium,  de  qualibet  libr.i 
de  cloves  venali  ununi  denarium,  de  qualibet  libra 
de  graines  de  paradize  venali  unum  denarium,  de 
omnibus  aliis  gcneribus  speeierum,  valoris  duo- 
decini  denariorum,  venalibus  unum  quadrantein, 
de  centum  libris  cere  venalibus  sex  denarios,  de 
centum  libris  de  allome  venalibus  tres  denarios, 
de  quolibet  corio  tannato,  frisco  aut  sallito,  et  in 
succo  posito  vel  ponendo,  in  eadem  villa,  intus  vel 
extra  usque  ad  insulain  que  vocatur  Eneskiraa/i, 
unum  obuluin,  de  qualibet  libra  cerici  venali  tres 
denarios,  de  (jualibet  pecia  de  legis  venali  quatuor 
denarios,  de  qualibet  jiecia  paniii  Anglici  venali 
tres  denarios,  de  qualibet  pecia  panni  Ilibernici 
linei,  continentis  duodecim  virgas,  ununi  obuluin, 
de  (|ualibet  centena  ferri  venali  duos  denarios,  de 
qualibet  benda  pcciarum  ferri  venali  ununi  dena- 
rium, de  qualibet  sence  de  sabulis  venali  unum 
denarium,  de  centum  petris  ferri  de  Siiayne  vena- 
libus quatuor  denarios,  de  quolibet  fotemello  plunibi 
venali  unum  obuluni,  de  centum  libris  sirutfe 
unum  denarium,  de  omnibus  gcneribus  de  ave- 
depis  valoris  duodecim  denariorum  venalibus  unum 
quadrantein,  de  niille  clavorum  de  spikings  vena- 
libus unum  denarium,  de  quolibet  fraylo  de  batri 
venali  octo  denarios,  de  quolibet  grosso  cacabo, 
vel  grossis  patellis  venalibus  quatuor  denarios,  de 
qualibet  centena  de  batrie  venali  quatuor  denarios, 
de  quolibet  dolio  vini  venali  sex  denarios,  de  qua- 
libet pipa  villi  venali  tres  denarios,  de  quolibet 
cronoco  cursall  brasii  venali  unum  denarium,  de 
quolibet  cronoco  capitalis  brasii  venali  duos  dena- 
rios, de  quolibet  cronoco  frunienti  venali  duos 
denarios,  de  quolibet  summagio  bladii  venali  unum 
obuluin,  de  qualibet  summagio  buturi  venali  unum 
denarium,  de  quolibet  lestro  buturi  venali  unum 
denarium,  de  (pialibet  petra  sepi  venali  unum 
obuluin,  de  qualibet  meys  de  halccibus  venali 
unum  obulum,  de  quolibet  cronoco  salis  venali 
unum  denarium,  de  quolibet  cronoco  ordei,  faba- 
runi,  [lisaruni  venali  unum  denarium,  de  quolibet 
cronoco  avenarum  et  alioruin  bladorum  venali 
unum  denarium,  de  quolibet  jietra  lane  venali  unum 
denarium,  de  quolibet  sacco  lane  venali  quatuor 
denarios,  de  quolibet  coreo  tannato,  vel  frisco  aut 
sallito  venali  unum  obulum,  de  quibuscunque  cor- 
reis  valoris  duodecim  denariorum,  aut  alioruin  pel- 


APPENDIX. 


limn  de  sliorlings  venalibus  umim  irenariiim,  de 
centum  pellibus  lamitis  vciuilibus  i\mmi  dcnariuni, 
(Ic  c-c:ituni  jieliilius  agnoruin  vciialibus  duos  dena- 
rius, do  valorc  duodcciui  dcnarloruni  aliorum  pel- 
liuni  venalium  iinuni  (luadrautcni,  de  (luolibct  equo 
valoi'is  (|uadraginta  sulidoruui,  et  ultra  sex  denario-;, 
de  quolibet  eaballo,  aHVo,  t-utio.  bove  vel  vaeca  ve- 
nali  uuuui  denaiiuin,  de  quuliliet  vitulo  veuali  ununi 
<iuadi-antem,  de  quolibet  porco  magno  venali  unuiii 
de.iaviuni,  de  qualibet  ove  vel  capra  venali  unum 
obuluMi,  de  quolibet  poieo  paivo  veuali  uuuni  obu- 
luni,  de  centum  pellibus  eunieulorum  duos  denarios, 
de  centum  pellibus  dewolt'ell  venalibus tresdenarios, 
de  ([uolibet  summagio  piseium  venali  unum  obulum, 
de  centum  piscibus  siccis  venalibus  duos  denarios, 
de  quolibet  salmone  venali  unum  quadrauteni,  de 
mille  anguillis  et  nierlinguis  venalibus  unum  dena- 
riuui,  de  qualibet  genere  macremii,  necuou  bigis, 
currilis,  burdis  valoris  TjUatuor  solidoVum  unum 
denariuin,  de  (]uo!ibct  t'alcoue  vel  austurco  venali 
uamu  denariuni,  ile  quoliljet  tercello  vel  tereclleto 
venali  unum  obulum,  de  qualibet  mola  niolendini 
unum  denarium,  de  duabus  molis  manualibus  unum 
(luadrantem,  de  duodecim  cronocis  carbonum  vena- 
libus unum  denariuni,  de  qualibet  petra  buturi, 
micti,  cepi  et  casei  venali  unum  obulum,  de  quo- 
Ibet  dolio  mellis  venali  octo  denarios,  de  qualibet 
);ipa  salmonis  venali  decern  et  octo  denarios,  de 
(jualibet  ccntena  de  vitro  venali  unum  denarium, 
de  qualibet  centena  de  scalpon,  seu  alterius  piscis 
salsi,  sicei  vel  duri  venali  unum  denarium,  de 
duobus  minibus  ceparum  venalibus  unum  quadrau- 
teni, de  oe'.o  libris  canabi  et  lini  venalibus  unum 
denarium,  de  octo  shanes  aleii  venalibus  unum 
quadrantem,  de  qualibet  nova  cista  vel  area,  et 
quolibet  milliari  cLscorum  et  pattelloruni  lignorum 
venalibus  unum  quadrantem,  de  centum  libris  de 
pice,  \el  rosino  venalibus  miuin  obulum,  de  centum 
f'nddes  asseris  venalibus  unum  obulum,  de  quolibet 
nierciuionio  valoris  duodecim  den:iriorum,  de  i]uo 
superius  r.ou  lit  nientio,  unum  quadrauteni,  de 
quolibet  mercimonio  valoris  sex  solidorum  et  octo 
denarionmi,  venali,  superius  non  expressato,  unuin 
obulum,  de  quolibet  nicrciinonio  valoris  trcsdecim 
solidonmi  et  quatuor  deiiariorum  venali,  similiter 
non  antca  conicnta,  unum  denariuin.  Quecpiidem 
oiunia  et  singula  custiuna,  onera  et  consuctudiues 
jiredicte,  de  gratia  nostra  speciali,  ac  ex  certa 
licicntia  et  inero  motu  nostris,  damns  et  concedi- 
inus,  pro  nobis,  licredibus  et  succcssoribus  nostris, 
predictis  majori,  ballivis,  burgonsibus  et  comnni- 
nilati  ct  successoribus  suis  iniperpetuum.  Man- 
dautes  et  concedentes  predictis  Viiajori,  ballivis  bur- 
gensibus  et  conimunitati  et  successoribus  suis,  quod 
consuetudiiKs,  onera  et  custume  prcdicte  et  earum 
(piodlibet.  in  villa  predicta,  in  forma  predlcta  de 


die  in  diem  levari,  colligi,  recipi  et  haberi  faciant 
ct  ordinaverint.  Ita  semper  quod  denarii,  indc 
prevcnientes,  circa  muragium  et  pavagiun;  dicte 
ville,  et  non  alibi,  nee  aliter,  fideliter  expeiidantur. 
Insupcr,  de  gratia  nostra  speciali,  ac  ex  certa 
scientia  et  mero  motu  nostris,  dediinus  et  coiices- 
simus,  ac  per  prescntes  literas  nostras  patentes, 
pro  nobis,  lieredibus  et  successoribus  nostris, 
quantum  in  nobis  est,  damns  et  concedinuis  pre- 
dictis majori,  ballivis,  burgcnsibus  et  conimunitati 
et  successoribus  suis  impcrpetuum,  quod  ipsi  nunc 
major,  ballivi,  burgenses  ct  communitas  ville  prc- 
dicte, et  successores  sui,  de  tempore  in  tcmpus, 
possint  et  valeant,  et  quilibet  eorum  potest  ct  valeat 
congregare,  comparere  ct  colligere  se  ipsos  ct 
eorum  quemlibet,  ac  onmes  et  singulos  alios  inlia- 
bitantes  ville  predicte,  cum  omnibus  et  singulis 
eorum  amicis,  servienlibus,  teneiitibus  et  adhcrcii- 
tibus  et  eorum  quemlibet  seu  quoslibet,  ad  eorum 
libitum  et  voluntatcm,  ct  ad  libitum  ct  volmitatcni 
eorum  cujuslibct  ct  quorumlibct,  cum  armis  det'eii- 
sionis  vel  aliter,  prout  eis  vel  eorum  alicui  vel  ali- 
quibus  videbitur  melius  expedirc,  iiiCra  villain  pre- 
dictam,  libertates,  tVancliesias  et  suburbia  ejusdem, 
vel  extra,  in  aliquo  alio  loco  quocunque,  tani  ])cr 
inare  (juani  per  terram  et  a(iuas  dulces,  rcsis- 
tenduni,  propulsandum,  occuperandum  et  vindi- 
canduni  oiimcs  et  singulas  roborias,  spoliationes, 
dcpredationes  ac  alias  injurias,  dauipna  ct  crimina 
quccunque,  eis  vel  eorum  alicui  vel  aliquibus  facta, 
perjietrata,  illata  vel  commissa,  seu  iniposterum 
facienda,  perjietranda,  inferenda  vel  conunittenda, 
per  aliquos  Ilibcrnicos  vicinos,  seu  per  aliquos 
rebelles,  malefactores,  et  pacis  nostre  licrcdum  et 
successorum  nostrorum  perturbatores ;  et  quod 
bene  liceat  et  licebit  eisdeni  nunc  majori,  ballivis, 
burgensibus  et  conimunitati,  et  succcssoribus  suis, 
et  omnibus  et  singulis  aliis  inhabitantibus  ville  pre- 
dicte, et  eorum  cuilibct,  cum  eorum  amicis,  scrvi- 
entibus,  tcnentibus  et  adiiereiitibus,  do  tcuqioro  in 
tempus  imperpetiuiui,  transire,  cquitare,  navigare 
et  transfrctare,  cmii  armis,  munitionibus,  vexillis 
displicatis  modo  guerrino,  vel  aliter  prout  ipsi  et 
eorum  quilibet  vyiucrit  et  voluerint,  ad  aliqiiam 
patriam,  insulam,  brachium  maris,  seu  locum 
quemcunque,  ad  pcrsequenda,  capienda,  recu- 
peranda  et  vindicanda  roborias,  feloiiias,  spolia- 
tiones, dcpredationes,  injurias  ct  criniina  quecun- 
que,  eis  vel  eorum  alicui  facta,  illata  seu  commissa, 
et  ad  recompcnsationes,  districtioncs,  restitutiones 
et  evicliones  pro  eisdem  roboriis,  feloniis,  spolia- 
tioiiibus,  depredutionibus,  injuriis  et  criniinibus 
predictis,  liabendas,  recuperandas,  distringpndas, 
faeiendas  et  recipiendas,  versus  predictos  rebelles, 
depredatores  et  malefactores,  ct  coram  qucndibet, 
lieite  ct  iinpune,  absque   inipctilione,   calunqinia, 


Al'J'KNDlX. 


niolostntioue,  griwaminc,  inqu'iet;itionc,  scctationc, 
vcxatione  sou  disturbatioiie,  vel  iiupcdimento 
nostri,  licrcduiii  vol  successorum  luistroi-uni,  locum 
tciu'iitiuiii,  dtputaloruiii,  jiisticiarionmi,  viceconii- 
tuni  vol  aliorii'.u  olHciariorum  sou  iiiinisti-oriiiu  nos- 
trorum,  IicTcduni  vcl  succcssonmi  niislrorum  qiio- 
rumcuiiquc  ;  allquo  statute,  actu,  oi'dinatione,  rcs- 
trictioue,  lego,  usu,  prcscriptionc,  proclamatioiio 
seu  alia  re,  causa  vcl  nia'crla  (|aacun(iuc,  in  ali(pu) 
non  obstante:  Et  ulterius,  dL'  anipliori  gratia 
nostra,  ac  ex  ccrta  scientia  et  nicro  niotu  nostris, 
dedinius  ot  conccssiiiuis,  ac  per  jircsentes  literas 
nostras  patcntes,  pro  nobis,  licrcdibus  ct  succcs- 
soribus  nostris,  (]uantuni  in  nobis  est,  dauius  ct 
conccdinuis  predietis  majori,  ballivis,  buvgcnslbus 
ct  comniunitati  et  successoribus  suis  impcrpctuuni, 
quod  quilibct  major  et  quilibet  rccordator  ville 
jiredicte,  jiro  tempore  existens  et  existentes, 
durante  tempore  quo  quilibct  seu  aliquis  eoruni', 
scu  successorum  suoruni  erit  major  vcl  rccordator 
ville  prcdicte,  aut  oificia  majoris  ct  recordatoris 
vilie  prcdicte  gerent  et  exercent,  vel  aliquis  coruni 
officia  majoris  ct  recordatoris  ville  prcdicte,  vcl 
corum  alicpiod  geret  et  excrcet,  crunt  ct  sint  cus- 
todes  ac  justiciarii  pacis  nostre,  lieredum  vel  suc- 
cessorum nostrorum,  ac  justiciarii  nostri,  hcredum 
ct  successorum  nostrorum,  ad  gaolani  nostram  ac 
ad  gaolam  hcredum  et  successorum  nostrorum 
deliberandam  ;  et  quilibet  corum  erit  ct  sit  custos 
as  justiciariiis  pacis  nostre,  lieredum  ct  succes- 
sorum nostrorum,  ac  justiciarius  nostri,  lieredum 
et  successorum  nostrorum,  ad  gaolam  nostram  ct 
ad  gaolam  lieredum  et  successorum  nostrorum 
deliberandam,  de  tempore  in  tempus  imperpetuum, 
infra  villain  predictam,  franchcsias,  libertates  et 
suburbia  cjusdcm,  tarn  per  mare,  quam  per  terrain 
ct  aquas  dulces,  pro  feloniis  et  aliis  malef'actionibus 
infra  villam,  suburbia,  franchcsias  et  libertates,  ejus- 
deni  perpctratis  :  ac  omnes  ct  singuli  majores  ct 
recordatorcs  ville  predicte,  pro  tempore  existentes, 
et  corum  quilibet  pro  tempore  existens,  inajorcm  ct 
recordatorein  cjusdcm  ville  imperpetuum,  custodem 
ac  justiciarium  pacis  nostre,  hcredum  et  succes- 
sorum nostrorum,  ct  justiciarios  nostros,  hcredum 
ct  successorum  nostrorum,  ad  gaolam  nostram  et 
ad  gaolani  licrcdiun  ct  successorum  nostrorum,  dc 
tempore  in  tempiis  deliberandum  infra  villain  pre- 
dictam, franchcsias,  libertates  ct  suburbia  cjusdcm, 
tain  per  marc  quam  per  terrain  et  a([uns  dulces, 
pro  feloniis  ct  nialefactionibus  predietis,  pro  nobis, 
lieredihu.s  et  successoribus  nostris,  quantum  in 
nobis  est,  facinius,  constituimus,  creanius  et  ordi- 
namus :  et  quod  omncs  et  singuli  majores  ct  recor- 
datorcs ville  prcdicte,  pro  tempore  existentes, 
imperpetuum,  ct  coruni  o^uilibet,  babcant  et  habcat, 
habebuiit  et   liabcbit  plciiam  potestalcm,  auctori- 


tatem  et  jurisdictioncm  iiu|uirondi  per  saeramcn- 
tum  proborum  ct  legalium  liomiimm  de  \illa  prc- 
dlcta,  franchesiis,  libertatibus  et  suburbiis  ejiisdem, 
de  omnibus  ct  singulis  et  quibuscuiii|ue  feloniis, 
iniirdris,  rebellionibus,  transgressionilnis,  riotis, 
routis,  convcnticujis,  ambidcxtris,  coiispiralioni- 
bus,  concelameiitis,  inispiisionibus  et  aliis  crimini- 
lius,  otlcnsis  et  malefactis  quibuscuiupie,  infra 
villain  in-edictani,  franchcsias,  libertates  et  sub- 
urbia cjusdem,  tain  [ler  mare  ([uam  per  terrain  et 
acpias  dulces,  factis,  cominissis  sive  perpctratis, 
ant  imposteruni  faciendls,  committendis  vel  pcrpc- 
trandis ;  ac  dp  omnibus  et  singulis  ingressionibus, 
ill  a'iqua  terra  seu  tenemento,  nuimiforti  :  iiccnou 
dc  ingrcssibus  in  hujusmodi  tcrris  seu  tenenientis, 
pacitice  et  postea  vi,  potentia  aut  inanuforti,  teiitis 
et  tcncndis,  factis  seu  faciendis,  infra  villain  pre- 
dictam, franchcsias  libertates  ct  suburbia  cjusdem; 
ac  etiani  de  omnibus  ct  singulis  articulis,  statutis 
de  libcratione  pannorum,  capuciorum,  ac  de  labo- 
ratoribus,  servientibus,  vacabundis,  carpentariis, 
artiticibus,  ponderibus,  niensuris,  victualibus,  tan- 
natoriis  corriorum,  teggulatoriis,  liostcllatoriis, 
venatoribus  ac  de  omnibus  et  singulis  articulis  con- 
tentis  in  quibuscunque  statutis  modo  cditis  et  pro- 
visis :  iiecnon  de  omnibus  et  singulis  articulis  ct 
rebus  quibuscuncpic  dc  qulbus  alicpii  justiciarii  vcl 
custodes  pacis,  seu  aliqui  justiciarii  ad  gaolam  deli- 
berandam, in  aliquo  alio  loco  infra  regnum  nostrum 
Anglic,  aut  infra  regnum  nostrum  Hibcrnic,  inqiii- 
rere  possint;  ac  premissa  et  omnia  singula  alia 
faciendi,  exercendi  et  exequendi  infra  villain  pre- 
dictam, franchcsias,  libertates  et  suburbia  cjusdem, 
tam  per  mare  quam  per  terrain  et  aquas  dulces, 
que  ad  oHicia  custodis  aut  justiciarii  pacis,  vcl  jus- 
ticiariorum  ad  gaolam  deliberandam,  vel  ad  corum 
aliquod  pertinent  seu  spectar.t,  ac  ea  omnia  ct 
singula  audiendi,  terniinandi  ct  adjudicaiuii  secun- 
dum legem  et  consuetudincm  rcgni  nostri  lliliernic; 
et  quod  nullus  custos  vel  justiciarius  jiacis  nostre, 
lieredum  vel  successorum  nostrorum,  aut  justiciarii 
nostri,  hcredum  vel  successorum  nostrorum,  ad 
gaolam  nostram,  vel  ad  gaolam  hcredum  et  suc- 
cessorum nostrorum  deliberandam, nee  ulll  custodes 
aut  justiciarii  pacis  nostre,  hcredum  vel  succes- 
sorum nostrorum,  iiec  ulli  justiclariLnostri  liereduiu 
vel  successorum  nostrorum,  ad  gaolani  nostram, 
vel  ad  gaolani  hcredum  vcl  succexsoruin  nostro- 
rum, deliberandam,  in  aliquo  eommitalii,  sen  aliquo 
alio  loco  infra  regnum  nostrum  Ilibernic  predicte, 
assignatus  vcl  assignandus,  assignati  vel  assignandi 
ad  in<]uirendum  de  jiremissis  vel  aliquo  preniisso- 
rum,  vel  ad  ea  vel  coruni  aliquod  audicndum,  ter- 
niiiianduin  vcl  adjudicanduiii,  seu  ad  aliquod  aliud 
faciendum,  cxercendum  vcl  cxccpiendum,  quod  ad 
otticium   custodis  vel  justiciarii  pacis,  vcl  ad  ofii- 


APPENDIX. 


ciiim   justlciarii    ad    gaolam    dcliberamlam,     infra 
villain  predictani,  tVaufliesias,  libertates  aut  sub- 
urbia ejusdeni,  ])ur  nrare  terrani  vel  aquas  dulces, 
ingrcdiatur  vel  ingrcdiaiitur,  nee  aliquo  niodo  se 
introniittat   seu    introniittant ;    et    quod    si    aliqua 
inquisitio,  sive   aliquod   Indietauicntum,  proseuta- 
niontuni,  vel  ali(|iiid  aliud  (juDdcuncjue  intra  villani 
))redictani,  tVanehesias,  libertiites  et  suburbia  ejus- 
deni, coram  aliquibus  aliis  custodibus  vel  justicia- 
riis  pacis  nostre,  Iieredum  vel  suecessoruni  nostro- 
runi,  vel   coram  Justiciariis  nostris,    hereduin   vel 
suecessoruni   nostroruni,  ad   gaolam   nostram,  vel 
ad  gaolam   heredum   vel   suecessoruni   nostroruni 
deiibevandani,  vol  coram  corum  aliquo,  in  aliquo 
alio  conuiiitatu   vel  loco  assignati  vel  assignatus, 
assignandi   vel  assignandus,    luijusmodi   inquisitio, 
indictanicnto  et  quicquid  aliud  fuerit  factum,   de- 
terminatuni  aut  adjudicatuni   infra  villam  predic- 
tam,  franehesias,  libertates  et  suburbia'  ejusdeni, 
coram  predictis  aliis  custodibus  vel  justiciariis  pacis 
nostre,  bereduni  vel  suecessoruni  nostrorum,   aut 
coram  predictis  aliis  justiciariis  nostris,   Iieredum 
vel  suecessoruni  nostrorum,  ad   gaolam  nostram, 
vel  ad  gaolam  Iieredum  vel  suecessoruni  nostroruni 
deliberandam  assignati,  vacua,   nulliusque  vigoris 
urint  et  sint,  et  pro   nullo  habeantur,    et  eorum 
quodlibet  vacuum,  nulliusque  vigoris  erit  et  sit,  et 
pro  nullo  liabcatur  :   Et  insuper,  de  gratia  nostra 
speciali,  ac  ex  certa  scientia  et  niero  motu  nostris, 
dediinus  et  concessimus,  ac  per  presentes  literas 
nostras  patentes,  pro  nobis  lieredibus  et  successo- 
rlbus  nostris,  (piantuni  nobis  est,  damns  et  conce- 
diiuus   predictis  majori,    balllvis,    burgensibus   et 
connnunitati   et  succcssoribns  suis   imperpetuum, 
quod  nullns  vicecomes,  escaetor  aut  alius  otticiarius 
vel  minister  noster,  Iieredum  vel  suecessoruni  nos- 
trorum, preterquam  ballivos  et  alios  officiarios  ville 
predicte,  ad  aliquod  officium  suuni,  sive  ad  officiuni 
eorum  alicujus,  infra  villam  predictani,  franehesias, 
libertates  aut  suburbia  quovis  modo  faciendum  vel 
cxcrcciuUnn,  alitiuo  modo  ingrediantiu',  nee  eorum 
a!i(pus  iiigrediatur;  ncc  se  in  alicjuo  vel  aliquo  modo 
infra  villani   predictam,  franchoias,    libertates  et 
suburbia  ejusdeni  se  introniittant,  nee  aliquis  eorum 
se  introniittat:  Et  quod  predicti  major,  ballivi,  bur- 
geiises  et  coninninitas  et  succcssores  sui  imperpe- 
tuum, liabeant  et  teneant  gaolam  et  prisonam  infra 
villani    [ircdictam,    franehesias,  libertates    et  sub- 
urbia ejusdeni,  ubi  cis  videbitur  expedire;  et  ()uod 
habcaiit  et  teneant  cis  et  succcssoribus  suis,  imper- 
petuum, custodem   gaole  et  prisone  predicte,  ad 
prisonarios  in  cadeni  gaola  seu  prisona  de  temjiore 
in  tempus    incarcerandos    et    iniprisoiuindus,    pro 
•  <]uacunque  causa  seu  crimine  fue'rint  capti,  atta- 
thiati  seu  arrestatl,  vel  eorum  aliquis  fuerit  captus, 
attachiatus  seu  arrestatus  inlVa  villain  predictani. 


franehesias,  libertates  et  suburbia  ejusdeni ;  necnon 
ipsos  et  eorum  quemlibet  detineiidos  et  custodi- 
endos  per  se,  vel  niinistros  suos  ad  lioc  depulatos, 
ac  etiam  ipsos  sic  incarcerates  et  iinprisoiiatoa 
secundum  debitam  legis  formam  iu  balliuui,  vel 
aliter  juxta  discretionem  suam  tradere,  deliberate 
sive  ad  larguni  diniittere. 

Et  ulterius,  de  uberiori  gratia  nostra  speeiali, 
ac  ex  certa  scientia  et  niero  motu  nostris,  dediinus 
et  concessimus  ac  per  presentes  literas  nostra* 
patentes,  pro  nobis,  heredibus  et  succcssoribus 
nostris,  quantum  in  nobis  est,  damns  et  coiicedi- 
nius  predictis  majori,  ballivis,  burgensibus  et  eoiii- 
munitati  ville  nostre  de  Gahvaj'  predicte,  et  suc- 
ccssoribus suis  imperpetuum,  omnia  et  singula  talia 
et  consimilia  alia  libertates,  franehesias  et  privi- 
legia,  preheminencias,  jurisdictiones,  aucthoritates, 
quietancias,  immunitates,  proficuas,  conimoditates, 
advantagias,  custumas,  consuetudines,  forisfaetas, 
exitus  forisfacta  et  forisfactura,  fines,  redeinp- 
tiones  et  alia  liereditanienta  et  res  (piecuntjue,  que 
et  qualia  major,  vicecomites  et  civis  civitatis  nostre 
Waterford,  in  regno  nostro  Iliberiiie  predicte,  seu 
major,  vicecomites  et  communitas  ville  nostre  de 
Drogheda,  in  regno  nostro  Hibernie  predicte,  et 
eorum  quilibet,  liabent,  tenent,  gaudent  et  utantur, 
seu  habct,  tenet,  gaudet  et  utitur,  vel  habere, 
tcnere,  gaudere  vel  uti  debent  seu  debet ;  ratione, 
vigore  seu  pretextu  aliquaruin  concessionuni  aut 
literarum  patentium  nostrarum,  vel  aliquorum  pro- 
genitoruni  vel  predecessorum  nostroruni  quoruni- 
cunque,  aut  ratione,  vigore  seu  pretextu  alicujus 
usus,  consuetudinis,  statuti  aut  alicujus  alterius  rei, 
cause  vel  niaterie  cujuscunque,  infra  civitatem  nos- 
tram Waterford  predictani,  francliesias,  libertates 
et  suburbia  ejusdeni,  et  infra  villam  nostram  de 
Drogheda  predicte,  franehesias,  libertates  et  sub- 
urbia ejusdeni ;  et  (juod  predicti  major,  ballivi, 
burgenses  et  conimuiiltas  ville  nostre  de  Galway 
predicte,  et  successoixs  sui  iinperpetuum,  habeaiit 
plenam  potestaleni  et  auctoritatcm  faciendi,  reci- 
piendi,delil)eriaidi,administrandl,exercendi  et  exe- 
(lueiidi  omnia  et  singula  que  ad  predictas  libertates, 
franehesias,  privilegia,  preheminencias,  jurisdic- 
tiones, aucthoritates,  quietancias,  imniumtates, 
proficua,  conimoditates,  advantagia,  custumas, 
consuetudines,  forisfacturas,  exitus,  fines,  redenip- 
tiones  et  alia  liereditanienta  et  res  cpiecunque  pre- 
dictas pertinent  et  pertinebant  infra  villain  nostram 
de  Galway  predictam,  franehesias,  libertates  et 
suburbia  ejusdeni,  tarn  per  mare  quam  per  terrain 
et  aquas  dulces;  in  tain  amplis  modo  et  forma,  ac 
adeo  plenarie,  libcre  et  integre  et  impune,  prout 
]iredicti  major,  vicecomites  et  cives  civitatis  nostre 
Watertord  ))redicte,  infra  eandeni  civitalein  ^\'ater- 
ford,  franehesias,  libertates  et  suburbia  ejusdeni, 


APPENDIX. 


X\ll 


aut  pi'edictus  major,  vicecoinltes  et  communitas 
ville  nnstre  de  Di'ogheda  prcdicte,  infra  eandcin 
■villani,  franchesias,  libertatcs  et  suburbia  ejusdcm, 
fuccre,  recipcre,  deliberare,  adiniiiistraro,  excr- 
ccre  et  exequi,  quovis  niodo  possuiit  scu  debent, 
aut  eoruui  alicpiis  potest  sen  debet :  l''t  ulterius,  de 
gratia  nostra  speeiali,  ae  ex  certa  seientia  et  niero 
iiiotu  nostris,  dedinuis,  eonccssinius  ac  per  ])re- 
scntes  litcvas  nostras  patentcs,  pro  nobis,  licredibus 
ct  successoribus  nostris,  (luantuni  in  nobis  est, 
damns  et  concediiiius  prefatis  majori,  baliivis,  bur- 
gensibus  et  communitati  ville  nostre  de  Gahvay 
prediete,  et  successoribus  suis  imperpctuuni,  quod 
omncs  et  singuli  articuli,  clausula,  sentencie  et 
concessioncs  in  bis  Uteris  patentibus,  ac  in  omnibus 
singulis  aliis  literis  patentibus,  per  nos,  vel  aliquem 
progenitorum  vel  predecessorum  nostrorum  predic- 
torum,  majori,  baliivis,  burgensibus  et  communi- 
tati ville  nostre  de  Gahvay  prediete,  vel  predeces- 
soribus  suis  vel  eorum  aliciji  factis,  in  tam  benigno 
ct  favorabili  niodo  quo  potcrit,  in  advantagium  et 
conimoduni  eorundem  majoris  et  ballivorum,  bur- 
gensium  et  communitatis  ville  nostre  de  Gahvay 
prcdicte,  versus  nos,  heredes  et  suecessores  nostros, 
in  quibuscunque  curiis  nostris,  lieredum  et  succes- 
sorum  nostrorum,  ct  coram  quibuscunque  judici- 
bus,  jiisticiariis.  baronibus  de  scaccario,  et  aliis 
officiariis  et  ministris  nostris,  heredum  et  succes- 
soruni  nostrorum,  acceptantur,  judicentur,  intelli- 
gantur,  intcrprotentur  et  construentur,  et  non 
alitor,  nee  alio  modo  :  Eo  quod  expressa  mentio  de 
vero  valorc  annuo,  aut  de  certltudinc  premissorum 
sive  eorum  alicujus,  aut  de  aliis  donis  sive  conces- 
sionibus  per  nos,  seu  per  aliquem  progenitorum 
nostrorum,  prefatis  majori,  baliivis,  burgensibus  et 
communitati  ville  nostre  de  Gahvay  prediete,  seu 
eorum  alicui,  ante  hec  tenipora  factis,  in  presen- 
tibus  niinime  facta  existit;  aut  aliquo  statuto,  actu, 
ordinatione,  provisione,  proclamatione  sive  restric- 
tionc  inde  in  contrarium  factis,  editis,  ordinatis 
sive  provisos ;  aut  aliqua  alia  re,  causa  vel  materia 
quacunquo  in  aliquo  non  obstante.  In  cujus  rei 
testimonium,  lias  literas  nostras  fieri  fecimus 
patentcs,  teste  me  ipsa,  apud  Goiliambury,  quarto 
decimo  die  Julii  anno  repni  nostri  vicesinio. 

Per  ipsam  rcginnm,  d  de  data  predicta.  Irrot. 
anno  20  EUz. 

TRANSLATION. 

Charter  of  Q.  Elizabeth  to  the  toxmi  of  Gahmy. 

Elizabeth,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  England, 
France  and  Ireland,  Queen,  defender  of  the 
faith,  &c. :  To  all  to  whom  these  present  letters 
shall  come,  greeting.     We  have  inspected  letters 


patent  of  our  most  dear  brother,  our  Lord  Edward 
the  Sixth,  late  king  of  England,  to  the  mayor, 
bailiffs,  burgesses  and  conmionalty  of  our  town 
of  Gahvay,  in  our  kingdom  of  Ireland,  the  tenor 
whereof  follows  in  these  words: — 

I'dward  the  Sixth,  by  the  grace  of  (Jon,  of 
England,  I'rance  and  Ireland,  king,  defender  of 
the  faith,  and  of  the  church  of  England  and  Ire- 
land, on  earth  sujjreme  head :  To  all  to  whom  tliese 
present  letters  shall  come,  greeting.  We  have 
inspected  patents  of  oiu-  Lord,  Henry  the  Eio-luh, 
late  king  of  England,  our  most  dear  father,  made 
in  these  words. 

Henry,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  England, 
France  and  Ireland,  king,  defender  of  the  faith, 
and  of  the  church  of  England  and  Ireland,  on 
earth  supreme  head  :  To  all  to  whom  these 
present  letters  shall  come,  greeting. 

Know  j'e  that  whereas.  Lord  llicliard,  late  king 
of  England,  the  second  after  the  conquest,  liavino- 
taken  into  consideration  that  the  town  of  Gahvay, 
in  Connaught,  which  is  the  key  of  those  parts  of  his 
land  of  Ireland,  (in  which  town  all  his  faithful  and 
liege  people,  as  well  strangers  as  others,  resorting 
to  the  parts  aforesaid,  were  received,  saved,  com- 
forted and  relieved,)  lay  exposed  on  all  sides  as  well 
to  Irish  enemies  as  En<rlisli  rebels,  so  that  the  bur- 
gesses of  the  said  town  and  others  dwelling  therein, 
and  coming  thereunto,  dare  not,  without  great  con- 
duct, come  to  the  said  town  either  by  land  or  by 
water,  or  go  out  of  the  same  to  traffic  and  transact 
other  necessary  business,  and  that  the  said  burges- 
ses, for  the  safe  custody  of  the  said  town  against  the 
malice  of  the  said  enemies  and  rebels,  had  conti- 
nually, day  and  night,  maintained  and  supported  in 
the  said  town,  divers  men  for  defence,  at  their  own 
pro]ier  charges,  to  the  manifest  impoverishment 
of  their  estate,  in  aid  of  the  relief  and  encourage- 
ment of  the  town  aforesaid,  and  in  order  that  mer- 
chants and  others  might  be  the  more  induced  and 
encouraged  to  dv,-ell  and  inhabit  in  the  said  town, 
for  the  better  resistance  of  the  malice  of  the  said 
enemies  and  rebels  ;  by  his  letters  patent,  dated 
at  Dublin,  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  .lanuary,  in 
the  nineteenth  year  of  his  reign,  of  his  special 
grace,  granted  and  gave  licence,  for  himself  and 
his  heirs,  as  much  as  in  him  lay,  to  the  provost 
and  co-burgesses  of  the  said  town  of  Gahvay,  tliat 
they  and  their  heirs  and  successors,  co-burgesses 
therein,  might  thenceforth,  annually,  for  ever,  from 
year  to  year,  of  their  common  assent,  elect  anions- 
themselves  one  sovereign  of  tlie  said  town,  and 
that  the  said  sovereign,  when  he  should  be  by 
them  so  elected,  that  is  to  say,  after  the  first  elec- 
tion of  such  sovereign,  before  the  said  provost  of 
the  said  town,  and  every  year  afterwards  before  the 


ArPENDIX. 


sovereign  of  the  said  town,  in  the  year  last  pre- 
ceding, sh.ould  take  a  corporal  oath,  well  and 
faitlifiilly  to  rule  and  govern  tlie  town  aforesaid, 
and  to  maintain  the  laws  of  the  said  late  king,  and 
the  good  customs  of  the  said  town,  used  and 
a[)provod  of,  and  all  other  tilings  whatsoever  con- 
cerning the  oiKce  of  such  sovereign,  in  any  such 
borough,  rightly  for  the  good  government  and 
benefit  of  the  said  town,  to  do  and  execute :  and 
moreover,  he  granted,  for  himself  and  his  heirs,  to 
the  said  co-burgesses  and  their  heirs  and  succes- 
sors, burgesses  there,  tliat  no  merchant  or  other 
person  whatsoever,  whether  foreign  or  native,  of 
what  state  or  condition  soever  he  should  be,  who 
should  not  be  continually  resident  in  the  said  town, 
and  sworn  as  a  co-burgess  of  the  same,  to  sup- 
port and  sustain,  from  time  to  time,  all  burthens 
in  the  said  town  as  the  burgesses  themselves  do, 
should  thenceforth,  within  the  liberty  of  the  said 
town,  b}'  land  or  by  water,  buy  or  sell  any  mer- 
chandizes or  victuals  by  retail,  in  any  manner 
whatsoever,  except  only  in  gross  ;  and  likewise, 
that  they,  their  heirs  and  successors,  co-bur- 
gesses of  the  said  town,  should  thenceforth,  for 
ever,  freely  have,  enjoy  and  use  in  the  said  town, 
and  elsewhere  within  the  government,  power  and 
dominion  of  the  said  late  king,  where  they  should 
reach,  all  and  singular  the  liberties,  franchises, 
jurisdictions,  privileges,  cognizance  of  pleas,  tolls 
and  free  customs,  as  freely  and  quietly  as  the  bur- 
gesses of  his  town  of  Drogheda,  on  each  side  of 
the  water  daily  enjoyed  and  used,  and  bj-  the 
charters  of  conhrmation  of  hiin  and  his  predeces- 
■  sors  had,  or  of  right  ought  to  have  had,  as  freely 
and  quietl)',  and  in  the  same  manner  as  the  said 
burgesses  of  the  town  of  Drogheda  had  used  and 
enjoyed  the  same  :  saving  to  the  lord  of  the  town 
of  (ialway  aforesaid,  and  his  heirs,  the  rents,  ser- 
vices, tines,  amerciaments,  issues  and  other  profits 
to  him  and  the  lords  of  the  said  town,  from  the 
said  town  and  tlie  courts  thereof  belonging  or 
appertaining,  and  as  they  and  their  ancestors, 
lords  of  the  said  town,  more  freely  and  quietly 
liad  received,  or  of  right  were  accustomed  to 
receive  the  same:  and  also,  he  granteii  fur  him 
and  his  heirs,  to  the  said  burgesses  of  the  to«n 
of  Calway,  that  aUliough  tlity  or  their  heirs  or 
successors,  burgesses  of  the  su:d  town,  the  liber- 
ties, franchises,  jurisdictions,  privileges,  cogni- 
zances, tolls  and  free  custom^  uforciald,  or  any 
of  them,  in  any  case  whatsoever  arisijig,  should 
thencel'orth  abuse  or  not  use,  that  they,  the  liber- 
ties, fvarichises,  jurisdiclions,  privileges,  cogiii- 
zanccs,  tolls  and  free  customs  id'oresaid  .iri.!  c\ery 
of  'Jum,  mijiht  tiienccforth  freeiy  use  nr.u  enjoy, 
without  the  hindrance  or  impediment  of  him,  liis 


heirs  or  ministers  whomsoever,  as  ijt  said  letters  is 
more  fully  contained. 

And  whereas  also,  the  aforesaid  lord  Richard 
the  Second,  late  king  of  England,  on  the  ISthday 
of  November,  in  the  nineteenth  year  of  his  reiu'n, 
by  other  his  letters  patent  in  aid  of  the  said  town 
of  GaUvay,  (which  was  situated  in  the  marches 
between  divers  his  enemies  and  rebels,  as  well 
English  as  Irish,  and  by  their  daily  attacks  was 
very  much  impoverished,)  as  well  for  the  safety  of 
his  faithful  people  of  the  said  town,  to  be  enclosed 
with  a  stone  wall,  as  of  the  parts  adjacent,  and  in 
aid  of  the  paving  of  the  said  town,  granted  to  his 
beloved  the  provost  and  bailiftis  and  commonalties  of 
the  town  of  Galway,  and  their  successors,  that  they 
might,  by  themselves,  or  by  those  who  should  be  by 
them  thereto  deputed,  take  for  all  saleable  things 
coming  to  the  said  town,  by  land  or  by  water,  or 
passing  from  the  same,  the  customs  or  tolls  under- 
written; that  is  to  say — For  every  pound  of  ginger 
for  sale  one  penny,  lor  every  pound  of  saffron  for 
sale  two  pence,  for  every  pound  of  pepper  for  sale 
one  farthing,  for  every  pound  of  galmgale  for  sale 
one  penny,  for  every  pound  of  cloves  for  sale  one 
penny,  for  every  pound  of  grains  of  paradise  for 
sale  one  penny,  for  all  other  sorts  of  spices,  of 
the  value  of  twelve  pence,  for  sale  one  iiuthing, 
for  one  hundred  pounds  of  wax  for  sale  six  pence, 
for  one  hundred  pountls  of  alum  for  sale  three 
pence,  for  every  hide  tanned,  fresh  (green)  or 
salted,  and  put  or  to  be  put  into  juice  in  the  said 
town,  and  without,  as  far  as  the  island  which  is- 
called  Eniskijreacli,  one  halfpenny,  for  every  pound 
of  silk  for  sale  three  pence,  for  every  piece  of 
legis  for  sale  four  pence,  for  every  piece  of  English 
cloth  for  sale  three  pence,  for  every  piece  of  Irish 
linen  cloth,  containing  twelve  yards,  one  half- 
penny, for  every  hundred  weight  of  iron  for  sale 
two  pence,  for  every  bundle  of  rods  of  iron  for 
sale  one  penny,  for  every  seme  of  sables  for  sale 
one  penny,  for  one  hundred  stones  of  Spanish 
iron  for  sale  four  pence,  for  every  fotmel  of  lead 
for  sale  one  halfpenny,  for  one  hundred  pounds  of 
scroif  one  penny,  for  all  kinds  of  goods,  of  the 
value  of  tv,elve  pence,  for  sale  one  farthing,  for 
one  thousand  spike-nails  for  sale  one  penrjy,  for 
every  frail  of  batry  for  sale  eight  pence,  for  every 
large  kettle  or  large  dish  lor  sale  four  pence,  for 
every  hundrtd  of  batry  fVr  sale  four  pence,  for 
every  ton  of  wine  for  s.ile  six  pence,  for  every 
pipe  of  wine  for  sale  three  pence,  for  every  craii- 
nc.  k  of  common  n)alt  I'or  sale  one  penny,  for  every 
ciannock  of  best  malt  tor  sale  two  pence,  for  every 
crannoek  of  wheat  for  sale  two  pence,  for  every 
seme  of  corn  for  sale  one  halfpennj',  for  every 
seme  of  butter  for  sale  one  penny,  for  every  last 


APPENDIX, 


of  butter  for  sale  one  penny,  for  every  stone  of 
tallow  for  sale  one  halfpenny,  for  every  mease 
(500)  of  hcrrini^s  for  sale  one  halfpenny,  for  every 
craniiock  of  salt  for  sale  one  penny,  for  every 
crannock  of  barley,  beans  and  peas,  for  sale  one 
penny,  for  every  crannock  of  oats  and  other  corn 
for  sale  one  penny,  for  every  stone  of  wool  for 
sale  one  penny,  for  every  sack  of  wool  for  sale 
four  ponce,  for  every  hide  tanned,  fresh  or  salted, 
for  sale  one  halfpenny,  for  all  manner  of  hides  of 
the  value  of  tv.elve  pence,  and  of  other  hides  of 
shorlings,  for  sale  one  penny, for  one  hundred  wool- 
•fells  for  sale  one  penny,  for  one  hundred  lamb- 
skins for  sale  two  pence,  for  the  value  of  twelve 
pence  of  other  skins  for  sale  one  farthing,  for  every 
horse,  of  tlie  price  of  fort)'  shillings  and  upwards, 
for  sale  six  pence,  for  every  pack  horse,  steer,  bull, 
ox  and  cow  for  sale  one  penny,  for  every  calf  for 
sale  one  farthing,  for  every  large  hog  for  sale  one 
pennv,  for  every  sheep  or  goat  for  sale  one  half- 
pein>y,  for  every  small  hog  one  halfiw;nny,  for  one 
hundred  rabbit  skins  for  sale  two  pence,  for  one 
liundred  wool-fells  for  sale  three  pence,  for  every 
hundred  dry  fish  for  sale  one  lialfpenny,  for  one 
horse  load  of  fish  for  sale  two  pence,  for  every  sal- 
mon for  sale  one  farthing,  for  one  thousand  eels  and 
meriings  for  sale  one  penny,  for  every  kind  of  timber 
and  also  for  carts,  small  carts  and  boards,  of  the 
value  of  four  shillings,  one  penny,  for  every  falcon 
or  hawk  for  sale  one  penny,  for  every  tercel  or  ter- 
celet  for  sale  one  halfpenny,  for  every  millquern 
one  pemiy,  for  two  hand  (]ucrns  one  farthing,  for 
twelve  crannocks  of  coal  for  sale  one  penny,  for 
every  stone  of  butter,  hogs  lard,  tallow  and  cheese, 
for  sale  one  halfpenny,  for  every  ton  of  honey  for 
-sale  eight  pence,  for  every  pipe  of  salmon  for  sale 
eighteen  ])ence,  for  every  hundred  weight  of  glass 
for  sale  one  penny,  for  every  hundred  weight  of 
scalphyn  or  otJier  fish,  salt,  dry  or  hard,  for  sale 
one  penny,  for  two  thousand  onions  for  sale  one 
penny,  for  eight  pounds  of  hemp  and  flax  for  sale 
one  penny,  for  eight  shanes  of  garlic  for  sale  one 
farthing,  for  ever\'  new  chest  or  box,  and  every 
thousand  dishes  and  wooden  platters,  for  sale  one 
farthing,  for  one  har.dred  pounds  of  pitch  or  rosin 
for  sale  one  h.alfpenny,  for  one  hundred  gads  of 
steel  for  sale  one  halfpenny,  for  every  kind  of 
ware  of  the  value  of  twelve  pence,  of  which  no 
mention  is  above  made,  oiie  lar;liing,  for  every 
kind  of  ware  of  the  value  of  six  shillings  and  eight 
pence  for  sale,  not  above  expressed,  one  half- 
penny, and  for  every  kind  of  vi'are  of  the  value  of 
thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  for  sale,  likewise 
not  herein  before  contained,  one  penny :  and, 
therefore,  he  commanded  the  aforesaid  provost, 
bailiffs  and  commonalty  of  Llie  said  town  of  Galway, 


that  they  should  cause  and  order  the  said  customs 
and  tolls,  and  every  of  them,  from  day  to  day,  to 
be  levied,  collected,  received  and  had  in  the  said 
town  in  manner  aforesaid.  Provided  always,  that 
the  monies  arising  therefrom  should  be  faithfully 
expended  on  the  murage  and  pavage  of  the  said 
town,  and  not  otherwise,  as  in  the  same  letters  is 
more  fully  contained. 

Both  which  letters  patents,  and  all  grants  iu 
them  contained,  the  lord  Henry,  late  king  of 
England,  our  predecessor,  by  his  letters  patent, 
dated  at  Westminster,  the  I2th  day  of  jMarch,  in 
the  third  year  of  his  reign,  accepted,  approved, 
ratified,  and  to  the  aforesaid  provost,  bailitt's,  bur- 
gesses and  conunonalty,  by  the  tenor  of  the  afore- 
said letters,  granted  and  confirmed;  as  the  aforesaid 
letters  reasonably  testify,  and  as  the  said  provost, 
bailitfs,  burgesses  and  conunonalty,  Iiave  always 
reasonably  used  and  enjoyed  the  liberties,  fran- 
chises, jurisdictions,  privileges,  cognizances,  tolls 
and  customs  aforesaid,  and  ever}'  of  them,  as  ia 
the  said  letters  of  confirmation  is  likewise  more 
fully  contained. 

And  whereas,  afterwards,  lord  Edward  the 
Fourth,  our  grandfither,  late  king  of  England, 
by  his  letters  patent,  dated  at  Woodstock,  the 
2Sth  day  of  August,  in  the  fourth  year  of  his 
reign,  accepted,  approved,  ratified,  and  to  the 
sovereign,  provost,  bailitfs,  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty of  the  said  town  of  Gahvay  and  their 
successors,  granted  and  confirmed  all  and  singular 
the  letters  patents  aforesaid,  and  all  and  singular 
in  them  contained ,  and  hath  also  pardoned, 
remitted  and  released  unto  th-em  all  and  all  manner 
of  actions,  demands,  and  all  vhich  to  him  o\ir 
said  grandfather,  against  them  the  said  then  sove- 
reign, provost,  bailitfs,  burgesses  and  commonalty, 
or  their  successors,  by  reason  of  the  premises,  ov 
any  of  them,  appertained  or  could  ajjpertain  :  And 
moreover,  for  the  greater  security  of  the  then 
sovereign,  provost,  bailitfs,  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty of  the  said  town  of  Galway,  and  their  suc- 
cessors aforesaid,  of  his  more  abundant  grace,  he 
granted  to  them,  that  they  and  their  successors,  all 
and  singular  the  said  customs  and  tolls  specified 
in  the  said  letters  patent,  on  the  IStli  day  of 
November  aforesaid,  to  the  aforesaid  provost,  bai- 
liffs and  conmionalt}',  as  aforesaid,  granted,  from 
saleable  articles  coming  to  the  said  town  of  Galway 
by  land  or  by  water,  or  passing  from  the  same  by 
themselves  or  their  ministers  thereto,  to  be  deputed 
in  this  behalf,  from  time  to  time,  may  take,  receive, 
levy,  have  and  retain,  freely,  quietly,  well  and 
peaceably  for  ever,  without  the  hindrance,  impedi- 
ment or  contradiction  of  his  heirs,  or  other  his  c^fi- 
eers  or  ministers  whomsoever.    Provided  always. 


APPENDIX. 


that  tlic  monies  i\rising  thcretVo'.n  should  be  ex- 
jiciuled  on  the  murage  and  pavage  of  the  said 
town,  and  not  otherwise,  as  aforesaid:  And  further, 
for  the  greater  security  and  safeguard  of  the  said 
town,  the  said  lord  Edward,  our  grandfatlier,  willed 
and  ordained  that  no  person,  of  what  estate,  degree 
or  condition  he  sliould  he,  (his  lieutenant  and  chan- 
cellor of  oin-  said  land  wholly  excepted,)  should 
in  any  wise  enter  our  said  town,  unless  by  the 
licence,  assent  and  superintendence  of  the  sove- 
reign, provost,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  connnonalty 
of  the  said  town  ;  as  in  the  said  letters  of  confir- 
mation of  our  said  grandfather  is  likewise  more 
full_y  contained. 

And  whereas  also,  afterwards,  Richard  the  Third 
late  king  of  England,  by  his  letters  patent,  dated 
at  Westminster,  the  15th  day  of  December,  in 
the  second  3'ear  of  his  reign,  considering  the  pre- 
mises, and  that  the  said  town  of  Galway  miglit 
the  better  resist  the  enemies  and  rebels  aforesaid, 
of  his  special  grace,  ratifying  and  allowing  all  and 
singular  the  letters  patents  above  recited,  and  all 
and  singular  in  them  contained,  for  himself  and  his 
heirs,  as  much  as  in  him  lay,  accepted,  approved, 
ratified,  and  to  the  then  sovereign,  provost, 
bailiffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty  of  the  said 
town  of  Galway  confirmed;  and  also  all  and  all 
manner  of  actions  and  demands,  and  all  which  to 
him,  the  said  king  Richard,  against  them,  the  said 
sovereign,  provost,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty, or  their  successors,  by  reason  of  the  pre- 
mises, or  any  of  them  appertained  or  could  ajiper- 
tain,  he  jiardoned, remitted  and  released;  and  more- 
over, for  the  greater  security  of  them,  the  then 
sovereign,  provost,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty of  the  town  aforesaid,  and  their  successors 
aforesaid,  of  his  more  abundant  grace  granted, 
that  they  and  their  successors,  all  and  singular  the 
aforesaid  tolls  and  customs,  specified  in  the  said 
letters  patent,  of  the  llSth  day  of  November,  to 
the  aforesaid  provost,  bailiffs  and  commonalty  as 
aforesaid,  made,  from  saleable  articles  coming  to 
the  said  town  of  Galway  by  land  or  by  water,  or 
passing  from  the  same  by  themselves  or  their 
ministers,  to  be  deputed  in  this  behalf,  from  time 
to  time,  may  take,  receive,  levy,  have  and  retain 
freely,  quietly,  well  and  peaceably,  for  ever,  without 
the  impedimoit  or  contradiction  of  him,  the  said 
king,  his  heirs  or  ministers  whomsoever.  Provided 
always,  that  the  monies  arising  therefrom  should  be 
expended  on  the  murage  and  pavage  of  the  said 
town,  and  not  otherwise,  as  aforesaid.  And  further, 
for  the  greater  security  and  safeguard  of  the  town 
«»f  Galway  aforesaid,  the  same  late  king  willed 
anj  ordained,  and  by  the  same  letters  patent  gave 
and  granted  licence  unto  the  sovereign,  provost, 


bailiffs  and  commonalty  of  our  said  town  of  Gal- 
way, that  they  might  yearly,  for  ever,  of  their 
common  assent,  elect  viie  inni/or  and  livn  /jnilijfi 
within  the  said  town  of  Galway,  as  is  aecustuuied 
to  be  done  in  the  town  of  Bristol,  well  and  lau- 
dably to  rule  and  govern  the  said  town  of  tjalway, 
and  the  laws  and  good  customs  therein,  anciently 
used  and  ap[)roved  of,  to  maintain  and  adnimister 
in  all  tilings  as  was  becoming:  and  also,  for  the 
greater  security  and  safeguard  of  the  said  town  of 
Galway,  he  willed  and  ordained,  that  no  person, 
of  what  estate,  degree  or  condition  soever  he  should 
be,  should  thenceforth,  in  any  wise,  enter  the 
said  town  of  Galway,  unless  by  the  licence,  assent 
and  superintendence  of  the  said  mayor,  bailitis  and 
commonalty  of  the  said  town.  Further,  of  his 
more  abundant  grace,  and  for  the  greater  security 
and  safeguard  of  the  said  town  of  Galway,  he 
willed  and  ordained,  and  for  himself  and  his  heirs, 
as  much  as  in  him  lay,  granted  that,  thenceforth, 
neither  the  lord  .U'  WiUiam,  lord  (ifClanrickarde,  nor 
his  heirs,  should  have  any  rule  or  power  within  the 
said  town  of  Galway,  therein  to  act,  receive,  exact, 
ordain  or  dispose  of  any  thing  by  land  or  by  water, 
as  he  the  said  lord  and  his  pretleccssots  were  an- 
ciently accustomed  to  receive  and  exact,  without 
the  special  licence  and  by  the  assent  and  superin- 
tendence of  the  mayor,  bailiffs  and  commonalty 
of  the  said  town  of  Galway,  to  whom  he  gave, 
granted  and  attributed  full  power  and  authority  to 
rule  and  govern  the  said  town  well  and  laudably  in 
all  things,  as  was  becoming,  as  in  his  said  letters 
patent  is  more  fully  contained. 

And  we  f  I  ferny  VIII.)  also  considering  the 
premises,  and  towards  the  aid,  relief  and  com- 
fort of  our  town  of  Galway  aforesaid,  that  mer- 
chants and  others  may  be  the  more  induced 
and  encouraged  to  reside  and  inhabit  in  the  said 
town,  for  the  better  resisting  the  malice  of  all 
enemies  and  rebels  whomsoever,  and  especially  of 
those  parts  ;  of  our  special  grace,  all  and  singular 
the  letters  patents  above  recited,  and  all  and  sin- 
gular the  matters  in  them  contained,  ratifying 
and  approving,  we  do  for  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, as  nuich  as  in  us  lieth,  accept,  approve 
and  ratify  the  same,  and  to  the  now  mayor,  bailiffs, 
burgesses  and  commonalty  of  our  said  town  of 
Galway,  their  heirs  and  successors,  by  the  tenor 
of  these  presents,  we  do  give,  grant  and  confirm  : 
and  also  we  have  pardoned,  remitted  and  released, 
and  by  these  presents  do  pardon,  remit  and  re- 
lease, unto  them  and  every  of  tliem,  all  and  all 
manner  of  actions  and  den;ands,  and  all  which  can 
or  may  appertain  to  us,  against  them  the  said  mayor, 
bailifl's,  burgesses  and  commonalty,  or  any  of  them, 
their  or  any  of  their  heirs  or  successors,  by  reason 


APPENDIX. 


of  till?  premises,  or  any  of  tliem :  and  furtlicr,  for 
till'  {greater  security  of  tlie  said  now  mayor,  bailiffs, 
l)ur;;i'SSL-s  and  coiiimonalty  of  our  said  town  of 
(iaUvay  llic^ir  JK'irs  and  successors  aforesaid,  we 
do,  of  our  more  abundant  f^race,  and  of  our  cer- 
tain knowledge  and  mere  motion,  give  and  grant 
unto  llie  said  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty, tbeirbeirsand  successors,  all  and  singular 
the  liberties,  francliiscs,  customs,  usages,  com- 
modities, profits,  matters,  tolls,  and  all  otiier  things 
wliatsoever,  in  the  aforesaid  several  letters  patents 
of  t!ie  kings  aforesaid,  and  every  of  tlicm,  spccitied 
and  contained,  without  any  resumption,  forfeiture, 
or  destroying  of  the  letters  ])atents  aforesaid,  or 
any  of  them,  or  of  the  aforesaid  liberties,  fran- 
chises, privileges,  customs,  usages,  conunodities, 
profits,  things  tollable,  and  all  other  things  what- 
soever, or  any  of  them  notwithstanding.  \Ve  have 
likewise  granted,  and  by  these  presents  do  give 
and  grant  unto  the  said  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses 
and  commonalty,  our  port  of  Galway  aforesaid, 
and  the  bay  or  arm  of  the  sea  which  enters  between 
the  islands  of  Arreii,  and  from  thence  runs  or  flows 
to  our  town  of  Galway  aforesaid,  and  tliat  all  ships 
and  boats  which  enter  the  port,  bay  or  arm  afore- 
said, loading  and  unloading  at  our  town  of  Galway 
aloresaid,  and  no  wliere  else  within  the  port,  bay  or 
arm  aforesaid,  nor  in  any  land  lying  or  being  near 
the  same,  or  in  anj'  water  or  rivulet  running  into 
the  said  bay  or  arm,  or  flowing  from  the  same,  and 
that  the  aforesaid  burgesses  and  commonalty,  and 
their  heirs  and  successors  for  ever,  be  eased  of  the 
toll,  lastage,  passage,  portage,  murage,  pavage, 
poundage,  and  all  other  customs  and  usages 
throughout  all  our  kingdoms  and  power  ;  and  that 
every  mayor  of  said  town  to  be  elected  for  the 
future,  shall  etfectually  take  and  perform  the  oath 
accustomed  to  be  taken  in  that  office,  before  that 
person  who  hath  been  next  before  him  in  the  office 
o\'  nunor  of  the  said  town,  or  before  two  others 
who  have  before  borne  that  olSce  in  the  said  town; 
and  tliat  no  person  or  persons,  who  shall,  fur  the 
future,  import  wines  in  any  bhip  or  boat  to  the 
([uay  or  port  of  Galway  aforesaid,  and  there  unload 
the  said  wines,  shall  pay  prisage  for  such  wines, 
because  prisage  has  not  hitherto  been  accustomed 
to  be  paid  there :  and  that  no  merchant  or  mer- 
chants, foreign  or  native,  who  shall  import  into, 
or  unload  at  the  said  tov.n,  or  the  port  or  quay  of 
the  said  town,  or  export  from,  or  load  at  the  same, 
any  merchandizes  or  wares,  shall  pay  any  customs, 
poundage  or  tolls,  nor  any  other  thing  for  the  said 
wares  or  merchandizes,  except  oidy  such  customs, 
poundage  and  tolls,  as  were  accustomed  to  be 
paid  there  in  times  past  for  such  merchandizes  or 
wares ;  and  that  the  said  mayor,  biiiliti's,  burgesses 


and  commonalty  of  said  town,  their  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, and  every  of  them,  shall  and  may  load 
and  transport  whithersoever  they  shall  ])lease,  all 
and  all  maimer  of  merchandizes  and  wares,  as 
well  of  the  staple  as  otherwise,  woollen  and  linen 
only  excepted,  any  statute,  act  or  ordinance  to 
the  contrary  thereof  made  notwitbstaniUng.  We 
have  moreover  granted,  and  do,  by  these  presents, 
give  and  grant  to  the  aforesaid  mayor,  bailiffs, 
burgesses  and  commonalty  of  our  town  of  Galway 
aforesaid,  their  heirs  and  successors,  and  every 
of  them,  all  and  singular  such  liberties,  usages, 
jurisdictions,  privileges,  franchises  and  customs, 
cognizance  of  pleas,  as  the  mayor,  sheriffs,  bur- 
gesses and  commonalty  of  our  town  of  Drogheda, 
on  both  sides  of  the  water,  in  our  kingdom  of 
Ireland  aforesaid,  have  or  had,  or  reasonably  used 
and  enjoyed,  as  freely  and  quietly,  and  after  the 
same  manner  as  the  said  mayor,  sheriffs,  burgesses 
and  commonalty  of  our  town  of  Drogheda  have 
used  and  enjoyed  the  same,  without  the  hindrance, 
disturbance,  molestation,  impediment  or  grievance 
of  us,  our  heirs  or  successors,  or  of  the  lieutenant 
deputy  of  our  kingdom  of  Ireland  aforesaid,  the 
justices,  sheriffs,  escheators,  coroners,  seneschals, 
bailiffs  or  other  ministers  or  officers  of  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors  whomsoever,  or  any  other 
whomsoever  :  saving  to  us  and  our  heirs,  the  rents, 
fee-farms,  services,  amerciaments,  issues  and  other 
profits,  to  us  and  our  ancestors,  lords  of  the  town 
aforesaid,  out  of  the  said  town  and  the  courts 
of  the  same  issuing,  belonging  or  appertaining,  as 
we  and  our  ancestors,  lords  of  the  town  aforesaid, 
freely  and  quietly  had,  or  of  right  ought  and  were 
accustomed  to  receive  the  same  :  saving  also  to  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  the  customs  of  every  last 
of  hides  in  the  port  of  said  town,  which  is  called  the 
cocket,as  we  have  or  of  right  ought  to  have  received 
the  same;  saving  also  to  the  provost  and  burgesses 
of  the  town  of  Athenry  and  their  successors,  in 
our  said  town  of  Galway,  and  the  port  of  the  same, 
all  and  singular  sucli  liberties,  franchises  and  pri- 
vileges, as  the  provost  and  burgesses  of  Athenry 
aforesaid,  or  any  of  them,  were  or  was  accustomed 
or  used  to  have  in  times  past  in  our  said  town  of 
(Jalway,  and  in  the  port  of  the  same;  these  our 
present  letters  patent,  nor  any  thing  in  them  con- 
tained and  specified,  in  any  wise  notwitlistanding  : 
Although  express  mention  of  tlie  true  yearly  or  any 
other  value,  or  of  the  certainty  of  the  premises,  or 
any  of  them,  or  of  other  gifts  or  grants  by  us,  or  by 
any  of  our  progenitors  or  predecessors,  to  the  afore- 
said ma3'or,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty  of 
the  town  of  Galway  aforesaid,  or  aiiy  of  them  here- 
tofore made,  in  these  presents,  is  not  made,  or  any 
statute,  act,  ordinance,  provision  or  restriction  to 


APPENDIX. 


the  contrary  thereof  made,  pnblishcd,  ordained 
or  provided,  or  any  other  matter,  cause  or  thing 
whatsoever  in  any  wise  notwithstanding.  In  witness 
whereof  we  have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be 
made  patent.  Witness  myself  at  \Vestminster,  the 
iid  day  of  July,  in  the  liCjth  year  of  our  reign. 

We  also  ( Ediv.  VI.)  ratifying  and  approving  the 
letters  aforesaid,  and  all  and  singular  the  matters 
in  them  contained,  do  for  us  and  our  heirs  as  much 
as  in  us  lieth,  accept  and  approve  the  same,  and 
to  our  beloved  the  present  mayor,  bailiffs,  bur- 
gesses and  conniionalty  of  Gahvay  aforesaid,  and 
their  successors  of  the  said  town,  by  the  tenor  of 
these  presents,  do  ratify  and  confirm,  as  the  said 
letters  do  reasonably  testify.  In  witness  whereof 
we  have  caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made  ])atent. 
Witness  myself  at  Westminster,  the  8th  day  of 
November,  in  the  third  year  of  our  reign. 

Know  ye  that  we,  (Queen  Eliz.J  of  our  special 
grace,  arid  of  our  certain  knowledge  and  mere 
notion,  liave  given,  granted,  confirmed,  ratified 
and  approved,  and  by  these  our  present  letters 
patent,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  as  much 
as  in  us  lieth,  we  do  give,  grant,  confirm,  ratify 
and  approve  unto  Peter  Lynche,  now  mayor  of 
our  said  town  of  Galway,  in  our  said  kingdom  of 
Ireland,  John  Blake  and  Francis  Martin,  now 
bailiffs  of  the  said  town,  the  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty of  the  said  town,  and  their  successors  for 
ever,  by  whatsoever  name  or  names  of  incorpora- 
tion, or  other  name,  they,  or  any  of  them,  in  any 
letters  patent  of  any  of  our  progenitors  or  prede- 
cessors, or  in  any  other  m.anner  was  or  were,  at 
any  time,  incorporated,  called,  named  or  known, 
all  and  singular  the  privileges,  franchises,  liber- 
ties, advantages,  jurisdictions,  customs,  emolu- 
ments, forfeitures,  prescriptions,  uses,  usages, 
cognizances  of  pleas,  honors,  dignities,  elections, 
donations,  grants,  authorities,  fines,  redemptions, 
amerciaments,  issues,  and  all  other  profits  and 
hereditaments  whatsoever  in  the  aforesaid  letters 
patents,  and  in  all  and  singular  other  letters  patent 
in  them  inspected  and  recited,  contained,  granted, 
specified  and  expressed,  in  as  ample  manner  and 
form,  and  as  fully,  freely  and  entirely  as  the  said 
letters  patents  te^tify,  likewise  in  as  ample  manner 
and  form  as  they  or  their  predecessors,  at  any  time 
had,  or  ouglit  to  have  had,  held,  occupied,  used  or 
enjoyed  the  same,  by  reason  of  any  prescription, 
use  or  custom,  or  by  reason  or  pretext  of  any 
other  matter,  cause  or  tiling  whatsoever,  although 
they  or  their  predecessors,  or  any  of  them,  have 
or  hath  ill-used  or  abused  the  premises  or  any  of 
them.  And  moreover,  of  our  more  abundant 
special  grace,  of  om-  certain  knowledge  and  mere 
jBiotion,  we  have  given  and  granted,  and  by  these 


our  present  letters  patent,  for  us,  our  heirs  and 
successors,  as  much  as  in  us  lieth,  we  do  give 
and  grant  to  the  aforesaid  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses 
and  commonalty,  and  their  successors  for  ever, 
full  power  and  authority  to  elect,  make,  consti- 
tute and  create  yearly,  on  the  Monday  next  after 
the  feast  of  Saint  Michael  tlie  Archangel,  in  the 
guild-hall  or  tholsel  of  the  said  town,  a  recorder, 
coroner,  escheator,  customer,  comptroller  of  cus- 
toms, searcher,  ganger,  and  all  other  officers  and 
ministers  whomsoever  necessary  and  convenient 
within  the  said  town, and  the  franchises  and  liberties 
of  the  same  :  and  that  the  said  recorder,  coroner, 
escheator,  customer,  comptroller  of  customs,  sear- 
cher, gauger,  and  all  other  officers  and  ministers 
whomsoever,  so  by  the  aforesaid  mayqr,  bailiffs, 
burgesses  and  commonalty,  and  their  successors, 
from  time  to  time,  elected,  made,  constituted  and 
created,  and  every  of  them,  shall  have  full  power 
and  authority  to  do  and  exercise  all  and  singular 
things  which,  to  the  offices  and  officers  aforesaid  and 
every  of  them,  do  or  ought  to  appertain  or  belong,, 
and  to  receive,  liave  and  levy,  to  their  proper  use, 
all  and  singular  fees,  regards,  commodities  and 
profits  whatsoever  to  the  officers  aforesaid  and 
every  of  them  appertaining  and  belonging,  as  fully, 
freely  and  entirely,  and  in  as  ample  manner  and 
form  as  any  other  recorder,  coroner,  escheator, 
customer,  comptroller  of  customs,  searcher,  gauger, 
or  any  other  such  officers  or  ministers,  or  any  of 
them,  may  or  can  do,  exercise,  have,  receive,  levy 
and  enjoy,  in  any  towns,  cities,  or  other  places 
within  our  said  kingdom  of  Ireland  :  and  that 
no  other  recorder,  coroner,  escheator,  customer, 
comptroller  of  customs,  searclier,  gauger,  or  any 
other  such  officers  or  ministers  of  us,  our  heirs  or 
successors,  shall  enter  or  in  any  wise  intrude  them- 
selves to  exercise  or  liave  said  offices  within  the 
town  aforesaid,  tlie  franchises  and  liberties  thereof. 
And  moreover,  of  our  more  ample  grace,  and  of 
our  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion,  we  have 
given  and  granted,  and  by  these,  our  present  let- 
ters patent,  we  do  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors, 
as  much  as  in  us  lieth,  give  and  grant  to  the  afore- 
said mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty,  and 
their  successors  for  ever,  full  power  and  autho- 
rity to  give  and  grant,  with  the  licence  of  the 
deputy  or  governor  of  our  said  kingdom  of  Ire- 
land, from  time  to  time,  in  writing  first  oTitained, 
as  well  in  time  of  war  as  in  time  of  peace,  to  all 
and  singular  foreign  merchants,  from  time  to  time 
coming  and  willing  to  come  to  the  said  town,  for 
the  purpose  of  merchandizing,  and  with  merchan- 
dize, safe  and  secure  conduct  and  protection  to 
come  to  the  town  aforesaid,  and  return  from  the 
same,  safely  and  securely,  with  their  ships,  boats, 


APPENDIX. 


goods  and  mercliandlze,  freely  and  quietly,  without 
the  impediment,  hindrance,  claim,  molestation  or 
grievance  of  us,  our  heiis  or  successors,  or  of  any 
lieutenants,  deputies,  justices  or  other  officers  or 
Yninisters  of  us,  our  heirs  or  successors  wliomso- 
ever.  And  further,  of  our  more  ahundant  grace, 
and  of  our  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion,  we 
have  given  and  granted,  and  by  these,  our  present 
letters  patent,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  as 
mucli  as  in  us  lieth,  we  do  give  and  grant  to  the 
aforesaid  mayor,  b;"uliifs,  burgesses  and  commo- 
nalty of  our  said  town,  and  their  successors  for 
ever,  that  the  said  mayor  of  our  said  town,  who 
now  is,  during  the  time  he  shall  be  mayor  of  the 
said  town,  shall  be  the  admiral  of  us,  our  heirs 
and  successors,  within  the  town  aforesaid,  and  the 
liberties  and  franchises  of  the  same,  and  within  and 
over  the  islands  of  Arren,  and  from  the  said  islands 
to  Galway  aforesaid,  on  each  side  of  the  water 
there,  as  well  by  sea  as  b}'  land  and  fresh  waters ; 
and  that  all  and  singular  other  mayors  of  our  town 
aforesaid,  for  the  time  being  mayors  of  the  said 
town,  so  long  as  they  shall  be  mayors  of  the  same, 
shall  be  the  admirals  of  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, and  every  of  them,  for  the  time  he  shall 
be  mayor  of  the  said  town,  as  long  as  he  shall  be 
mavor  of  th.e  same,  shall  be  the  admiral  of  us,  our 
heirs  and  successors,  within  the  port,  bay,  town, 
liberties,  franchises  and  suburbs  of  Galway  afore- 
said, and  within  and  over  the  islands  of  Arren, 
and  from  the  said  islands  to  Galway  aforesaid  on 
each  side  of  the  water  there,  as  v.ell  by  sea  as  by 
land  and  fresh  waters ;  and  that  the  aforesaid 
mayor,  who  now  is,  and  every  other  mayor  for 
the  time  being,  in  the  said  town,  shall  have  full 
power,  authority  and  jurisdiction,  from  time  to 
time,  to  inquire,  hear,  determine,  do,  exercise 
and  execute  all  and  singular  things  appertaining 
and  belonging  to  the  office  and  jurisdiction  of 
admiral  within  the  port,  bay,  town,  liberties,  fran- 
chises, suburbs,  islands  and  places  aforesaid,  as 
well  by  sea  as  by  land  and  fresh  waters  aforesaid, 
in  as  ample  manner  and  form,  and  as  fully,  freely 
and  entirely,  as  our  admiral  or  the  admirals  of  our 
heirs  and  successors  for  the  time  being,  in  any 
place  within  our  kingdom  of  England,  or  witliin 
our  kingdom  of  Ireland  can  or  may  inquire,  hear, 
determine,  do,  exercise  or  execute;  and  that  no 
ad;uii-,;l  of  us,  our  heirs  or  successors,  shall  have  or 
exercise  any  power,  authority  or  jurisdiction  within 
the  jioit,  bay,  liberties,  franchises,  suburbs,  islands 
and  places  aforesaid ,  by  sea  or  land  or  fresh  waters, 
nor  in  any  nian"CL  in  or  concerning  any  thing 
which  to  the  office  of  admiral  a,jpert;un,  within 
the  port,  bay,  liberties,  franchises,  subu-bs,  islands 
and  places  aforesaid,  can  orniay  intrude;  and  that 


the  said  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty, 
and  their  successors  for  ever,  may  have,  enjoy, 
receive  and  levy  for  the  common  use  of  the  town 
aforesaid,  all  and  singular  wrecks  of  the  sea,  for- 
feitures, fines,  amerciaments,  redemptions,  issues, 
conmiodities,  advantages,  emoluments  luid  profits 
whatsoever,  witliin  the  port,  bay,  town,  liberties, 
francliises,  suburbs,  islands  and  places  aforesaid, 
as  well  by  sea  as  by  land  and  fresh  waters,  by 
reason  of  his  admiralty  or  admiral's  jurisdiction, 
forfeited,  accruing  and  arising,  or  to  be  hereafter 
forfeited,  accruing  and  arising  ;  and  that  the  afore- 
said mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty, 
and  their  successors  for  ever,  may  and  can,  from 
time  to  time,  put  themselves  into  full  possession 
and  scizen  of  and  in  all  and  singular  the  said 
wrecks  of  the  sea,  forfeitures,  fines,  amerciaments, 
redemptions,  issues,  commodities,  emoluments  and 
profits  whatsoever,  and  the  same  to  raise,  receive, 
take,  collect,  and  have  by  themselves  or  their 
officers,  or  any  of  them,  and  to  retain  the  same 
without  any  account  or  other  thing  to  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors,  or  to  any  admiral  of  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors,  to  be  rendered,  paid  or  made. 
And  further,  of  our  more  abundant  special  grace, 
and  of  our  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion,  for 
us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  we  do  give  and  "rant 
unto  the  said  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  connno- 
nalty,  and  their  successors  for  ever,  tliat  no  bur- 
gesses, inhabiting,  dwelling  or  residing  witliin  the 
town,  franchises  and  liberties  of  Galway  aforesaid, 
or  any  of  them,  shall  hereafter  be  drawn  or  com- 
pelled to  come  out  of  the  town,  the  franchises 
and  liberties  of  Galway  aforesaid,  before  any  jus- 
tices, barons,  commissioners,  and  other  our  officers 
whomsoever,  to  any  assizes,  sessions,  inquests  or 
juries  in  our  city  of  Dublin,  or  in  the  county  of 
Dublin,  or  else«hcre  within  our  kingdom  of  Ire- 
land to  be  held,  concerning  any  matter  or  macters, 
cause  or  causes,  thing  or  things,  arisen,  done  or 
committed,  or  to  arise,  be  done,  or  committed 
within  the  said  town,  the  franchises  and  liberties 
of  the  same  :  nor  shall  the  said  burgesses,  inha- 
biting, dwelling  or  residing  within  tlie  said  town, 
the  franchises  and  liberties  of  the  same,  or  any 
of  them,  be  put,  impanelled,  returned,  or  sworn 
without  the  town  of  Galway,  for  any  matter,  for- 
feiture or  cause,  growing  or  arising,  or  to  arise, 
be  done,  committed,  grow,  or  happen  \vithin  the 
said  town  of  Galway,  the  franchises  and  liberties 
of  the  same,  before  any  justices,  liarons,  commis- 
sioners, or  other  our  officers  wl'.omsoever,  in  any 
assizes,  juries,  attaints,  recognizances,  or  otlijr 
inquiries  whatsoever,  in  the  said  city  of  Dublin,  or 
ir.  the  said  county  of  Dublin,  or  elsewhere  within 
our  said  kingdom  of  Ireland,  to  be  taken,  arrayed 


APPENDIX. 


or  returned,  though  they  should  concern  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors,  or  any  other  whomsoever,  but 
only  within  our  town  of  Gahvay  aforesaid,  the 
franchises  and  liberlics  of  the  same,  before  olu" 
justices,  barons,  commissioners,  or  other  officers 
whomsoever,  v.hcn  ue,  our  Iieirs  and  successors, 
froni  time  to  time,  shall  see  expedient. 

Moreover,  of  our  special  grace,  and  of  our  certain 
knowledgeandmereniotion,  we  have  given,  granted, 
and  by  these,  our  present  letters  patent,  for  us, 
our  lieirs  and  successors,  as  much  as  in  us,  our 
h.eirs  and  successors,  lieth,  we  do  give  and  grant 
unto  the  aforesaid  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and 
commonalty,  and  their  successors  for  ever,  that 
no  merchant  or  merchants,  foreign  or  native,  who 
shall  import  or  unload,  transport  or  load  any  mer- 
chandize, saleable  goods  or  wares  whatsoever,  to 
the  town  aforesaid,  or  at  the  port  or  bay  of  the 
said  town,  or  from  the  town  aforesaid,  or  from  the 
port  or  quay  of  the  same,  by  land  or  by  water, 
shall  pay  or  give,  or  be  compelled  to  pay  or  give, 
customs,  poundage,  tolls  or  other  burthens,  things 
or  dues  whatsoever,  to  us,  our  heirs  or  successors, 
or  to  any  other  jierson  or  persons  for  such  mer- 
chandize, saleable  goods  or  wares,  or  any  part  of 
the  same,  save  only  the  customs  and  burthens  fol- 
lowing, viz.  (see  page  18,  the  customs  being  the 
same,)  all  and  singular  which  customs,  burthens 
and  usages  aforesaid,  we  do,  of  our  special  grace, 
and  of  our  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion, 
give  and  grant  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  to 
the  aforesaid  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty, and  their  successors,  for  ever  granting 
and  conmiandlng  that  they,  the  usages,  burthens 
and  customs  aforesaid,  and  every  of  them,  in  the 
town  aforesaid,  in  form  aforesaid,  from  day  to  day, 
shall  cause  and  ordain  to  be  levied,  collected, 
received  and  had :  Provided  always,  that  the 
monies  arising  thereout  shall  be  faithfully  expended 
on  the  nuirage  and  pavage  of  said  town,  and  not 
elsewhere  nor  otlierw  ise. 

?.foreover,  of  our  special  grace,  and  of  our 
certain  knov.ledge  and  mere  motion,  we  have  given 
and  granted,  and  by  these,  our  i)resent  letters 
j)atent,  for  ns,  our  heirs  and  successors,  as  much 
as  in  us  lieth,  do  give  and  grant  to  the  aforesaid 
nunor,  bailifts,  burgesses  and  commonalty  and 
tlieir  successors  for  ever,  that  the}',  the  now  mayor, 
bailiffs,  burgesses  and  commonalty  of  the  town 
aforesaid,  and  their  successors,  and  every  of  them, 
may  and  can,  from  time  to  time,  assemble,  prepare 
and  collect  themselves,  and  every  of  them,  and 
all  and  singular  the  other  inhabitants  of  the  town 
aforesaid,  with  all  and  singular  iheir  friends,  ser- 
vants, twiants  and  adherents,  and  every  of  them, 
at  tlieir  and  every  of  their  will  and  pleasure,  with 


defensive  arms  or  otherwise,  as  to  them  or  any  of 
tliem  shall  seem  most  expedient,  witliin  the  town 
aforesaid,  the  liberties,  franchises  and  suburbs  of 
the  same,  or  without,  in  any  other  place  whatso- 
ever, as  well  by  sea  as  by  land  and  fresh  waters,  to 
resist,  repel,  recover  and  vindicate  all  and  sin- 
gular robberies,  spoils,  depredations  and  other 
injuries,  damages  and  crimes  whatsoever,  againiit 
them,  01  any  of  them,  made,  perpetrated,  offered 
or  couiniitted,  or  for  the  time  to  come  to  be  made, 
perpetrated,  offered  or  committed,  by  any  of  the 
neighbouring  Irisli,  or  by  any  rebels,  malefactors 
or  disturbers  of  the  peace  of  us,  our  heirs  and 
successors ;  and  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for 
them,  the  now  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  com- 
monalty, and  their  successors,  and  all  other  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  aforesaid,  and  every  of 
them,  with  their  friends,  servants,  tenants  and 
adherents,  from  time  to  time,  for  ever,  to  pass, 
ride,  sail,  and  go  by  sea,  with  arms,  ammunition, 
flags  displayed  in  warlllce  manner,  or  otherwise,  as 
thej'  and  every  of  them  shall  think  proper,  to  any 
country,  island,  arm  of  the  sea,  or  place  whatso- 
ever, to  prosecute,  take,  recover  and  vindicate 
robberies,  felonies,  spoils,  deiiredations,  injuries 
and  crimes  whatsoever  made,  offered  or  committed 
against  them,  or  any  of  them;  and  to  have,  recover, 
distrain,  make  and  receive  recompence,  distresses, 
restitution  and  evictions  for  such  robberies,  felo- 
nies, spoils,  depredations,  injuries  and  crimes 
against  the  said  rebels,  depredators  and  malefac- 
tors, and  every  of  them,  without  the  hindrance, 
calumny,  molestation,  grievance,  disquiet,  suit, 
vexation,  disturbance  or  impediment  of  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors,  lieutenants,  deputies,  justices, 
sheriffs,  or  other  the  officers  or  ministers  of  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors  whomsoever;  any  statute,  act, 
ordinance,  restriction,  law,  use,  prescription,  pro- 
clamation, or  any  other  matter,  cause  or  thing  what- 
soever in  any  wise  notwithstanding. — And  further, 
of  our  more  ample  grace,  aiul  of  our  certain  know- 
ledge and  mere  motion,  mc  have  given  and  granted, 
and  do,  by  these  present  letters  patent,  for  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  as  much  as  in  us  lieth, 
we  do  give  and  grant  to  the  aforesaid  mayor,  bai- 
liffs, burgesses  and  commonalty,  and  their  suc- 
cessors for  ever,  that  every  ma3'or  and  every 
recorder  of  the  town  aforesaid,  for  the  time  being, 
during  the  time  that  they,  or  any  of  them,  or  their 
successors,  shall  be  mayor  or  recorder  of  the 
town  aforesaid,  or  that  they  or  any  of  them  shall 
bear  and  exercise  the  offices  of  mayor  and  recorder 
of  the  town  aforesaid,  that  they  and  every  of  them 
shall  be  keepers  and  justices  of  the  peace  of  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  and  the  justices  of  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  for  the  delivery  of  the 


APPENDIX. 


gaol  of  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  from  time  to 
time,  for  ever,  witliin  the  towr.  nforcsaid,  tlie  fran- 
ch  .>es,  hberties  and  suburbs  of  the  same,  as  well 
b}'  sea  as  liy  land  and  fresh  waters,  for  felonies 
and  other  misdemeanors  conmn'tted  within  the 
said  town,  the  subiu'bs,  franchises  and  liberties 
thereof;  and  we  do  for  us,  our  heirs  and  succes- 
sors, as  much  as  in  us  liel.h,  make,  constitute, 
create  and  ordain  all  and  singular  mayor  and 
mayors,  recorder  and  recorders  of  tlic  town  afore- 
said, and  every  of  them,  for  the  time  being,  for 
ever,  keepers  and  justices  of  tlie  peace  of  us,  our 
heirs  and  successors,  and  justices  of  us,  our  heirs 
and  successors,  of  gaol  delivery,  from  time  to 
time,  within  the  town  aforesaid,  the  franchises, 
liberties  and  suburbs  of  the  same,  as  well  by  sea 
as  by  laud  and  fresh  waters,  for  the  felonies  and 
misdemeanors  aforesaid ;  and  that  all  and  singular 
mayors  and  recorders  of  the  said  town,  for  the 
time  being,  and  every  of  them,  for  ever,  sliall 
and  may  have  full  power,  authority  and  jurisdic- 
tion to  cn(]uire  and  examine,  by  the  oath  of  good 
and  lawful  men  of  the  said  town,  the  franchises, 
liberties  and  suburbs  of  the  same,  of  and  con- 
cerning all  and  singular  felonies,  murders,  rebel- 
lions, transgressions,  riots,  routs,  conventicles, 
meetings,  ambuscades,  conspiracies,  conceal- 
ments, misprisions  and  other  crimes,  offences  and 
misdeeds  whatsoever  done,  committed  or  perpe- 
trated, or  hereafter  to  be  done,  conunitted  or  per- 
lietrated  within  the  said  town,  the  franchises, 
liberties  and  suburbs  thereof,  as  well  by  sea  as  by 
land  and  fresh  waters,  and  of  and  concerning  all 
and  singular  entries  into  anj'  land  or  tenement  by 
strong  hand ;  and  likewise  of  entries  made,  or  to 
be  made,  into  such  lands  or  tenements  peaceably, 
and  afterwards  held  or  to  be  held  by  force,  power 
or  strong  hand  within  the  said  town,  the  fran- 
chises, liberties  and  suburbs  of  the  same ;  and 
also  of  all  and  singular  articles,  and  statutes,  for 
the  delivery  of  cloth  and  hoods,  and  concerning 
labourers,  servants,  vagabonds,  carpenters,  arti- 
sans, weights,  measures,  victuals,  tanners  of 
hides,  slaters,  inn-keepers,  and  of  all  and  singular 
articles  contained  in  any  statutes  whatsoever  now 
set  forth  and  provided  :  likewise  of  all  and  sin- 
gular articles  and  things  whatsoever,  of  which 
any  justices  or  Iceepers  of  our  peace,  or  any  jus- 
tices of  gaol  delivery  in  any  other  place  within 
our  kingdom,  of  England,  or  ■^^  ithin  our  kingdom 
of  Ireland  can  inquire,  and  to  do,  exercise  and 
execute  the  premises,  and  all  and  singular  other 
matters  within  the  town  aforesaid,  the  franchises, 
liberties  and  suburbs  of  the  same,  as  well  b}'  sea 
iis  by  land  and  fresh  waters,  which  to  the  offices 
"  of  keeper,  or  justice   of  the  peace,  or  justices  of 


gaol  delivery,  or  any  of  them,  appertain  or  belong, 
and  all  and  singular  the  same  to  hjar,  determine 
and  adjudge,  according  to  the  law  and  custom  of 
our  kingdom  of  Ireland:  and  that  no  keep-er  or 
justice,  keepers  or  justices  of  the  peace  of  us, 
our  heirs  or  successors,  or  any  justice  or  justices  of 
us,  our  heirs  or  successors,  for  the  dell\  cry  of  onr 
gaol  or  the  gaol  of  our  heirs  or  successors,  assigned 
or  to  be  assigned,  in  any  county,  or  in  any  other 
place  within  our  kingdom  of  Ireland  aforesaid, 
shall  enter,  or  in  any  wise  intrude,  to  inquire  con- 
cerning the  premises,  or  any  of  them,  or  to  hear, 
determine  or  adjudge  them,  or  any  of  them,  or  to 
do,  exercise,  or  execute  any  other  thing  which 
appertains  or  belongs  to  the  office  or  offices  of 
keeper  or  justice  of  the  peace,  or  to  the  office  of 
justice  of  gaol  delivery,  within  the  town  aforesaid, 
the  franchises,  liberties  or  suburbs  of  the  same,  by 
sea,  land  or  fresh  waters  ;  and  that  if  any  inquest  or 
any  indictment,  presentment  or  any  other  thing  what- 
soever, within  the  said  town,  the  franchises,  liber- 
ties and  suburbs  thereof,  before  any  other  keepers 
or  justices  of  the  peace  of  us,  our  heirs  or  suc- 
cessors, or  for  the  delivery  of  the  gaol  of  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors,  or  before  any  of  them,  assigned 
or  to  be  assigned,  in  any  other  county  or  place, 
such  inquiry,  indictment,  or  other  thing  whatso- 
ever, which  shall  be  made,  determined  or  adjudged 
within  the  town  aforesaid,  the  franchises,  liberties 
and  suburbs  of  the  same,  before  the  aforesaid 
other  keepers  or  justices  of  the  peace  of  us,  our 
heirs  or  successors,  or  before  the  aforesaid  justices 
of  us,  our  heirs  or  successors,  assigned  for  tho 
deliver)'  of  the  c;aol  of  us,  our  heirs  or  succes- 
sors, shall  be  held  as  null  and  void,  and  of  no  force 
or  effect.  And  moreover,  of  our  special  grace, 
and  of  our  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion, 
we  have  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  our 
present  letters  patent,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, as  much  as  in  us  lieth,  \vc  do  give  and 
grant  to  the  aforesaid  mayor,  bailift's,  burgesses 
and  commonalty,  and  to  their  successors  for  ever, 
that  no  sheriff",  escheator,or  other  officer  or  minister 
of  us,  our  heirs  or  successors,  or  any  of  them, 
except  the  bailiffs  and  other  officers  of  the  said 
town,  shall  in  any  v.ise  enter  the  said  town,  the 
franchises,  liberties  or  suburbs  thereof,  to  do  or 
exercise  their  office  in  any  manner  whatsoever, 
nor  shall  they  or  any  of  them  intermeddle  or 
intrude  in  any  manner  within  the  said  town,  the 
franchises,  liberties  and  suburbs  of  the  same:  — 
and  that  the  aforesaid  mayor,  bailiH's,  burgesses 
and  commonalty, and  their  successors  for  ever,  sliall 
and  may  have  and  hold  a  gaol  and  prison  within 
the  said  town,  the  franchises,  liberties  and  suburbs 
thereof,  wheresoever  they  shall  think  expedient ; 


APPENDIX, 


and  that  they  may  and  can,  for  them  and  their 
successors  for  ever,  have  and  retain  a  keeper  of 
the  gaol  and  prison  aforesaid,  prisoners  in  the 
same  from  time  to  time  to  incarcerate  and  impri- 
son, for  whatsoever  cause  or  crime  they  or  any  of 
tlieni,  sliail  be  taken,  attached  or  arrested,  witliin 
the  said  town,  tlie  franchises,  liberties  and  suburbs 
of  the  same ;  and  likewise  them,  and  every  of 
them,  to  detain  and  keep  by  themselves,  or  by  their 
ministers  thereto  deputed,  and  also  them  so  incar- 
cci-ated  and  imprisoned,  according  to  due  form  of 
law,  on  bail  or  otherwise,  at  their  discretion,  to 
give  up,  liberate  or  enlarge. — And  further,  of  our 
more  abundant  special  grace,  certain  knowledge 
and  mere  motion,  we  have  given  and  granted, 
and  b}'  these  our  present  letters  patent  do  for  us, 
our  heirs  and  successors,  as  much  as  in  us  lieth, 
give  and  grant  to  the  aforesaid  maj'or,  bailiffs, 
burgesses  and  commonaltj-  of  the  town  of  Gahvay 
aforesaid,  and  their  successors  for  ever,  all  and 
singular  such  and  the  like  liberties,  franchises  and 
privileges,  pre-eminences,  jurisdictions,  autho- 
rities, easements,  immunities,  profits,  commodi- 
ties, advantages,  customs,  usages,  forfeitures, 
issues,  fines,  redemptions  and  other  hereditaments 
and  things  whatsoever,  ns  the  mayor,  sheriffs  and 
citizens  of  our  cit}'  of  Waterford,  in  our  kingdom 
of  Ireland  aforesaid,  or  the  mayor,  sheriff's  and 
tonmionalty  of  our  town  of  Uroglieda,  in  our 
kingdom  of  Ireland  aforesaid,  and  ever)-  of  them, 
luivc,  or  ought  to  have  held,  enjoy  and  use,  by 
reason,  force  or  pretext  of  any  grants  or  letters 
patent  of  us,  or  any  of  our  progenitors  or  prede- 
cessors whatsoever,  or  by  reason,  force  or  pretext 
of  any  use,  custom,  statute,  or  any  other  matter, 
cause  or  thing  whatsoever,  within  our  said  cit}'  of 
Waterford,  the  franchises,  liberties  and  suburbs 
thereof,  and  within  our  town  of  Droghcda  afore- 
said, the  franel'.ises,  liberties  and  suburbs  thereof; 
and  that  the  said  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and 
commonalty  of  oiu-  town  of  (iahiaj'  aforesaid  and 
their  successors  for  ever,  shall  have  full  power 
and  authority  to  do,  receive,  deliver,  administer, 
exercise  and  execute  all  and  singular  things  \\hich 
appertain  and  belong  to  the  aforesaid,  liberties, 
franchises,  privileges,  pre-eminences,  jurisdic- 
tions, authorities,  easements,  inniiunitics,  profits, 
commodities,  advantages,  customs,  usages,  forfei- 
tures, issues,  fines,  redemptions  and  other  here- 
ditaments and  tilings  whatsoever,  within  our  town 
oi'  (lalway  aforesaid,  the  finncbises,  liberties  and 
subvirbs  of  the  same,  as  well  by  sea  as  by  land  and 
fresh  waters,  in  as  ample  manner  and  form,  and  as 
fully,  freely  and  entirely  as  the  said  mayor,  sheriffs 
A-  citizens  of  our  said  city  of  Waterford,  within  the 
s.iid  city  of  Waterford,  the  franchises  liberties  and 


suburbs  of  the  same,  or  as  the  said  mayor,  sheriifji 
and  commonaltj'  of  our  said  town  of  Droglieda,  or 
any  of  them,  within  the  said  town,  the  franchises, 
liberties  and  suburbs  of  the  same,  may  or  can,  in 
any  manner,  do,  receive,  deliver,  administer,  ex- 
ercise and  execute  : — And  further,  of  our  speciid 
grace,  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion,  we 
have  given  and  granted,  and,  by  these  our  present 
letters  patent,  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  as 
much  as  in  us  lieth,  we  do  give  and  grant  to  the 
aforesaid  mayor,  bailiff's,  burgesses  and  commo- 
nalty of  our  town  of  Galway  aforesaid,  and  their 
successors  for  ever,  that  all  and  singular  the  arti- 
cles, clauses,  sentences  and  grants  in  these  letters 
patent,  and  in  all  and  singular  other  letters  patent, 
by  us,  or  bj'  any  ol"  our  progenitors  or  predeces- 
sors, to  the  aforesaid  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and 
commonalty  of  our  town  of  (lalwaj'  aforesaid;  or 
to  their  predecessors  or  any  of  them  granted  shall 
be  accepted,  judged,  understood,  interpreted  and 
construed  in  as  bountiful  and  favorable  a  manner 
as  may  be  and  not  otherwise,  nor  in  any  other 
manner,  to  the  advantage  and  profit  of  the  said 
mayor  and  bailiff's,  burgesses  and  commonalty 
of  our  town  of  Galway  aforesaid,  against  us,  our 
heirs  and  successors,  in  all  courts  whatsoever  of 
us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  and  before  all  judges, 
justices,  barons  of  the  Exche(]uer,  and  other  offi- 
cers and  ministers  of  us,  our  heirs  and  successors 
whomsoever ;  altliough  express  mention  of  the 
true  yearly  value,  or  of  the  certainty  of  the  pre- 
mises or  any  of  them,  or  of  other  gifts  or  grants 
by  us,  or  by  any  of  our  progenitors  aforesaid  to 
the  said  mayor,  bailiffs,  burgesses  and  conuiionalty 
of  our  town  of  Galway  aforesaid,  or  to  any  of 
them  heretofore  granted,  is  not  made  in  these 
presents,  or  any  statute,  act,  ordinance,  provision, 
proclamation  or  restriction,  to  the  contrary  thereof 
made,  published,  ordained  or  provided;  or  any 
matter,  cause  or  thing  whatsoe\er,  in  any  wise 
notwithstanding.  In  witness  whereof  we  have 
caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made  patent.  Wit- 
ness myself  at  Gorhanibury,  the  11th  day  of  July, 
in  the  20th  j'ear  of  our  reign. 

Btj  the  Queen  herself,  and  of  the  date  aforesaid. 


Number  IV. 

Charier  of  Edivard  VI.  founding  the  Roijal  College 
of  G ahull  ij. 

Edwardus  sextus,  Dei  gratia,  Anglic,  Fiancie 
ct  Hibernie  Rex,  fidei  defensor  et  in  terra  ecclesie 
Anglicanc  et  Ilibcrnicane  supremum  caput;  onnii- 
bus  ad  quos  prescntes  litere  pcrvenerint,  salutcm. 


APPENDIX. 


Cum  per  suggestionem  et  informationem  majoris, 
ballivoriim,     burgcnsium    et     coinmunitatis    ville 
iiostro   Galvie,  in  regno  nostro  Hibernie,   factas, 
apparet   quod   Episcopus    Uomanus    auctoritatem 
nostrani    suprenii    capitis    ccclcsic    Anglicane   et 
riibcrnicane  falso  ct  injuste  usurpans,  et  exerccns; 
qucdam    ecclcsiastica    bcneficia    ct    eniolumcnta, 
viz.  vicariani  de  Gnllveij,  vicariam  de  Marey,  vica- 
rins   et  rectorias  de  Jlaivin  et  l^locullen,  vicariani 
et  rcctoriani  dc  Fororanmore,  vicariam   et  recto- 
riam   de   Roscam,  vicarias  dc   Clare  et   KiUcomen 
vicariam  de  Srovire,  in  dioccsi  Anaghtuamensi,  ac 
vicariam  de  Sknyne  in  dioccsi  Tuamcnsi ;  necnon 
(piandam  parcellam  decimarum  in  villa  de  Gahei/, 
predicte,  vulgariter  dictara,   "  the  busliop's  quar- 
ter," et  omnes  et  singulos  fructus,  provenciones, 
redditus,  procuraciones,  decimas,  oblationes,  alte- 
ragia,  penciones,  porciones,  ct  omnia  alia  proficua, 
conimoditates,  et  eniolumcnta  quecumque,  vi(:aria- 
ruiii  et  rectoriarum  predictarum,  cum  omnibus  suis 
pertinciiciis,  ecclesie  Sancti  Nicholai  ville  predicte, 
ad  cultum  divinum  in  eadcm  augmentandum,  dcdit, 
concessit,  univit,  annexit,  appropriavit,  ct  incor- 
poravit,     et    consolidavit     realitcr    et    perpetuo. 
Quibusquidem    fructibus,    provencionibus,    reddi- 
tibus,  procurationibus,  decimis,  oblationibus,  alte- 
ragiis,  pencionibus,  porcionibus,    proficuis,    com- 
moditatibus,  et  emolumentis  rectoriarum  et  vica- 
riaruni  predictarum,  novem  presbiteri,  sacerdotes, 
sivc   ministri,  ad  sacramenta  et  sacramentalia  in 
ecclesia  predicta  ministranda   et   alia   ad  divinum 
cultum     pertinencia,      exequenda     et     facienda, 
sustinabuntur,  et  ad  presens  sustentantur,  ac  auc- 
toritatem et  jurisdictionem  Uomani  pontificis  sic, 
ut  premittitur,  visurpatas  dcmum,  per  perfilicissime 
mcmorie    Dominum   Henrlcuni    octavum,    nuper 
Uegem  Anglie,  patreni  nostrum  penitus  abolita  et 
adiiuUata  ;prcdicti  major,  ballivi,  burgenseset  com- 
munitas,  unionem  predictam,  et  cetera  niunimenta 
candem  concernencia,  tanquam  ab.  iniquo  authore, 
ct  nullum  ad  id  jus  liabente,  irriter  et  minus  suffi- 
cienter  in  lege  nostra  regia  reputantes,  nos  jam 
humiliter  sui)plicantes,  quatenus  auctoritate  nostra 
regia,  ac  auctoritate  nostra  suprenii  capitis  ecclesie 
Anglicane  etllibernicane.qua  fungimur,  vicarias  et 
rectorias  predictas,  ac  fructus,  provenciones,  red- 
ditus, procurationes,  decimas,  oblationes,  altcra- 
gia,  penciones,   et  porciones,  et  omnia  alia  profi- 
cua,   conimoditates,    et    emolumenta    quecunque 
rectoriarum  et  vicariarum  predictarum,  cum  omni- 
bus   suis    pertinenciis,     ecclesie    predicte    Sancti 
Nicholai,  dare,   concedere,  unire,  amiectere,  ap- 
propriare,    incorporare,    ac  realitcr   et   perpetuo 
consolldare   dlgnaremur.       Cum    etiam,    iusupcr, 
])er  dictos  majorem,  ballivos,  burgenses  et  com- 
jniuiitatem,    nobis    supjilicatum    sit,    quod,    cum 


Hibcrnici  inimici  nostri,  nacioncm  dc  O'Fflartijes, 
et  alii  penes  et  juxta  dictam  villam  commorantes, 
in  ecclesia  predicta  eorum  niortuos  sepclire  con- 
sueverunt,  et  alonge  a  diutine  usi  sunt,  pretextu 
et  colore  cujus,  villain  nostrani  predictam  intrantes, 
subditos  nostros  ejusdem  in  discrimen  non  modi- 
cum vita  sue,  et  amissionis  ac  deperdicionis  ville 
nostre  predicte,  sepe  inducunt ;  et  quia  sunt  et 
existunt  in  suburbiis,  et  extra  niuros  ejusdem  ville, 
tres  ecclesie  et  tria  cimiteria  triuni  nuper  domuum 
prioratuum,    sive  monasterioruni  fratrum   niendi- 
cantiuni,    quorum     ununi     vocatur     monasteriuii) 
Saitcti  Francisci,  secundum,   Sancti  Donii/iici,  ter- 
tiura,   Sancti.  Angustini,  ad  usum  sepulture  valde 
necessaria,  nos  eaSdem  ecclesias  et  cimiteria,  ad 
usum  sepulture,   ut  premittitur,  ecclesie,  predicte 
dare,   concedere,  unire,    annectere,    appropriare, 
incorporare,  ct  realtier  ac  perpetuo   consolidare, 
dignareniur :    Et   ulterius,   per  eosdeiii  niajorem, 
ballivos,  burgenses,  et  communitateni,  nobis  simi- 
liter est  supplicatum,  quatenus  dictam  ecclesiani 
Sancti  Nicholai  in  collegium  sive  ecclesiam  colle- 
giatam  auctoritate  nostra  predicta  trans|)onere,  et 
mutare     dignareniur.       Nos,  supplicacionibus    et 
petitionibus  humilibus  dictorum  majoris,   ballivo- 
rum,  burgensium,  et  coinmunitatis,  in  considera- 
tione  allegiancie  et  debite  obcdiencie  sue,  annueri, 
et   consentiri   volentcs ;    ac   diurnum   cultum,    et 
alia   omnia   ad    eundeni    pertinencia,     niodo    quo 
licite  possit  augmeiitari ;    necnon  securitateni  et 
salvam  custodiani   dictorum  majoris,    ballivorum, 
burgensium  et  comnumitatis,  intimo  aninio,  prout 
Kegeni  decet,  maxime  cupicntes  ;  ac  stimulum  se 
bene  et  fideliter  erga  nos  gerendum,  dictis  majori, 
ballivis,   burgensibus  et   communitati,    de   cetcro 
dare  et  prebere  volentcs ;    de  gratia   nostra  spe- 
ciali,  ac  ex  certa  scientia  et  mero  niotu   nostris, 
necnon  auctoritate   nostra    regia,    et   auctoritate 
nostra    suprenii    capitis    ecclesie    Anglicane    et 
Hibernicane     qua    f'ungimur,    dictam    ecclesiam 
Sancti    Nicholai   de   GalnHii/,    in  collegium,    sive 
ecclesiam  collcgiatam,  transponimus  et  mutamus 
per  presentes ;    et  pro  sic  translatam  et  niutatam 
deinceps   reputare   et   habere   volumus    imperpe- 
tuum.     Et  ulterius,  volumus  quod  eadeni  ecclesin 
per  nomeu  "  Collegi  regii  de  Galv:nij,"  de  cetcro, 
nominabitur  et  vocabitur  imperpctuum:    Et  pre- 
terca  de  scientia,  virtute  et  ceteris  gratiarum  donis 
Patricio    Blake  mercatori,   uni    prcsbitcroruni    in 
ecclesia  predicta  serviencium  et  ministraiicium,  a 
Deo  collatis,  pluriniuni  confidentes  ;  ipsuni  Patri- 
ciuni,    Gardianum   collegii   nostri,     sive    ecclesie 
collegiate     predicte,    preficimus,     ordinainus    et 
constituimus,  ac  quosdam    Patriciuni    Kerewane, 
Tliomam  Frenchc,  Derby  O'lloyssbyne,    Johan- 
ucm  Tidman,  Derby  O'Noivane,  Juhauneni  Der- 


APPENDIX. 


inoite,  Joliannem  O'Brangan  et  Edmundum 
O'Flartie  jam  similiter  ibidem  servicntes,  et  minis- 
trantes,  vicarios  chorales  in  collegio  sive  ecclesia 
collegiata  predicta,  ordinamus  ct  constituimus, 
volentes  quod  idem  Patricius  Blake,  et  successores 
sui,  ut  gardiani,  ct  prcdicti  Patricius  Kcrcwanc  ct 
Thomas  Frciichc,  Derby  O'lloysshyuc  Johamies 
Tahuan,  Derby  O'Nowane,  Joliannes  Dcrmoite, 
Johannes  O'Brangan  et  Edmundus  O'Flartie  et 
successores  sui,  ut  vicarii  chorales  collcgii,  sive 
ccclcsie  collegiate  predicte,  sint  de  cctero  accep- 
tati  et  reputati : — Et  volumus  preterea  et  conce- 
dinuis,  quod  collegium  sive  ecclesiani  collegiatam 
predictani,  extunc  sit  de  uno  gardiano  et  ocfo 
vicariis  choralibus  uniini  corpus,  incorporatum  re 
et  nomine,  habcantque  successionem  perpetuam  ; 
ac  prcdictuni  Patricium  Blake  gardianuni,  pre- 
dictos  Patricium  Kerewaiic,  Thomam  Frenche, 
Derby  O'Hoysshyne,  Joliannem  Talman,  Derby 
O'Xowane,  Joliannem  Dermoite,  Joliannem 
O'Brangan  et  Edmundum  O'F'lartie,  vicarios  cho- 
rales coUegii  nost.ri,  sive  ecclesie  collegiate  de 
Galway,  noniinamus,  facimus,  constituimus  et 
ordinamus,  incorporamus,  decernimus,  et  decla- 
i-anius,  imperpetaum,  per  presentes :— Et  quod 
gardianus  et  vicarii  chorales,  collegii  nostri  sive 
ecclesie  collegiate  predicte,  ac  successores  sui, 
gardianus  et  vicarii  chorales,  collegii  regii  de 
(jai'.vay,  perpetuo  nuncupentur,  iiominentur,  vo- 
centur  et  acceptantur ;  et  quod  idem  gardianus, 
et  vicarii  chorales,  ac  successores  sui  sint  persone 
habiles  et  in  lege  capaces  per  idem  nomen  placi- 
tari  et  implacitari,  respondere  et  responderi,  ac 
prosequi,  defendere  ct  defendi  in  omnibus  et  sin- 
gulis placitis,  sectis,  (luerclis  et  demandis,  inolis 
et  movcndis,  in  quibuscunque  curiis  nostris,  here- 
.  dum  ct  succcssoruni  nostrorum,  et  alioruni  (|uo- 
runicunque ;  ac  coram  quibuscunque  judieibus, 
JListicialiis,  et  aliis  ofiiciariis  nostris,  hereduni  et 
siiccessorum  nostrorum,  ct  alioruni  quorumcun- 
<juc :  et  quod  predlctus  gardianus,  sit,  extunc, 
gardianus,  ejusdem  collcgii,  usipie  ad  t'estum 
J>ancti  Petri  quod  dicitur  ad  vincula,  proxime 
t'utarum : — Et  ulterius  volumus,  quod  predicti  gar- 
dianus et  vicarii,  et  successores  sui,  habeant  sigil- 
lu.ii  commune  pro  rebus  et  negociis  ipsorum 
gardiaui  et  vieariorum,  et  successorum  suoriim,  ac 
ipsc.s  i^ardianuni  et  vicarios  et  successores  suos  tan- 
gentibus  deserviturum  : — Et  ulterius  concessimus, 
ac  per  presentes  concedinius  prefatis  gardiano  et 
vicarii^:,  et  siiccessoribus  suis,  quod  ipse  gardianus 
et  vicarii,  ct  successores  sui  t'acient,  ordinabunt  et 
constituent,  ac  Ulcere,  ordinave  et  constiluere 
possiut,  dc  tempore  in  tenipus,  ordinaciones  ct 
statuta  pro  sahibri  guberuatione  et  regimine  dicti 
collciiii.  sive   ecclesie   cullciriate,    et  niiuislroruni 


in  codem  collegio  sive  ecclesia  collegiata  minis- 
trantium  ;  ac  easdem  ordinaciones  et  statuta  abro- 
gare,  alterare  et  niutare,  et  alia  in  eoruni  loco 
componere,  et  addere,  totiens  quotiens,  sibi  vide- 
bitur  expedire  : — Ac  etiam  concessimus  et  licen- 
tiani  dedimus,  ac  jier  presentes  coneedinuis  et 
licentiam  damns,  prefatis  majori,  ballivis,  burgen- 
sibus  et  conmiLinitati,  ([uod  ipsi,  et  eoruni  suc- 
cessores, imperpetuum,  quolibet  anno,  ad  t'estum 
Sancti  Petri  predicti,  eligere  poterint,  et  eligaiit 
unam  idoneam  personam  in  gardianuni  collegii, 
sive  ecclesie  collegiate  predicte,  habendum  sibi 
pro  uno  anno  integro ;  ac  eundem  gardianuni, 
necnon  vicarios  pro  tempore  existentes,  et  coruin 
quemlibet,  si  ita  eis  videbitur,  ainovendos,  depri- 
vandos  ct  deponendos,  et  aliuni  sive  alios,  in 
ejus  et  eorum  loco,  constituendos,  noniinandos 
ct  assignandos  de  tempore  in  tempus,  ac  etiam 
eosdem  gardianuni  et  vicarios,  et  corum  quemlibet, 
prout  causa  et  occasio  fuerit  et  servierit,  casti- 
gandos,  corrigendos,  et  luodo  debito  punien- 
dos  ;  et  quod  ipsi  major,  ballivi,  burgenses  com- 
niunitas  et  successores  sui,  imperpetuum,  cum 
gardianus  predictus  sive  aliquis  vieariorum  prc- 
dictorum,  pro  tempore  existentiuni,  obierit,  per- 
mutaverit,  resignaverit  vel  alio  aliquo  quocun(|uc 
niodo,  ab  servieio  in  collegio  sive  ecclesia  colle- 
giata predicta,  recesscrit,  alium  quemcuii(|ue,  loco 
ipsius  decedentis,  vel  alio  modo  ab  codem  rece- 
dentis,  eligere,  et  eundem,  sic  elcctum,  in  realem 
possessionem  ejusdem  ponere  possint,  absque 
aliqua  prosecutionc;  penes  nos,  heredes  et  suc- 
cessores nostros,  vel  penes  quemcumijue  alium, 
pro  licentia  et  concensu  in  ea  parte  coucedendis 
vel  obtinendis.  Sciatis  etiam  quod  nos  dc  gratia 
nostra  sjicciali,  ac  ex  ccrta  scientia  et  mero  niotu 
nostris,  auctoritate  nostra  regia,  et  supremi  capitis 
ecclesie  Anglicane  et  Hibernicane,  ex  plenitii- 
dine  potestatis,  (|ua  funginiur  in  hac  ))nrte,  dicta.s 
rectorias  ac  viparias,  et  eoruni  (luanilibet,  necnon 
parcelhuii  decimarum  predictarum,  ac  onmes  ct 
singulos  I'ructus,  provenciones,  redditus,  procu- 
rationes,  decimas,  oblationes,  altcragias,  pensiones, 
portiones  et  omnia  alia  proticua,  commoditates  et 
enioluinenta  quecunique,  rectoriis  ct  vicariis  jire- 
dictis,  et  eoruni  cuilibet  cum  onuiibus  suis  perti- 
nenciis,  prefatis  gardiano  et  vicariis,  et  siiccesso- 
ribus suis,  ac  collegio  sive  ecclesie  collegiate  pre- 
dicte, in  proprios  usus  dicti  gardiani  et  vicariorimi 
ct  successorum  suoruiii,  unimus,  annectimus,  a|)- 
propriamus,  incorporan.us  et  realiter  ac  perpetuo, 
consolidamus,  habendum,  tenendum  et  guadendum 
omnia  et  singula  predictas  rectorias  et  vicarios,  jiar- 
ccllam  decimarum,  fructus, decimas,  oblationes,  al- 
tcragias, et  cetera  premissa  cuin  pertinenciisj  ])re- 
I'atis     gardiano    et    vicariis  et  succcssoribus  suis. 


APPENDIX. 


ac  colloglo  sive  ccclcsie  collegiate  realiter,  unita 
annexiitii,  approiiiiata,  incorpoiata  ct  consolic'.ata 
inipcrpctuuni :  —  Et  si  sccus  a  (]uoquam,  quavis 
aucioritatc,  scienter  vel  ignoranter  attemptari 
contigerit,  illuil  in'ituin  tlecerninuis  ct  inane. 
Dantes  ct  cDiucilcntcs  prel'atis  majori,  balllvis, 
Inngcnsibus  ct  coniniunltati,  ct  siiccessoribus 
suis,  plcnani,  tenore  prcsencinni,  potestatem  ct 
auctoritatcni,  cic  tempore  in  tenipus,  IVuctiu*, 
provenciones,  rciUlitus  ct  eniolumcnta  predicta, 
pro  saiario  ct  stipendio  dictis  gardiano  ct  vi- 
cariis,  ct  corum  cuilibct,  juxta  diserctiones 
suas  disponcnda,  dividcnda,  assignanda,  et  in 
partes  sive  portiones  distribuenda.  Concessinius 
iusupcr,  ct  per  jircsentes  concedimus  eisdcm 
gardlano  et  vicariis,  et  eorum  successoribus,  pre- 
dictas  ccclesias  et  cimiteria  nuper  domus  nionas- 
terii  sive  prioratus  i'ratruni  predictorum,  ad  scpe- 
licnduni  in  ecclesiis  ciniiteriorinn  predictorum  de 
nacione  supradicta,  et  aliis  nacionibns  ad  easdem 
ccclcs-ias  ct  cimiteria  ea  intentione  et  proposiro 
venientibus,  vel  adductis,  ad  intentioncni  ctpropo- 
situm,  supra  rccitata  ct  specificata,  gardiano  ct  vi- 
cariis predictis,  unlmus,  anneximus,  appropriamus, 
incorporamus,  et  per  presentes,  realiter  ctperpetuo 
consolidanius,  liabendum,  tenendum  ct  gaudendum 
predictis  gardiano  et  vicariis,  ct  successoribus  suis, 
accolleglo  sive  ecclesiecollegiatepredictc,adusuni, 
intentionem  et  propositum  predicta,  realiter  unita, 
annexata,  appropriata,  incorporata,  ct  consolidata, 
inipcrpctuuni : — Et  si  sccus  a  quoquain,  quavis 
auctoritato.  scienter  vel  ignorantcr  atteniptare 
contigerit,  illud  irritum  decerninius  et  inane.  Eo 
(piod,  expressa  inencio  de  vero  valore  annuo,  aut 
de  aiiquo  alio  valore,  vel  certitudine  prcmissorun!, 
sive  covuni  alicujus,  aut  de  aliis  donis  sive  conccs- 
sionihus,  jicr  nos  scu  per  aliqucm  progcnitorum 
v.dstroruin,  prefatis  gardiano  ct  vicariis  ante  hcc 
tciiipora  i'actis,  in  presentibus  inininie  iactis  cxis- 
tit ;  aut  aiiquo  statuto,  actu,  ordinationc,  provi- 
sione  sive  restrictione,  inde  in  coiUrariuni  facta, 
cdita,  ordinata,  seu  provisa,  aut  aliqua  alia  re, 
causa  vel  materia  quacunique,  in  aiiquo  non  ob- 
stante. In  cujus  rci  tcstimoniLini  lias  literas  nostras 
fieri  f'ccinius  patcntcs.  'J'cste  me  ijiso,  apud 
\\"estnionasteriuin,  viecsimo  nono  die  Ajirilis  anno 
regni  nostri  quinto.  Gcdge. 

Per  iircve  de  privato  sigillo,  ci  dc  data  predkia, 
ancturitatc  2>!t''^inmenti. 

[The  charter  of  Edward  Yl.  to  the  college  of 
Galuay  not  being  enrolled  in  Ireland,  the  foregoing 
was  tal;cn  I'rom  loril  Strattbrd's  inqu'sition.  It 
evidently  appears  to  have  been  incorrcctl}'  tran- 
.^'Jribcd  ill  that  record  ;  but,  being  the  only  copy 


vhicli   could  be    conveniently    procured,    it  was 
thought  advisable  not  to  omit  it.] 


NUSIBER   V. 
Arlicles  of  surrender  lu  Crunmell's  Jhrccs,   1G52. 

Articles  of  agreement  concluded  and  agreed  upon 
by  and  between  colonel  John  Cole,  colonel 
liobcrt  Russell,  licut.  colonel  John  Puckle, 
major  John  King,  major  Alexander  Brayticld, 
adjutant  general  Holcroft,  and  captain  Oliver 
St.  George,  commissioners  appointed  by  the 
right  honorable  Sir  Charles  Coote,  lent,  and 
bart.  lord  president  of  Connaught,  on  the 
bchalfc  of  the  parliament  of  the  common- 
wealth of  England,  of  the  one  part ;  and  Sir 
Ixobuck  Lynch,  bart.  Sir  Valentine  Blake, 
knt.  and  bart.  Sir  Itichard  Blake,  knt.  Sir 
Oliver  French,  knt.  John  Blake,  esq.  Arthur 
Lynch,  esq.  one  of  the  shcritts  of  Gallway, 
TJiomas  Lynch  and  Dominick  Blake,  of  Gall- 
way,  burgesses,  for  and  on  behalf  of  them- 
selves, and  the  mayor,  sheriffs,  burgesses  and 
commonalty  of  Ciallway,  and  of  the  freemen, 
natives,  inhabitants  and  residents  thereof,  of 
the  other  part;  bearing  date  the  5th  day  of 
April,  1652,  concerning  the  rendition  and  sur- 
render of  the  town  of  Gallway,   as  followeth  : 

I.  Imprimis. — It  is  concluded,  accorded  and 
agreed,  by  and  between  the  said  parties,  that  the 
towne  of  Gallway,  the  forts,  fortiiications,  artil- 
leries, magazines,  anumicon,  and  all  other  furni- 
ture of  warr  thei-eunto  belonging  shall  be  delivered 
unto  Sir  Charles  Coote,  knt.  and  bart.  lord  presi- 
dent of  Connaught,  or  whom  he  shall^jippointe  for 
the  use  of  tlic  c<)mnion\\callb  of  England,  by  or 
upon  the  12th  instant,  at  tciin  of  tiic  clock  in  the 
morning,  in  considcracon  of  the  articles  hereafter 
specified. 

II.  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon,  by  and 
between  the  said  parties',  that,  in  considcracon  of 
the  said  surrender,  all  persons,  of  wliat  degree  or 
(piality  soever,  within  the  said  towne,  shall  have 
quarter  for  their  lives  and  liberty  of  tht.'ir  persons, 
M  ithout  any  pillage,  plunder,  or  milytary  violence 
to  their  persons  or  goods,  during  their  obedience 
to  the  lawes  and  government  of  the  parliaincnt  of 
the  commonwealth  of  England,  by  virtue  of  the 
ensuing  articles  respectively,  and  those  articles  to 
extend  to  all  such  as  are  free  of  the  said  towne  of 
Gallwa}',  their  wives,  widdows,  factors  and  tcn- 
nants  in  the  country,  or  beyond  the  seas,  provided 
that   by  freemen  it  be  imdcrstood  only  the  native 


APPENDIX. 


mercliants,  inliabiiaiits  and  tvadcsiuen  cf  tlic  said 
towne,  and  nut  lords,  or  any  otlier  persons  v.lio 
liavc  not  attained  their  freedom  by  nieritt,  or  un- 
dergone publiquc  oUices  in  tlie  said  corporacon. 

III.  It  is  coneliided  and  agreed  upon,  by  and 
between  the  said  parlies,  that  all  i)crs()ns,  of  wluit 
quality  soever,  eoinpreliended  within  tliesaid  arti- 
cles, shall  have  six  niontlis  tinie^^to  deparle  (if  they 
desire  it)  with  their  goods  to  any  parte  of  this 
nation,  or  bejond  seas  ;  and  that  they  sliall  liave 
efTectuall  pai'Ses  for  themselves  and  their  goods, 
and  shall  be  protected  in  the  meaae  time,  and 
have  libert}'  to  sell  their  estates  and  goods,  pro- 
vided thatamunicon  and  all  arn-.es,  (save  travailing 
amies,  \\hich  they  may  carry  with  them,)  and  other 
furniture  of  warr,  be  not  included  in  this  article. 

IV.  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon,  by  and 
befueen  the  said  parties,  that  the  clergymen  now 
in  Gallway  shall  have  liberty  to  continue  there  six 
months  after  the  conclusion  of  this  treaty,  and 
shall  have  elFcctuall  passes  (when  thej'  desire  it 
within  that  time)  for  themselves,  and  the  goods 
properly  belonging  to  them,  to  go  beyond  seas, 
pro\ided  that  during  that  time  they  act  nothing 
prejudiciall  to  the  state  of  England;  and  likewise 
that  the  nan\es  of  all  such  clergymen  shall  be  made 
known  to  the  lord  president  before  the  surrender 
of  the  said  tov.ne  ;  and  that  all  manner  of  persons, 
of  what  (p\allity  soever,  according  to  tlie  exposi- 
tion of  the  second  article,  that  have  indempnity 
fdi-  all  past  oftences,  criminall  and  capitall,  acts 
and  olfences  done  in  the  prosecucon  of  this  warr, 
from  the  2.'id  of  October,  16'1-1,  untill  the  con- 
clusion of  this  treaty  (except  Brian  IJoe  Malion 
i^Iore,  Stephen  Lynch,  Doniinick  Kirv.'an  and 
Wahcr  Martin,  who  had  tlicir  hands  immediately 
in  the  cR'usion  of  the  blood  of  captain  Clark's 
ii'.en,  and  such  other  person  or  persons  as  shall  be 
hereafter  i'uund  bv  good  proofs  to  have  had  their 
immediate  hands  in  any  particular  nnu-ther  of  the 
English  or  protestant  people,  bei'ore  the  corpora- 
tion entered  into  acts  of  hostility  (first)  in  this 
war,  which  was  on  the  19th  of  iMarch,  164-1,  and 
n'l  such  persons  (excepting  bei'ore  excepted)  that 
for  the  future  shall  submit  to  the  government 
of  the  parliament  of  the  commonwealth  of  Eng- 
land, shall  be  admitted  to  doo  and  to  live  at  their 
homes,  or  w  itii  their  friends,  and  shall  have  pro- 
tection, during  their  obedience  to  the  said  govern- 
nunt,  to  their  persons,  goods  aiul  estates,  on  the 
s;',!ue  terms  that  the  rest  of  the  inhal)itai\ts  of  the 
coiinlv,  of  the  same  condition  and  qualifications 
v.iili  tliemsclves,  have,  soo  as  the  beneiit  of  the 
]>co',eelion  last  mentioned  in  the  article  shall  not 
extend  to  clergymen  farther  tlian  six  months,  as 
I'fl'oi-e  uientiw.Ld. 


V.  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon,  by  and 
between  the  said  parties,  that  all  persons  whatso- 
ever included  in  the  second  article,  who  are  willing 
to  submit  to  the  government  of  the  parliiUnent  of 
the  commonwealth  of  I'.ngland,  (except  as  before 
excepted  in  the  fourth  article,)  shall  enjoy  their 
res])ective  estates  and  interests  to  then)sel\es  and 
their  heirs  for  ever,  in  all  and  every  tlic  houses, 
estates,  lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments,  \\liieli 
in  the  said  town,  and  the  old  and  new  liberties 
and  franchises  thereof,  so  far  as  the  pow  cr  of  the 
sheriffs  of  Galway  extends,  and  the  burgage  lands 
belonging  to  the  said  town,  without  any  exemp- 
tion, diminution,  marke  of  distinction,  or  removal 
of  persons  or  families  whatsoever,  unless  it  be 
upon  just  grounds  and  good  proofes  of  their  future 
misdemeanour,  which  may  endanger  tlie  se- 
curity of  the  said  town,  and  in  that  case  such 
persons  to  be  at  liberty  to  carry  away  their 
goods,  and  to  lett  or  sell  their  houses  and  estates 
to  their  best  advantage,  paying  (in  case  of  sale) 
a  third  parte  of  the  price  they  iiialic  to  the  nse  of 
the  state  of  England,  and  that  noe  contribution 
or  other  imposition  be  charged  upon  the  said  town, 
or  any  of  the  natives  or  in.habitants  thereof,  but 
in  proportion  with  the  subjects  of  the  said  state 
residing  in  cities  or  towns  in  England  or  Ireland, 
according  to  their  respective  i'ortunes  ai;d  inte- 
rests ;  and  that  they,  and  every  of  tliem,  shall 
quietly  enjoy  two  parts  of  all  tlieir  reall  estates  iit 
three  parts,  to  be  divided  to  themselves  and  their 
heirs  for  ever,  in  all  other  parts  whatsoever  withiu 
this  dominion,  not  before  expressed  in  this  article, 
paying  contribution  thereout  in  proportion  with 
their  neighbours,  under  the  lawes,  obcdiance  and 
government  of  the  parliament  ;  and  in  case  any 
parte  of  their  reall  estates  shall  ha]>pen  to  be  con- 
tiguous to  any  considerable  castle,  fortilieation  or 
streight  within  this  dominion,  conceived  to  be 
necessary  for  any  particular  jilantation,  that  then 
such  person  or  persons  (proprietor  of  the  same) 
shall  be  satisfied  and  paid  (in  ca>e  theife  be  castles 
and  houses  upon  the  lands  so  taken  from  them)  the 
full  value  of  such  castles  and  houses,  according  as 
indifferent  men  mutually  named  by  the  proprietors, 
and  such  as  shall  be  intrusted  by  the  state,  shall 
agree  upon  ;  and,  upon  any  ditfercnce  between 
them,  an  umpire  shall  be  named  hy  both  parties  to 
determine  the  same,  or  the  ]n-oprietors  to  be  satis- 
fied ill  other  castles  and  houses  of  ecjual  value  and 
goodnes  with  their  owne,  and  shall  haveexcliange 
of  lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments,  of  like 
quantity  and  value  with  the  lands,  tenements  and 
hereditaments  so  taken  from  them  as  aforesaid, 
and  botli  the  castles,  houses,  lands,  tenements  and 
hereditaments  to  be  in  such  county  where  thcsaide 


APPENDIX. 


XXXJ 


ttiistlcs,  liou^ies,  lands,  tenements  and  hcredita- 
nsents  so  taken  (Voni  them  lie,  unless  the  said  county 
be  entirely  sett  ajiarte  for  a  plantation,  and  then  the 
above  satisfaction  shall  be  jjlven  to  them  in  the 
next  adjacent  county,  Mitlila  the  said  ])rovince, 
that  shall  not  be  so  entirely  planted  as  aforesaid  ; 
and  that,  upon  surrender  of  the  said  town,  they, 
and  every  of  them,  shall  and  may  enter  into,  and 
enjoy  the  possessions  of  their  real  estates  (notwith- 
standing any  custodianis  or  leases  granted  to  them,) 
and  continue  in  possession  of  thcni  until  some 
persons  be  appointed,  by  the  parliament  or  their 
ministers,  to  dispose  of  one-third  parte  thereof 
for  the  use  of  the  parliament,  as  is  agreed  in  the 
preceding  articles  ;  and  that  they,  and  every  of 
them,  shall  enjoy,  freely,  all  their  goods  and  chat- 
ties, veal  and  personal,  wheresoever  the  same 
shall  bo,  (all  arms,  amunition,  and  other  furniture 
of  war,  travailing  arms  excepted,)  to  themselves, 
their  executors  and  assigns:  and  for  the  diiference 
which  did  arise  between  the  said  parties,  con- 
cerning the  composition  of  five  thousand  pounds, 
demanded  and  insisted  upon,  in  consideration  of 
tJie  thirde  parte  of  tlic  said  goods  and  chiittles, 
the  same  is  referred,  by  consent  of  both  parties, 
to  the  commissioners  or  other  chief  ministers  of 
the  parliament  in  this  dominion,  to  whom  the  said 
towne  are  to  make  their  application  for  remittall 
or  mitigation  of  the  said  composition,  or  otherwise 
the  said  five  thousand  pounds  to  be  paid  to  the  use 
of  the  state  of  England. 

VI.  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon,  by  and 
between  the  said  parties,  that  the  mayor,  sheriffs, 
burgesses  and  connnonalty  of  the  said  towne,  and 
their  successors,  shall  have  and  enjoy  all  liberties, 
"customs,  priviledges  and  innnimities  granted  to 
them  by  charter,  and  shall  hereafter  be  governed 
by  their  charter,  priviledges  and  fimdamental 
Jaws  of  England,  as  in  times  of  peace,  until  the 
parliament,  or  their  ministers  appointed  to  that 
purpose,  shall  conlirme,  renew,  alter  or  inlarge 
the  same,  and  that  they  shall  have  full  liberty  to 
trade  att  home  and  abroade  as  other  English  sub- 
jects have;  and  that  all  prisoners,  being  natives  or 
inhabitants  of  the  said  towne,  and  soldiers  of  the 
garrison  of  Galway  and  Isles  of  Arran,  in  pay, 
shall  be  sett  at  liberty  without  ransonie  :  and  if  it 
shall  liappen,  after  this  agreement,  that  any  person 
or  persons  included  in  tliese  articles,  or  any  shipp, 
"•oods  or  merchandize  belonging  to  tliem,  or  any 
of  them,  be  taken  by  sea  or  land,  coming  to  the  said 
town,  or  going  from  it,  tliey  shall  be  sett  at  liberty, 
and  their  goods  and  merchandizes  shall  be  restored 
to  them  as  aforesaid^  provided  they  act  nothing 
prejudicial  to  the  state;  and  that  all  things  be- 
longing to  any  person^or  persons,  fraucliised  by 


them,  or  any  of  them,  shall  remain  to  the  disposal 
of  the  owner,  except  such  shipps  as,  by  any  former 
articles,  are  agreed  upon  to  the  contrary,  and  that 
the  disbursements  of  those  who  canted  the  houses 
of  absentees  shall  be  secured  unto  them  for  the 
time  past,  onlj'  so  far  as  law  and  the  custome  and 
priviledges  of  the  towne  charter  will  justifie  the 
same. 

^'11.  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon,  by  and 
between  the  said  parties,  that  in  case  of  breach  of 
these  articles,  or  any  of  them,  the  sanies  hall  not 
be  deemed  or  construed,  but  the  act  of  such  per- 
son or  persons  as  shall  be  found  to  be  actors  thereof, 
and  they  only  to  be  proceeded  against  as  the  law 
prescribes. 

VIII.  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon,  by 
and  between  the  said  parties,  that  the  said  presi- 
dent shall  procure  these  articles,  and  all  and 
every  particular  in  them  contayned,  and  depending 
on  them,  within  twenty  days,  to  be  ratified,  ap- 
proved and  confirmed,  by  the  commissioners  or 
other  chief  ministers  of  the  parliament  in  Ireland; 
and  likewise  that  the  lord  president  shall,  with  as 
nmcli  speed  as  maj'  be,  jiromise  those  articles  to 
be  secured  by  an  act  of  parliament,  to  be  passed 
for  that  ])urpose  in  England,  and  in  the  mean 
time,  shall  be  as  inviolably  observed  and  kept  to 
them  as  if  they  were  enacted  in  parliament. 

IX.  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon,  by  and 
between  the  said  parties,  that  Sir  Valentine  15!akc, 
Sir  Oliver  Ffrench,  John  Blake,  esq.  and  Donii 
Blake,  be  this  day  declared  as  hostages,  and  the 
new  castle  over  against  Tyrriland,  and  the  forte 
in  Mutton-island,  to  be  surrendered  to-morrow, 
by  twelve  of  the  clock,  to  the  lord  president,  or 
v.hom  he  shall  appoint  for  the  performance  of  the 
surrender.  In  witness  whereof,  the  said  parties, 
to  these  presents  have  enterchangeably  set  their 
hands,  the  day  and  year  above  written. 

Robert  Lynch.  Robert  Russell.    ■ 

Valentine  Blake.  John  King. 

Oliver  Ffrench.  Alex.  Brayfield. 

Thomas  Lynch.  Oliver  St.  George. 

John  Blake.  John  Cole. 

Arthur  Lynch.  .Tolin  Puckle. 

Dominick  Blake.  Charles  Ilolcroft. 

Order  bi/  lite  Commissioners  of  the  Parliament  con- 
err  iiiiig  the  Articles  r>/'  Galv^ai/.  Dublin,  Xith 
April,   ](Jj2. 

Upon  serious  consideration  taken  of  the  arti- 
cles agreed  upon  for  the  surrender  of  Galway,  and 
advice  thereupon,  had  at  a  council  of  war,  it  was 
ordered  as  follow  eth. 


xxxn 


APPENDIX. 


I.  That  we  cannot  consent  that  any  persons 
who  were  actors  or  hiul  a  liand  in  the  murtliers, 
massacres  or  robberies,  committed  upon  theEnghsb 
or  protestants  in  Ireland  in  tlie  first  year  of  the 
rebellion,  or  in  any  other  murtliers  or  massacres 
since  the  said  first  year,  committed  (by  or  upon 
any  person  not  being  in  arms,  should  have  any 
benefit  by  the  articles  for  the  surrender  of  Gall- 
way,  other  than  for  their  marching  out  of  the 
towne,  to  such  place  as  is  or  sliall  be  agreed 
upon. 

II.  We  cannot  consent  that  such  inhabitants 
and  citizens  in  Gallway,  who  shall  be  thought  fit, 
by  the  parliament  or  their  ministers,  to  be  removed 
out  of  the  said  towne  of  ClalKvay,  in  order  to  the 
security  thereof,  shall  be  permitted  to  enjoy  their 
estates  and  interests  in  the  towne,  otherwise  than 
was  ottered  by  the  late  lord  deputy  to  the  citty  of 
Limerick,  (that  is  to  say,)  that  noe  inhabitant  or 
cittizen  of  Gallway  be  permitted  to  enjoy  their 
interests  in  the  houses  or  other  rcall  estate  in  that 
towne,  who  shall  be  thought  fitt,  by  the  parlia- 
\nent  or  their  ministers,  to  be  removed  out  of  the 
said  garrisson  in  order  to  the  security  thereof,  but 
in  such  case  such  person  so  to  be  removed  shall 
have  liberty  to  sell  their  said  houses  and  other 
estate  to  the  best  advantage  of  tliemselves,  their 
heirs  or  assigns,  paying  (in  case  of  sale)  a  third 
[)art  of  the  price  they  make  to  the  use  of  the 
connnonwealth,  and  shall  have  three  months  time 
(after  warning  given  them  to  depart)  for  the 
removal  and  disposa.1  of  themselves,  their  families 
and  goods  as  the}'  shall  please,  and  protection  to 
bee  in  any  part  of  the  dominion  within  the  power 
of  the  parlianient,  not  being  a  garrison  nor  county 
set  apart  to  be  planted  with  English,  or  shall 
have  liberty  to  remove  to  any  foreign  parts  if  they 
desire  it. 

III.  That  we  cannot  consent  that  tenants  or 
f:!Ctors  in  the  country,  or  beyond  the  seas,  shall 
be  included  by  these  articles,  as  the  words  in  the 
.second  article  doe  import. 

R\  As  to  that  clause  in  the  articles  «hich 
relates  to  the  real  estates  lying  without  the  tnwne 
and  the  liberties  thereof,  belonging  to  the  free- 
men of  Gallway,  wee  cannot  consent  any  further 
therein,  than  that  they  doe  enjoye  two  parts  in  three 
vS  the  same,  or  of  the  value  thereof,  as  the  parlia- 
ment shall  direct. 

V.  Vv'e  cannot  consent  that  an}'  absentees,  who 
have  adhered  to  tlie  parliament,  should  have  their 
houses  detained  from  them  by  virtue  of  the  latter 
pm't  of  the  sixth  article. 

V!.  W  0  cannot  consent  that  the  governor,  sol- 
diers and  irihabitants  of  the  InU-s  of  Arran,  slioiild 
■llave  any  cilier  conditions,  as  to  their  reall  estates. 


than  such  as  arc  granted  to  the  freemen  of  Gall- 
way for  the  lands  lying  in  the  count r)'. 

V'll.  Wee  doe  consente  that  tlie  exceptions  of 
those  that  had  a  hand  in  the  murtheis  of  c:iptain 
Clark's  men  should  extend  noe  further  than  to 
those  persons  that  are  named  in  the  said  excep- 
tions, and  those  that  had  an  immediate  hand  in 
that  inurther,  or  gave  order  or  connnand  for  the 
nuirthcring  of  them,  and  not  to  extend  to  such 
as  only  gave  order  or  consented  unto  the  seizure 
of  the  said  shipp. 

VIII.  Tlnii  if  they  shall  consent  to  those  reso- 
lutions, wee  shall  then  give  our  consent  to  the 
articles  with  the  said  alterations. 

Certificate  of  Assent. 

Wee,  whose  names  are  hereunder  written,  being 
comprehended  in  the  capitulations  for  the  sur- 
render of  Gallway,  doe  hereby  signify  our  assent 
unto,  and  approve  of  the  tpialitications  and  limi- 
tations made  by  the  commissioners  of  the  parlia- 
ment of  the  commonwealth  of  England  to  the 
articles  for  surrender  of  Gallway,  concluded  upon 
the  said  capitulation,  as  the  said  <]uali(ications  and 
limitations  are  presented  unto  us  by  the  annexed 
paper,  bearing  date  at  Dublin,  the  llth  day  of 
April,  1652.  And  wee  doe  hereby  signifie  our 
acceptation  of  the  said  articles  and  conditions 
therein  contained,  as  the  same  are  qualified  and 
limittcd  in  the  said  annexed  paper.  In  witness 
whereof  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names. 

The  following  only  signed. 


Dominick  Browne,  knt. 
Marcus  Hrowne. 
Marcus  Kirwan. 
Edmond  Efreneh. 


Richard  Bexford. 
Andrew  Jlorish. 
John  Joyes. 
Alexander  \\'arren. 


A  note  of  the  tvxan^ s-men  of  Gnhwy  ilrnl   refuse  lo 
s/:tii.     October  '^6th,   \65'2. 


>  s/icrifs 


?>Iarcns  Lynclic,  mai/or 
Alex.  Lynche, 
W.  Ogc  Martine 
John  Lynch 
James  Darcy,  aldepnnn. 
.Sir  Oliver  Efreneh. 
A.  Lynche  Fitz-8tc])hen. 
John  Blake,   recorder. 
liiehard  Joyce. 
Martin  Lynche. 
James  IVIiirtin. 
Nicholas  Alhey. 
Patrick  Kirwan. 


John  Lynche  Cler. 
Pierce  Lynche. 
John  Lynche. 
Jarphcowe  Efreneh. 
Tliomas  Browne. 
Peter  Lynche. 
Warden  Efreneh. 
James  Efreneh. 
George  Oge  Martin. 
Jefl'rey  Lj-nehe. 
Richard  Lynche. 
M.  Lynch  Eitz-Xicli. 
James  Oge  Lynciie. 


APPENDIX. 


1 
xxxiii 


A  nole  of  the  toicns-mcn  that  refuse  to  iign,  conlinueil. 


Nicholas  Lynchc. 
Edw.  l-lrenc!i,  burgess. 
Walter  Joyce. 
Francis  Kirwan. 
John  151akc. 
Anthony  Ffrcnch. 
Laurence  Bccjg. 
AVilliani  Kerouan. 
■Jblni  "Kerowan. 
Nicholas  Oqe  Blake. 
Thomas  Bege. 
,J.  Lynch  Fitz-Thomas. 
A.  Lynch  Fitz-Marcus. 
J.  L3nc!i  Fitz-Doniinick. 
T.  Lynch  Fitz-Chriitoph. 
Ignatius  Lynch. 
George  Joyce. 
P.  Browne  F.- Anthony. 
P.  Kirwan  Fitz-Francis. 
J.  Ffrench  F.-Donilnick. 


Doniinick  Ffrcnch. 
N.  Browne  Fitz-Jamcs. 
Andw.  Lynch  I^itz-Jolin 
C.  Blake'Fitz- William. 
A.  Lynch  Fitz-Thomas. 
O.  Kirwan  Iltz-Picrcc. 
Oliver  Kirwan  Fitz-John 
John  Hcrmingluini. 
And.  Bodkin  Fifz-Lcwis 
E.  l?odkin  Fitz-1'atrick. 
V.  Ffrench  Fitz-Thomas. 
P.  Lynch  Fitz-Anthonj'. 
Andrew  Morris. 
Pierce  Ogc  Lynch. 
Mathew  D'Arcy. 
Jeoffrey  Ffrench. 
Gregory  Browne. 
Nich.  Oge  French  Fitz- 

Nicholas. 
S.  Ffrench  Fitz-Patrick. 


F.  Ffrcnch  Fitz-Francis. 
Jn.  Joyce  Fitz-Andrew. 
J.  Lynch  Fitz-(ircgory. 
Jas.  Lynch  Fitz-Jaines. 
Jno.  L^-nch  Fitz-Jamcs. 
J.  Bodkin  Fitz-Laurence. 
Doniinick  Ifoe  I'trcnch. 
K.  Kirwan  Fitz-^Farciis. 
P.  Ffrench  Fitz-Gcorge. 
P.  Ffrcnch  Filz-Olivcr. 
D.  Ffrench  F.-Antliony. 
R.  Barrett  Fitz-William. 
Ifohert  Oge  Blake. 
It.  Blake  Fitz-Andrew. 
J.  Lynch  F.-Christopher. 
Pat.  Lynch  Fitz- Marcus 
W.  Martin  Fitz-Bobert. 
llichd.  Bodkin  Fitz-John, 
John  Bodkin  Fitz-John. 
Pierce  Butler. 


Pierce  Lynch. 

John  Boiirkc. 

Michael  Browne. 

Edw.  Browne  Fitz-Petcr. 

Martin  Ffallon. 

Jas.  Skerrett,  mrrcha/it. 

J.  Skerrett  Fitz-Andrew. 

^L  Skerrett  Fitz-John. 

Ed.  Kirwan  Fitz-Patrick, 

aldt-nnan. 
Jas.  Kirwan  Fitz-^Llrcus. 
A.  Fi'allon  Fitz-Tlionias. 
Martin  Ffalion. 
E.  Browne  Fitz-Thomas. 
W.  Bodkin  Fitz-Patrick. 
Nicholas  Bourke. 
Laurence  Athey. 
Jlartin  Browne. 
Thomas  Oge  Tarpy. 
lUchard  Flyniie. 


A  note  (f  -aJidt  loxm's-men  are  absent. 


Sir  Robert  Lyncho. 
Sir  Valentine  Blake. 
Sir  Richard  Blake. 
Sir  Walter  Blake. 
R.  Kirwan,  late  mni/or. 
W.  Blake  Fitz-Andrew. 
Andrew  Oge  Blake. 
Amb.  Bodkin  Fitz-John. 
Doin.  Bodkin  Fitz-John. 
T.  Lynch  Fitz-Patrick. 
1.  Martin  Fitz-Geofrey. 
M.Martin  Fitz-Nicholas. 
'1".  Lynch  Litz-Anihrose. 
D.  Browne  Fitz-Tliomas. 
J.  Kirwan  Fitz-Francis. 
N.  Bodkin  Fitz-David. 
P.  Browne  Fitz-Jumes. 
T.  Bodkin  F.-Laurence. 
J.  Ffrench  Fitz- Stephen. 
C.  Bodkin  Fitz-Tlionias. 
R.  Ffrcnch  Fitz-Jasper. 


P.  Ffrench  Fitz-Pierco. 
Nich.  Kirwan,  merchant. 
N.  R.  Ffrcnch  F.- Robert. 
J.  Ffrench  Fitz- Arthur. 
M.  Joyce  Fitz-Marcus. 
Pat.  Joyce  Fitz-Marcus. 
Rob.  Martin  Fitz-Jaspcr. 
Thomas  Martin. 
Doniinick  D'.'Vrcy. 
Oliver  Deane. 
Robert  Deane. 
Peter  Skerret. 
D.  Kirwan  Fitz-Francis. 
D.  Browne  Fitz-Nicholas. 
Thomas  Oge  Nolan. 
Martin  D'Arcy. 
F.  Ffrench  Fitz-George. 
D. Bodkin  F.-Christopher.' 
P.  Bodkin  F.-Christopher.' 
•L  Bodkin  Fitz-Edmond. 
A.KirwanF.-Chr;.itopher.' 


S.  Kirwan  Fitz-Rlchard. 
Pierce  Lj'ncli  Fitz-OIiver 
Walter  .Joyce  Fitz-John, 
Geof.  Blake  Fitz- James. 
M.  Blake  Fitz-Andrew. 
Thomas  Oge  Kirwan. 
Dom.  Lyncli  Fitz-John. 

D.  Blake  Fitz  Robert. 
31.  Kirwan  Fitz-Andrew. 
S.  Lj'nch  Fitz-Nicholas. 
Val    Blake  Fitz-Peter. 
C.  Ffrench  Fitz-Geofry. 
(icofry  Browne. 
Maurice  L3'nch,   cnl. 

E.  Browne  F.-Dominick. 
Stephen  Browne. 

O.  Browne  Fitz  Martin. 
J.  ISlake  Fitz-Nicholas. 
JLircus   Kirwan    Fitz- 

Dominick. 
N.  Blake  Fitz-Anthony. 


■  J.  FiVcncli  Fitz-Andrew. 
.  F.  Browne  Fitz-LJward. 
.  A.  Lynch  F.-Dominick. 

i  J.  Lynch  Fitz-Geofrey. 

■  A.  Lynch  Fitz-'l'homas. 

I  N.  lirowne  F.-Dominick. 
I  IL  Browne  F.-Don;in;ck. 
j  Pat.  Lynch  Fitz-Ulick. 

Jas.  Joyce  Fitz-]NLircus. 
I  Geof.  Lynch  Fitz-Jolin. 

M;  Kirwan  Fitz-James. 

Robert  Oge  Skerret. 

'J'.  Browne  Fitz- Walter. 

W.  Lynch  Fitz-Andiew. 

yV.  Bodkin  F.-Dominick. 

-Marcus  Bodkin  Fitz- 
Alexander. 

Pat.  Ffrench  Fitz-Robert 
J5egg. 

W.  Blake  Fitz-Geofrey. 
Jas.  Ffallon  Fitz-.Marten. 


An  accompt  of  the  foregoing  names  of  each  person  was  returned  into  the 
commissioners  of  the  coimnonwealth  I'or  the  affairs  of  Ireland,  the  "(ith 
November,   1632,  by  Sir  Charles  Coote. 

Edward  Watts, 
Ton:n-I\IaJor  of  Cu/n-ai/. 


APPENDIX. 

Number  VL 
An  Abstract  or  Forfeited  Lands  in  the  Liberties  op  Galway,  1657, 


Dcnon^nationi  of  land. 


Farmer  proprietors. 


Present  tenants. 


Rent  rt*or\cd  for 
one  year,  from  Ut 
May  ^leisn  iiaic^ 
2Sth  AphU  lb57. 


1 


so  do, 


Ballinbrit,    &c.   one    cartron,  2, 

acres. 
Menlagh,  &c.  one  quarter. 

Do.  do. 

Ballingarran,   one  cartron,  2j  do. 
Roscram,  «S:c.  three  cartrons,  50  do 
Do.  50  do. 

Do.  45  do. 

Dogbiskey,  &c.  two  quarters. 
Do.  50  do. 

Do.  50  do. 

Do.  50  do. 

Do.  50  do. 

Do.  50  do. 

Moreagh  one  quarter,  50  do. 
Do.  50  do. 

Ballibane,  50  do. 


Do. 

parcels 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

do. 

Do. 

do. 

One.  park. 

do. 

Three  parcels  of  land. 


Xorth-roe  parcells. 
I'lott  of  ground  and  garden. 
House  and  garden. 
Ditto, 
nicnts  and  parcells. 
Ditto. 

I-'lshings  of  the  river. 
Tenements  <1-  niillsteed. 

^TiIl  in  the  liberties. 
}>cveral  plotts. 


asT 

irs  >■ 


Alderman  D'Arcy. 

Sir  Valentine  Blake. 

The  same. 

Martin  French. 

Anthony  Lynch. 

The  same. 

The  same. 

Alderman  Michael  Lynch 

The  same. 

The  same. 

The  same. 

The  same. 

The  same. 

Alderman  John  Blake. 

Ditto 
Margaret    Lynch,     alias 

Browne,  and  the  heir 

of  Chr.  Oge  Lynch 
Alderman  Michael  Lynch. 
Walter  Blake. 
Mary  Lynch. 
Thomas  Lynch. 
Dominick  Browne. 
Sir  Thomas  Blake. 
The  same. 
Sir  Walter  Blake. 
The  same. 
Patrick  Blake. 
Oliver    ^Llrtin,    Francis 

Skerrett  and  Sir  Domi 

nick  Browne. 
Martin  Browne. 
Thomas  Browne. 
Alderman  Michael  Lynch 
The  same. 
The  same. 
Martin  Skerrett  and  Ns.") 

Browne.  j 

James  D'Arcy 
Sir   Robert    Ly 

William  Morri 
Sir  Dominick  Browne> 
Sir  Oliver  French 


MsT 


ynch    and! 
rrish.  J 


Ensigne  John  Peeters, 

John  Mathews, 
Robert  Mathews, 
Jarvis  Heyns, 
Benjamin  Veale, 
Colonel  Thomas  Sadler, 
Captain  Walter  Bird, 
William  Buckley, 
William  Mander, 
Michael  Lismore, 
William  Heathcocke, 
George  Borrowes, 
Ilassett  Wells, 
John  Pope, 
William  Jones, 

Sargent  Richard  Barnard, 

John  Groome, 
William  Radock, 
Edward  Dodwall, 
Julian  Browne, 
Ensigne  Bodell, 
William  Buckly, 
Richard  Bernard, 
John  Peeters, 
Edward  Slubbers, 
George  Burwash, 

Ruben  Estropp, 

William  Buckly, 
Captain  Waller  Bird, 
Richard  Dawes, 
Henry  Hutchinson, 
Paule  Dodd, 

Walter  Bird, 

Ruben  Estropp, 

Thomas  Marshall, 

John  Camel!. 
Paule  Dodd, 


£.   s.    d. 
4.  0  0 

2  12  0 

2  12  0 

5  5  0 

8  6  8 

8  6  8 

6  8 

0  10 

0  10 

0  10 

0  10 

0  10 

0  10 

11  11.  6 

II  U  6 


9  0  0 

3  0  0 
12  0  0 

1  10  0 

1  0  0 

2  10  0 
0  2  0 

•4  0  0 

4  0  0 
2  10  0 

0  8  0 

1  10  0 


2 

10 

0 

0 

13 

4 

2 

13 

4 

1 

16 

0 

3 

0 

0 

2 

3 

3 

5 

0 

0 

5 

5 

0 

15 

0 

0 

2 

1 

6 

APPENDIX. 


Pivrcclls  in  the  liberties,   (except-] 

ing  the  corporation's  interest.) 
Several  parcells. 
Parcells  of  land. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 
Two  houses  &  gardens. 
Parcells  of  land. 
iHouses  and  gardens. 
Tenements  and  houses  in  the  mid-' 
die-roe.  J 

House  in  the  liberties. 
A  plott  of  ground. 
The  lands  of  Newcastle. 


The  salmon  fishing  and  all  other 
fishings  of  the  river  of  Gall 
way,  excepting  ^  parts  of  the 
same,  formerly  belonging 
Aldm.  James  D'Arcy,  which 
Mr.  Dodd  claimeth  in  fee 
simple. 

Gortnelicky,   100  acres. 

Plotts  and  gardens  in  the  wesfl 
liberties,  (excepting  the  Corp.  > 
interest.)  J 

Parcells  of  ground. 

Several  parcells. 
Ditto. 
Ditto. 
Ditto. 

Lands  of  Dangan  and  Letra,  3|-") 
cartrons,  ST^^  acres.  J 

Renmore,  Gortstephen,  Muruagh  1 
and  Ensign  Staunton's  park.      J 


Jordan's  Island. 

A  house  and  garden  in  the  suburbs 


Nicliolas  Blake. 

Michael  Lynch. 
Thomas  Lynch. 

Andrew  Blake. 

John  French. 

Edmond  Bodkin. 

Dominick  Martin. 

John  Lynch  Fitz-Nicholas. 

Sir  Walter  Blake. 

Teige  Heynes. 

Thomas  Kirovan. 

James  Lynch  Fitz-Stephen. 


James  D'Arcy. 


Ed.  Kirrovan  and  others. 

Anthony  Lynch. 

Sir  Walter  Blake. 
Geoffry  Ffont. 
Patrick  Martin. 
Richard  Kirrovan. 
Elizabeth  Lynch. 

James  Oge  Lynch. 

Alderm.  Martin  Lynch,  1 
and  John  Blake.  j 


John  Bermin'rham. 


William  Buckly, 

James  Pierse, 
Julian  Browne  and  Thos. ; 
Lyncli  Fitz- Ambrose,   i 
Ensign  Joseph  Hoyle, 
Thomas  Staunton, 
Ensign  Joseph  Iloyle, 
Sanmel  Newton, 
Jarvis  Hinds, 

William  Speede, 

John  Pope, 

William  Speede, 

Paule  Dodd,  mayor.  Of ' 
these  lands,  Mr.  Dodd  j 
claims  f  parts  in  fee- 
simple,  and  for  the  I 
states  interest  is  to  pay , 


P.  Dodd,  for  the  state's  ; 
interest,  is  to  pay         ' 


Robert  Clarke, 

Ensign  Bodwell, 

Ruben  Estropp, 
Teige  Mahony, 
Thomas  Semper, 
Jarvis  Hinds, 
John  May, 

Samuel  Newton, 

Col.  T.  Sadler,  on  bchalfT 
of  the  now  troope  of/ 
Gallway,  for  their  \ 
grazing,  J 

Colonel  Sadler, 

Francis  Talmon,  built  by 
himself, 


±.   s.       (I. 
2   10     0 


3  II 


3   15  0 

1   10  6 

3     0  0 

3  0  0 
1     5  0 

4  11  7 

1    10  0 

0     1  0 


1    10     t 


0  10     0 


0  15     0 


0 


1  10    0 

2  5  0 
1  0  0 
1  II  0 
+     20 

4     0     0 


14     0     0 


1     0     0 
3     0     0 


Total  233  11     6 


Auditor-GentraV s  Office. 


John  Eyre,  "1  Co 
Wm.  Edwards,  (lands 
Gab.  Kinge,  f  Galw 
James  Cutfe,    J  ness  ; 


Commissioners  appointed  for  settling  the 
s  and  houses,  iSrc.  in  the  counties  of 
ay  and  Mayo,  belonging  to  his  high- 
and  the  commonwealth. 


APPENDIX. 


Number  VII. 

The  pailiaineiU  of  England  Raving;  ordained,  that  in  consequence  of  the  losses  sustained  by  the 
inhabitants  of  Gloucester  during  the  siege  of  that  city  by  the  royal  forces,  such  part  of  the  foricited 
lands,  &c.  in  Ireland  as  should  be  valued  at  10,000/.  should  be  conveyed  unto  Anthony  Edwards  and 
'riiouias  ^Vhltcoulbe,  in  trust  for  said  inhabitants  : — afterwards,  in  an  additional  act  passed  in  the 
parliament,  begun  and  holden  at  Westminster,  the  ITth  September,  1656,  ordered  that  the  lord 
deputy  and  council  of  Ireland  should  set  out  to  said  trustees,  out  of  the  forfeited  lands  in  the  province 
of  Connauglu  and  county  of  Clare,  and  the  forfeited  houses  in  the  citty  of  Galloway  and  liberties 
thereof,  so  much,  as  at  the  rate  of  six  years  purchase,  should  amount  to  that  sum. 

A  Particular  or  Survey  of  the  Lands  set  out  in  pursuance  of  said  Additional 
Act,  in  the  County  of  the  town  of  Galway. 


1.  The  castle  and  house  of  Terrilan,  with  1  ■  quarter  of  land  -         - 

2.  The  castle  and  one  quarter  of  land  of  Castlegare      ----- 
y.  The  castle  and  three  cartrons  of  land  of  Balliudoola,  and  the  two  cartrons  of 

Coolkyne  -.---....-. 

4.   The  two  cartrons  of  Poulgare  and  Corveagh     ------ 

.5.   The  quarter  of  land  of  Corrowgarrue        ....... 

6.  The  cartron  of  land  of  Gortachally  ..---.- 

7.  One  quarter  in  the  two  quarters  of  Killeen        ------ 

8.  Part  of  the  lands  of  Boorbeg,  near  the  town  wall  of  Galwaj',  formerly  belonging 

to  alderman  James  D'Arcy  and  others  (besides  Master  Smyth's  proportion) 

9.  The  quarter   of  land   of  Itoscam   contains,  in  the  whole,   iftii  acres  of  pro- 

litable  land,    whereof    169  acres  being   surveyed  fur  Master   Smyth,   and 
45  acres  for  Mr.  Whalley,  there   remains        ...... 


I'cgistered  in  the  office  of  the  Surveyor-General  ^ 
of  lands  in  Ireland,   bth  February,   1657.         ^ 


Acres 


I'rafitable. 

Unprofiuble. 

130 

300 

95 

42 

HS 

307 

46 

38 

37 

112 

'-'9 

122 

137| 

52J 

12 

0 

129 

70 

763J 

1043,1 

A    Sl.IIEDULE  CONTAINING   A    SuRVEY  AND  ^'A  LUATION  OF   SOE  MANY  OF  THE  HoUSES   IN  THE  TOWN 

OF  Galway,  with  the  Gardens,  Orchards  and  Edifices,  and  their  Appurtenances, 

AS    ARE    SET    OUT    PURNIIANT    TO    SAin    ADDITIONAL    AcT. 


UJl,  Eiif.  Prutitlinti.  . 


aluc. .r  ( 


I 

£. 

s. 

d. 

A  thatched  house.                               John  Blake  ritz-llobert. 

0 

8 

0 

Do.                                               iThoiiUis  Browne. 

Captain  Bird. 

1 

5 

0 

A  dwellinij-house,  covered  with'    '.,       ,        ,, 

., '        ,     ■         ■.,             ,   >•   Stephen  Browne. 
Slate,  three  stories,  w  ith  a  yard.  ,  ;       '^ 

Thomas  Williams. 

7 

10 

0 

Ditto,  two  stories, — a    thatclud  1 

house  backw  ard,  one  story  high,  >- 

Thomas  Nolan. 

George  Duifett. 

12 

0 

0 

•  with  a  back-side.                            J 

Do.  two  stories,  with  do. 

Do. 

Thomas  Marshell. 

11 

10 

0 

Two  do.  three  stories,  with  do. 

John  Martin  Fitz-GetTery. 

Blanerhassett  Wells. 

13 

0 

0 

Do.withback-houseslated,onestorv 

Do. 

George  Burwast. 

ilj 

0 

0 

Do.  three  stories, — a  back-house  ^ 
slated,  three  stories,  and  a  yard,  j 

Mathew  Martyn. 

'Ihomas  Syniper. 

14 

0 

0 

A  dwelling -house  thatched,  one  story 

Janies  Lynch  Titz-Marcus. 

Jarvis  Iliiies. 

1 

15 

0 

APPENDIX. 


XXXVll- 


Houses,  &C. 

Proprietors  in  1C40,  Irish  rajiists. 

Proprietors  in  lti57,  Eng.  Protestanti. 

Yearly  v 
\x  let  f 

line,  if  to 

A  dwelling-house  tliatched,  one! 

stor}-.                                              J 
Do.  slated,   tlirce  stories,  with  a  } 

back -house  and  a  bacl;-sidc.      J 

Nicholas  Skcrrett. 

.farvis  Flines. 

£. 
-I- 

0     0 

Vallcntine  Ugc  French. 

Do. 

11 

0     0 

A  back  house,  thi-ce  stories. 

John  Bodkin  Fitz-Andrcw. 

Do. 

7 

0     0 

A  ground  plot  of  two  houses. 

Martin  D'Arcy. 

Do. 

1 

15     0 

Do.  one  house  and  a  back-side,  T 

and  a  dwelling-house  thatched,  > 

S.  Lynch  Fitz-Nicholas. 

Col.  Peter  Slubbers. 

5 

0     0 

one  storj'.                                      J 
Do.  one  story  and  an  half. 

Thos.  alias  Frans.  Kirowan. 

Ensign  Edward  Stubbcrs. 

5 

10     0 

Do.  thatched,  two  stories. 

Do. 

Col.  Peter  Slubbers. 

5 

0     0 

Do.  slated,  three  stories,  with  a"J 

yard, — two  do.  one  backward/ 
slated,  three  stories  ;   and  one  f" 

Tho.  Lj'nch  Fitz- Ambrose. 

Do. 

32 

0     0 

two  and  an  half  stories.             J 

A  dwelling-house  shingled,   two] 
stories,  «ith  a  yard  and  garden,  j 

Francis  Kirowan. 

Richard  Pritchard. 

6 

10     0 

Do.  slated,  two  and  an  half  sto-  \ 

ries,    with    a  backhouse    one  / 

story  ;  and  a  yard  ajid  anotlicr  > 

Walter  Athy. . 

John  May, 

21 

10     0 

house  backwards,  slated,  three  I 

stories.                                         J 

Do.  two  and  an  half  stories,  andT 

a     yard ;     allsoe  a    dwelling-  ( 
house  back-ward,    three    sto-  ( 

Patrick  Martyne. 

Col.  William  Edwards. 

It 

0     0 

ries.                                                   J 

Do.  slated,  three  stories. 

Elizabeth  Lynch,  widow" 
of  Patrick  Martyne.     1 

Geo.  Scanderbcg-Bushell. 

10 

0     0 

Do.  covered  with  boards,  two  stories. 

James  Frencli. 

Ensign  Jolin  Bodwell. 

8 

10     0 

A  dwelling-liouse,  three  stories,") 

O.  Martyne  Fitz-Richard T 

slated,   with  a  back  side.            J 

alias    llobert     French  > 
Fitz-Jolin.                      J 

Do. 

20 

0     0 

Do.  two  &  an  half  stories,  with  do. 

D.  Martyne  Fitz-Thomas. 

Col.  William  Edwards. 

17 

10     0 

Do.  three  stories,  witli  a  yard. 

Do. 

William  Buckley. 

14. 

0     0 

Do.            do.           with  a  back-side. 

James  French  Fitz-Patrlck. 

John  Fennell. 

20 

0     Q 

Do.  two  and  an  half  stories,  with  "J 
do.  and  a  thatched  house  back-  >- 

Christopher  Bodkin  Fitz-I 
x  liomas.                          1 

Lieut.  James  Pears. 

10 

10     0 

wards.                                               J 

A  dwclling-liouse  thatched,   onel 
story.                                             J 

Do. 

Christopher  Skyppor. 

1 

5     0 

Two  do. 

Anthony  Fallon. 

George  Laine. 

3 

5     0 

A   dwelling-house    slated,    tliree") 

stories,    with  a  thatched  shed  / 
backwards,     a   back-side    and  f 

John  French. 

John  Scott. 

19 

0     0 

garden.                                            J 

Do.  two  stories. 

Richard  Barrett. 

John  Barrett. 

It 

0     0 

Do.  slated,  three  stories,  a  dwel-") 

ling-liouse    backwards    slated, 
two  stories;  do.  one  story,  and  C 

Anthony  French. 

Samuel  Newton. 

20 

0     0 

s.  }'ard.                                           J 

APPENDIX. 


I 

back-T 
ivies  ;  > 

Is,     twoT 
do.  two  > 

ide. 
sto-7 


A  dwelling-house  slated,  three"] 
stories ;  a  small  house  back-  > 
wards  one  ston.',  and  a  yard.    J 

Do.  two  stories  ;  a  house  back 
wards  slated,  one  story ;  i 
backside  and  garden. 

Do.  two  stories ;    a  house  back- 
wards   slated,    three    stor 
and  a  back-side. 

Do.  covered   with   board 
stories,  and  a  yard;  and  d^ 
stories,  and  a  garden 

A  house  plot,  witii  a  back-side 

A  stone  house  slated,  three 
ries,  with  do. 

Do.  with  do. 

Aground  plotandwallsofahouse,  I 
one  and  an  half  story,  with  do.   5 

Do.  of  two  houses,  with  do. 

A  house  plot,  witli  do. 

Do.  one  stor}',  with  do. 

Do. 

Do. 

A.  stone-house,   two  stories,  with 
a  back-side ;    a   house 
wards  slated,  one  story, 
a  house  ])lot. 

Two  ground   plots   and  walls  of 
two  houses,    one    story    each 
with  a  back-side. 

A  stone-house  slated,  three  sto-l 
ries,  yard  and  garden.  J 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  tliree 
stories  ;  a  yard  and  a  thatched 
house  backward,  one  story. 

Do.  do. 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  two  and  1 
an  half  stories, with  aback-side.  J 

Do.  tlnee  stones,  w ith  a  3'ard  ■,~\ 
two  thatched  houses  back-  ( 
wards,  one  story  each,  a  back-  f 
side  and  a  garden.  j 

A  house  plot  and  wall,  one  story;") 
a  back-side  and  a  house  back-  ( 
wards  covered  witl)  boards,  f 
one  story.  J 

A  dwclling-Iiouse  shingled,  two  ) 
stories  ;  do.  one  story  ;  a  dwel-  / 
ling-house  backwards  slated,  V 
tliree  stories;  a  yard,  a  house  I 
jilot  and  wall.  J 


s,  with") 

back-  / 

Y,  with  { 

} 
} 


Proprietors  in  1C10,  Irish  I'aplsts. 


James  Bodkin  Fitz-Jonake. 

Michael  Lynch. 

Jasper  French  Fitz-John. 

Dominick  Kerowan. 

Walter  Lynch  Fitz-George. 

Dominick  Roc  French. 

JefFery  French. 

Fran.  Lynch  Fitz-Thomas 

M.  Skerrett  Fitz-Dominick. 
Patrick   Skerrett. 
Patrick  D'Arcy. 
Nicholas  Martin. 
Walter  Browne. 

Nich.  Browne  Fitz-Walter. 

Sir  Dominick  Browne. 
Peter  Lynch. 

James  Lynch  Fitz -Marcus. 

Anthony  Browne. 

Jas.  Skerrett  Fitz-Marcus, 

Francis  Blake. 

Peter  Browne  Fitz-James. 

John  Lynch  Fitz-Jcffery. 


Proprietors  in  1657,  Eng.  Protwtant^. 


Paule  Dodd. 
George  Duffett. 

Do. 
William  Munder 


Benjamin  Veale. 

Richard  Dawes. 
William  Buckley, 

Do. 
Do. 

William  Hines. 


£. 

s.    d. 

13 

0  0 

16 

0  0 

17 

0  0 

10 

10  0 

2 

0  0 

11 

0  0 

15 

0  0 

4 

0  0 

2 

1 

0  0 
0  0 

2 

0  0 

0 

15  0 

0 

15  0 

13 

0  0 

6 

10  0 

13 

0  0 

19 

0  0 

10 

0  0 

8 

0  0 

23 

0  0 

6 

0  0 

12 

0  0 

APPENDIX. 


XXXlX 


Proprietors  in  1S40,  Irish  ^al^i^li.        Proprietors  in  1657,  Eig.  Protcstints.    i^^'J^j'f^f  "'cii 


"] 


A  dn-elling-liouse  slated,  tlirecT 
stories ;  with  a  back-Bide  and  ( 
a  castle  slated,  three  and  an  C 
lialf  stories.  J 

Do.  three  stories. 

Do.  w-itli  a  house  plot  and  waif) 

slated.  J 

The  new  walls  of  a  house  that-1 

ched,  two  stories.  j 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  two  and  1 

an  half  stories.  J 

Do.  three  stories,  and  a  yard ;  aT 

house  backwards  slated,  three  ( 

stories ;  and  another  two  sto-  f" 

ties.  J 

Do.  three  stories ;  a   back-side, 

two    thatched     houses    back 

wards    one,  and   one    and 

half  stor}'. 

A   dwelling-house  three   stories  Cj 

a   small    house    covered    with  ( 

boards,  one  story ;  and  a  ground  f 

plot  of  three  hojses.  J 

A  house  plot  and  walls. 

A  waste  house  slated,  three  sto-T 

ries  ;  a  back-side,  and  a  back-  ( 

house  slated,  one  and  an  half  T 

story.  J 

Do.  thatched,  one  story. 

A  back-house  do.  one  and  an  half  7 

story.  J 

A  dwelling-house  do.  three  stories, 

Do.  with  a  back-side. 

A  dwelling-house  backwards,  do.  1 

slated,  three  stories.  J 

A   dwelling-house   slated,    three" 

stori 

two 

story  _  ^ 

A    dwelling  house   slated,   three! 
stories  ;  a  yard  and  a  thatched  S. 
house  backwards,  one  story.     J 
A  dwelling-house  shingled,   two! 
stories.  J 

A  stone  house  backwards, 
slated,  three  stories ;  also 
dwelling-house  slated,  three 
stories,  with  a  yard  and  that- 
ched house  backwards,  one 
story. 


William  Blake.. 

xVnnc  Blake,     widow  of  ^ 
W.  Blake  Fitz-Arthur,  5 

Peirce  Martjm. 
Thomas  Browne. 
Christopher  Blake.. 

JefFery  Ffont. 


ted,  three  stories.  J 

,velling-house  slated,  threeT 
ries,  witli  a  back-side ;  and  ( 
0  houses  backwards,  one  l" 
)ry  each.  J 


Do. 

Domk.  Lynch  Fitz-John. 

lAndrew  D'Arcy. 

!  Francis  Martyne. 

Ijohn  Royne. 

^Michael  Lynch. 

IThos.  Browne  Fitz-Walter 
I  Marcus  Lynch. 

James  French. 


William  Woodward. 

Thomas  Woolford. 
John  Latllnc. 
William  Buckley. 
MatJiew  Browne. 

John  IVIorgan. 


Samuel  West. 


I  William  Haycocke. 


Patrick  Martj-n. 

Do. 

Thomas  Gowna. 

Edmond  Kerowar». 


Thomas  Sadler. 

Robert  Toate. 
Captain  Samuel  Clarke. 

Do. 


Richard  Fraine. 
Col.  Thomas  Sadler. 

Captain  Bridges. 


^.    s.    d. 
21     0     0 


7     0  0 

7     0  0 

2     0  0 

5     5  0 

19  10  0 

12  0  0 

U  15  0 

a  10  0 

*     0  0 

1     5  0 

3  10  0 

8     0  0 

13  0  0 

6     0  0 

18     Q  Q 

13  10  0 

4  0  0 

38  10  0 


xl 


APPENDIX. 


Proprietors  in  IiilO,  Iri^li  Paiiists.         Proprietors  in  1637,  Eng.  Prolot.iiiti.  h',"\','' J'''''"':  '"' 


A  dwelling-house  slated,  three 
stories;  a  thatched  house  back- 
wards, one  story,  and  a  back- 
side. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do.  two  stories;  a  back-side  audi  U      •  ,    t^.  . 

,  >  Patrick  D  Arcy 

garden.  J  ,  J 

Do.   two   stories,    with    a   back-l    >.,. 

side.  J  I 

Do.  thatched,  two  stories,    with 

a  back-side;    and  two   houses  i    ,,..,,.        ^      ,,, 

II         1        I  ..  J    »  1        >-ivvilaani  Ose  Martvne. 

backwards,  slated,  two  and  an  I  i  o'-  ^ '"  •■}   ^• 

half  stories,  each  with  a  yard 

A    dwelling-house    slated, 

stories. 


Martin  French. 
i 

Oliver  Dcanc. 
I  Do. 


Cich.  Bodkin  Fitz-David. 


Do. 

Do.  thatched,  one  story. 
Do. 

Do.    slated,    three  stories. 

Do.  with  a  yard. 

Do.  v.'ith  a  garden;  a  thatcliedT 
house  one  story,  and  a  house  > 
backwards.  J 

Do.  three  stories;  a  back-side"! 
and  a  ground  plot  of  a  house  > 
and  wall.  J 


J-  iWni.  Lynch  Fitz-Andrew 

Edward  Bodkin. 
Doniinick  Ffont. 
John  Lynch  Fitz-Jeffery. 

Patrick  French. 


Serjeant  Bayly. 

John  Peters. 
'John  Bingham. 

John  Butler,  school-master. 

I    . 

Lieut.  Henry  Howard. 

iThomas  Groves. 

Lieut.  Henry  Glegg. 

jLieut.  IMathew  Forth. 
jUlchard  Uanby. 
Lieut.  John  Hoyle. 

Do. 

Benjamin  Veale. 


Peter  Skerret. 

Nich.  Lynch  Fitz- Stephen.  Lieut.  Charles  Brown 


IPalk.  Oge  Frenche  Fitz- 
George. 


Do.  with  do.  and  a  thatched  house!  L  ,      „        ,    „.      n      •  . 
,      ,         ,  .  f  Ldw.  French  ritz-Patrick 

backwards,  one  story.  j 

Do.  thatched,  two  stories 

Do.  slated,  three  stories,  with  a 

back-side  ;    and  the  walls 

house  backwards,  one  story 
Do.  three  stories,  with  do. 


■ith  aT 
of  a  |- 

"■}■•     J 


A  house  plot,  with  stone  walls,") 
two  stories,  and  a  back  side,     j 

A  house  plot  and  walls. 

A  house  plot. 

A  thatched  house,  two  stories. 

A  ground  plot  and  walls  of  a"1 
house,  one  story,  with  a  back-  > 
side.  J 

Ditto 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  three! 
stories.  J 

Do.  with  a  house  backwards,  one  |^ 
story.  J 

Do.  with  a  thatched  house  back- 7 
wards,  one  do.  ^ 


Chr.  French  Fitz  Jeffery. 
Walter  Blake  Fitz  Andrew. 


Andiew  Blake. 

James  French  Fitz-Patrick, 

Robert  Frencli. 
Patrick  D'Arcy. 
Edw.  Browne  Fitz-Thomas. 

Jetfery  Blake. 

IVIartin  Blake  Fitz-Andrew. 
J.  Browne  Fitz-Dominick. 

Mary  Martyn,  alias  Joyce. 

W.  Joyce  or  his  Orphans. 


Ensign  Edward  Slubbers. 

F'rancis  Foster. 
I         Do. 

Benjamin  Bickiner. 

Henry  ^^  addlngton. 


Nicholas  French. 

Richard  Coxes. 

Do. 


S.    s.  (1. 

\\     0  0 

Ft-     0  0 

11-     0  t) 

16  0  0 

17  0  0 

32     0  0 

20     0  0 

110  0 

2  0  0 

3  10  0 

6   10  0 

20     0  0 


13     0  0 

15   10  0 

5  10  0 

13   10  0 

23     0  0 

2  0  0 

1     0  0 

1  10  0 

3  0  0 

2  0  0 

2   10  0 

7   10  0 

7     0  0 

6  0  0 


APPENDIX. 


rrojiriclorB  in  1611,     Imli  Pa^isU.        I'rojjrictors  in  IMT,    Eiig.  ri-otetanL-.      i»i  ijl  for  yi-ars. 


A  ilwelling-house  slated,  three -j 
stories,  with  a  thatclied  liousc  l 
backwards,  one  story.  ) 

Do.  two  and  an  halt'  stories 
back-side,  and  a  dwelling-house 
backwards,  slated,   two  and  an 
half  stories.  _, 

Do.  backwards,  slated,  three  andl 
an  half  stories.  j 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  two  and! 
an  half  stories,  and  a  backside.  J 

Do.  three  stories,  with  a  yard  and 
garden  ;    a  house    backwar  ' 
slated,  two  stories;  and  ano 
three  stories. 

Do.  three  stories,  with  a  yard  and 


John  Butler. 

P.  Joyce,    his  Orphans 
or  George  Browne 

Sir  Dominick  Browne. 


"] 


suie.  J 
.1  andT 
ards,  / 
other  f 


Harden. 


Do.  with  a  yard  ;  a  ground  plot  T 
of  a  house;  and  do.  backwards,  i. 
one  story.  J 

Do.  with  a  garden ;  a  thatchedT 
house  backwards,  one  and  an  l- 
half  story,  and  a  back-side.      J 

Do.  with  a  yard;  a  dwelling-houseT 
backwards,  slated,  three  and  ( 
an  half  stories ;  do.  two  and  | 
an  half  stories,  with  do.  J 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  three  ^ 
stories ;  do.  with  a  yard ;  a  | 
liousc  backwards,  slated,  three  y 
stories  ;  and  a  thatched  house,  | 
do.  one  story.  J 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  two  sto-l 
ries.  J 

Do.  thatched,  two  stories,  withl 
the  ground  plot  of  a  house.      J 

Do.  two  stories. 

Do.  one  story,  and  do.  two  stories. 

A    dwelling-house   slated,   back-~ 
wards,  two  stories;  a  yard  and 
a  thatched   house  backward; 
one  story. 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  three  | 
stories,  and  a  yard.  J 

Do.  with  a  dwelling  house  back 
wards,  slated,  three  stories,  an 
a  yard. 

Do.  with  a  yard ;  a  house  back- 
wards slated, 
two  thatched 
jtory 


k-T 

nd  I 

yard  ;  a  house  back-"J 
ted,  two  stories;  and  ( 
died  houses,  each  one  f 


A.  Browne  Fitz-Dominick. 

Sir  Dominick  Browne. 

John  Blake. 

J.  Browne  Fitz-Dominick. 

P.  Oge  Lynch  Fitz-Jonake. 
Edmond  Skerrett. 

M.  Lynch  Fitz  Nicholas. 

Christopher  Lynch. 

Domk.  Lynch  Fitz-John. 

Thomas  Tarpic. 
Edmund  Kerovan. 

Do. 

Isidore  Lynch. 

Domk.  Bodkin  Fitz-John. 

Marc.  Lynch  Fitz  Chris- 1 
topher,  or  his  heirs.     J 


r,   Mrs.! 
Clarke,  j 


Francis  Mynor. 


James  Lee. 


John  Coine. 


John  Eyres. 


John  Camell. 


Thomas  Cuffe. 

Nich.  Oge  French,   Mrs."] 
Vera  and  Rob.  CI 

William  Stanly. 


John  Wine. 


Lieut.  Edward  Harryson. 


Pierpoint  Buckett. 

John  Latyne. 
William  Wallum. 

Christopher  Pigg. 


Samuel  Newton. 
Col.  Peter  Stubbers. 

John  Dawgon. 


Yearly  value,  If  to 


7  0  0 

8  0  0 

3  0  0 

12  0  0 

27  10  0 

22  0  0 

29  0  0 

35  0  0 

32  0  0 

27  0  0 

9  0  0 

4.  10  0 

5  10  0 

6  15  0 

9  0  0 

22  0  0 

19  0  0 

22  0  0 


xlii 


APPENDIX. 


rini.rkt..is  in  Ifil;),     Irisli  l'a|>ists. 


A  duelling-house  slated,  three 
stories,  with  the  walls  and 
ground-plot  of  a  house  back- 
wards, one  story. 

Do.  three  stories. 


Patk.  French  Fitz-Robert. 


Patk.  French  Fitz  Stephen 
Dominick  Ffont. 


Do. 

Wnj.  Lynch  Fitz  Andrew. 

P.  Browne  Fitz-Anthony. 

Nich.  Blake  Fitz-Anthony 

Nicholas  Blake. 

Do. 
James  Lynch. 
Edmond  Bodkin, 
Peter  Browne  Fitz -James. 

Christopher  French. 


Mflrc.  Browne  Fitz  AValter 
Edward  Kerowan. 
Oliver  Kerowan. 

Thos.  Lynch  Fitz-Marcus. 
Marcus  Kerowan. 

Thomas  Uca  Kerowan. 
Dr.  Thomas  Lynch. 


William  Escott. 
Lieut.  Joseph  Iloile. 
Robert  INIathcwcs. 

John  Davis. 

Francis  Smyth. 
George  Lambe. 

John  Vaughan. 

William  Pointer. 

John  Bate. 
John  Bosse. 
Thomas  Kenewicko. 


Ensign  Peter  Foxwcll. 

Col.  Thomas  Sadler. 
John  Strafford. 

Col.  Thoma:,  Sadler, 
.lohn  Murrta. 


l-l.     0     0 


5 

10     0 

7 

0     0 

8 

0     0 

11    10     0 


2 

10 

0 

3 

0 

0 

5 

0 

0 

3 

10 

0 

5 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Do.  with  a  yard ;  a  thatched  house 
two  stories  ;  and  a  house  back- 
wards, slated,  two  do.  J  I 

Do.  with    a    yard,    and  a  slated  l  L,  ,  ,   _      r>    n  ■ 

,  111.        .    •        f  Edmond  Og-e  Bodkm 

house  backwards,  two  stones.  J  " 

A  dwelling-house  slated,  two  stories 

Do.  three  stories. 

Do.  with  ayard,  and  two  thatched  1 

houses   backwards,    one  stor^'  |- 

each.  J 

A  dwelling  house  thatched,   one! 

story,  with  a  backside.  J 

Do. 

Do.  slated,  one  and  an  half  st  try 
Do.  thatched,  two  stories. 
A.  stone-house  slated,  three  stories. 

waste  heuse  thatched,  one  story, 
A  ivaste  house  slated,  three  sto-T 

ries,    a    backside,    a    ground-  V 

plot  of  a  house,  and  a  garden.  J 
A  thatched  house  backwards,  one"! 

story,  and  a  ground  plot  of  a  > 

house.  J 

The  Malls  of  a  house,  two  stories. 
A    dwelling  house    slated,    three  T 

stories;  a  yard,   and   a  house  > 

backivards,  slated,  one  stoiy.    J 
Several  house  plots  and  a  garden") 

witli  stone  walls.  j 

A   dwelling-house   slated,    tlircel 

Stories,  a  yard  and  garden.        j 
A  dwelling-house  backwards,  do  ~ 

two  and  an  half  stories;  a  back 

side,    and    a    thatched    house 

backwards,  one  story. 
Do.  three   stories,  with   a  back 

side ;    and  a  thatched   house, 

one  story. 

Memorandum,  that  all  the  above  mentioned  premises  are  scituate,  lying,  and  being,  in  Flud-street, 
Key-street,  Midle-street,  Little  Ciate-street,  south  side  of  High-street,  and  the  lanes  and  parts  there- 
unto adjoyning,  in  the  towne  of  Gallway  aforesaid,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  ;C15I8  ISj.  per  annum, 
ut  six  j-tars  purchase,  satisfies  the  sum  of  £9110  tss. 

Vincent  Godkin.   Survei/or-Goteral. 
loth  Feb.  1657, 

J^0tr(ictcd  from  Cromwell's  Roll,    No.  i,  Rolls  Office. 


7     0 


0     0 


0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 


8     0    O 


13     0     0 


ArPENDIX. 


xliJi 


NUMIIER   VIII. 


Cliiuicr  of  Cltailcs  II.  lo  the  Corpornllun  r>f  Gahnay. 

CHARLES  tlic  Second,  by  tlie  grace  of  GOD, 
of  Englaiui,  Scotland,  I'Vanco,  and  Iceland,  Klnij, 
defender  of  the  faith,  ^c.  To  All  wlioni  these 
in-esenis  shall  come,  greeting. — WHEREAS  by 
letters  under  our  royall  signett  and  signe  manual, 
bearing  date,  at  our  court  at  Whitehall,  the 
sixteenth  day  of  August,  which  was  in  the  three 
and  twentj-eth  3'eare  of  our  reygne,  directed  to 
our  right  trusty  and  well  beloved  counsellor,  John, 
lord  Berkely,  our  lieutenant-generall  and  gene- 
rall  governour  of  our  said  kingdonie  of  Ireland, 
and  to  the  chief  governor  or  governors  |there, 
for  the  tynie  being.  Wee  did  sigyifye  our  royall 
will  and  pleasure  therein,  that,  WHEREAS  many 
of  the  charters  of  the  severall  citties  and  townes, 
formerly  corporate  in  our  said  kingdome  of 
Ireland,  have  been,  by  reason  of  the  severall 
miscarriages  and  misdemeanors  of  the  said  citys 
and  townes,  during  the  tyme  of  the  late  horrid 
reliellion  in  that  our  kingdome,  forfeited  unto  us, 
and  other  cf  the  said  corporations  are  dissolved, 
or  otherwise  determined,  so  that  wee  may  justly 
reseixe  all  the  liberties  and  franchises  that  have 
been  by  any  of  our  royall  ancestors  granted  to 
the  said  corporations,  if  wee  would  take  the  full 
and  utmost  advantage  that  wee  legally  might 
against  them.  jVnd  that,  W^HEREAS  wee  were 
graciously  pleased,  for  tlie  encouragement  of  trade 
in  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland,  to  extend  oiu' 
favour  to  such  of  the  said  corporations  as  our  said 
lieutenant-generall  and  generall-governcr  of  our 
kingdome  of  Ireland  shall  judge  best  mcrritting 
the  same,  and  to  grant  unto  them  w&y;  cliarters, 
with  such  lands  and  other  privi'edges,  liberties 
and  advantages  formerly  belonging  unro  them,  as 
should  appear  unto  our  said  Lieutenant-generall 
and  gonerall-governor  of  Ireland  to  be  htt  and 
reasonable  to  bee  granted  unto  them  :  V\  ee  did, 
therefore,  by  our  said  letiers,  declare  our  royal 
will  and  oI'.-asure,  and  did  tliereby  give  unto  our 
said  lieutenant-generall  and  generall-governor  of 
our  fuid  kingdome  of  Ireland,  full  power  and 
authority  to  make  due  inspection  into  the  severall 
charters  founerly  granted  by  any  of  our  royall 
ancestors  to  the  severall  citties  and  townes  corpo- 
rate in  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland  ;  and,  upon 
humble  auit  made  unto  our  said  lieutenant-generall 
and  gen_rall-governor  of  our  said  kingdome  of 
Ireland  by  the  members  of  ihe  caid  severall  citties 
and  towiics,  to  cause  new  charlers,  by  il'.e  advice 
of  our   learned  council  in  that  our  kingdome,  or 


some  of  them,  to  be  past  unto  die  said  citties  and 
townes  formerly  corporate,  resiiectivcly,  under 
the  great  scale  of  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland,  in 
such  manner  as  our  said  lieutenant-generall  and 
generall-governor  of  our  said  kingdonie  of 
Ireland  should  think  fitt,  and  thereby  lo  grant 
unto  the  said  citties  and  townes,  formerly  corpo- 
rate, respectively,  sucli  of  the  lands,  tenements 
and  hereditaments  formerly  belonging  unto  them  ; 
and  also  such  liberties,  franchises,  priviledges  and 
advantages  formerly  granted  unto  or  enjoyed  by 
them,  with  such  restrictions,  limitations,  nnd 
exceptions,  as  our  said  lieutenant-generall  and 
generall-governor  of  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland 
should  think  fitt  and  most  couducnig  to  our  service, 
and  the  better  support  of  the  said  corporations. 

AND  WHEREAS  the  mayor,  sheriffs,  bur- 
gesses and  commonalities,  of  our  said  town  and 
county  of  our  town  of  Gallway,  taking  notice  of 
our  princely  grace  and  favor  intended  to  our 
citys  and  townes  corporate  in  our  realme  of 
Ireland,  by  our  said  letters  of  the  16th  day  of 
August,  in  the  three  and  twentyeth  3'eare  of  our 
reygne,  have  humbly  jietitioned  our  right  trusty 
and  right  well  beloved  cousin  and  counsellor, 
Arthur,  earle  of  Essex,  our  lieutenant-generall 
and  generall-governor  of  our  said  kingdome  of 
Ireland,  that  wee  would  be  graciou.-ly  pleased  to 
grant  unto  them  a  new  charter,  and  thereby  incor- 
porate them  and  tlieire  successors  to  bo  one 
body  corporate  and  polilique  within  our  said  townc 
and  county  of  our  towne  of  Gallway,  in  succession, 
for  ever ;  and  to  have  and  enjoy  such  lands,  tene- 
ments and  heredit:mients,  royalties,  franchises, 
liberties  and  priviledges,  as  our  said  lieutenant- 
generall  and  generall-governor  of  cur  said  king- 
dome  of  Ireland  should  Uiiuk  fitt  for  the  encou- 
ragement of  trade  and  the  a<lvantage  of  our  service 
there  ;  and  have  alsoe  since  made  it  their  humble 
and  earnest  desire,  that  wee  would  be  graciously 
pleased  to  make  some  provision,  in  our  said  new 
charter,  for  securing  the  disbursements  and  charges 
which  Thcodorus  Russell,  esq.  theire  present 
mayor,  I'jith  been  att  in  laying  out  severall  great 
suines  of  money  to  redeeme  tliem  from  theire 
lost  condition,  by  purchasing  in,  from  Elizabeth 
Hamilton,  widov/  and  relict  of  James  Hamilton, 
csqie.  lately  deceased,  the  estate,  right,  tytle  and 
interest,  in  and  unto  such  charter,  markett  and 
petty  duties  formerly  belonging  unto  the  said 
corporation,  which  were  forfeited  unto,  and  granted 
by  us  unto  t!ie  said  Elizabeth,  by  leUers  patents 
under  our  great  scale  of  Ireland,  bearing  date  the 
jth  day  of  i)eet  niber,  in  the  five  av.d  twentyeth 
yeare  of  our  reigne,  and  f  ,r  a  fur:h.or  coinnen.,  aioii 
of  his  greate  paines  ;uul  favor  therein  shewed  unto 


xliv 


APPENDIX. 


them.  And  whereas  wee  were  graciously  pleased, 
tor  the  better  improving  of  the  said  townc,  and 
settling  of  trade  and  manufacture  therein,  to 
condescend  unto  the  humble  desires  of  the  said 
petitioners. 

KOW  KNOW  YEE,  that  wee  of  our  especiall 
grace,  certa3'ne  knowledge  and  meere  motion,  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  our  right 
trusty  and  right  well  beloved  cousin  and  coun- 
cellor,  Arthurc,  earle  of  Essex,  our  lieutenant- 
gcncrall  and  generall-governor  of  our  said  king- 
dome  of  Ireland,  and  according  to  the  tenor  of 
our  said  letters  under  our  rovall  signett  and  signe 
manuall,  bearing  date,  at  our  court  att  Whitehall, 
the  16th  day  of  August,  in  tlic  three  and  twentyeth 
yeare  of  our  reigne,  and  enrolled  in  the  rolls 
of  our  Jiigh  court  of  chancery,  in  our  said  king- 
dome  of  Ireland,  have  willed,  declared,  ordeyned, 
constituted  and  granted,  and  by  these  presents 
doc  will  declare,  ordeyne,  constitute  and  grant, 
that  our  said  towne  of  Galhvay,  and  all  and 
singular  castles,  liouses,  messuages,  tofts,  mills, 
edifices,  structures,  curtilages,  gardens,  waste 
grounds,  lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments, 
situate,  lying  and  being  within  the  town  of  Gall- 
way,  shall  be,  at  all  tymes  hereafter,  one  entire 
and  free  burrough  of  itselfe,  by  the  name  of  the 
towne  a\Kl  burrough  of  Gallway,  and  shall  from 
henceforth  be  called,  taken  and  knowne  b}'  the 
name  of  the  townc  and  burrough  of  Gallway;  and 
all  and  singular  the  premises  into  one  entire  bur- 
rough of  itselfe,  bj'  the  name  of  the  towne  and 
burrough  of  Gallway,  wee  doe  erect,  constitute, 
make  and  ordaine,  by  these  presents.  AXD 
rUIlTHER,  of  our  especiall  grace,  certayne 
knowledge  and  meere  motion,  by  and  with  the 
advice  and  consent  aforesaid,  wee  have  willed, 
ordayned  and  constituted,  and  by  these  presents 
for  us,  our  lieirs  and  successors,  wee  doe  will, 
ordayne  and  constitute,  that  the  said  towne  of 
(Jallway,  and  all  castles,  messuages,  waters, 
rivers,  lands,  tenements,  and  other  hereditaments 
whatsoever,  lying  and  being  within  the  space  of 
two  nnlcs  from  every  parte  of  the  saide  towne  of 
Gallway  in  a  direct  lyne,  from  henceforth  be  one 
entire  county  of  itselfe,  corporate  in  deed  an.d 
name  ;  and  shalbe  for  ever  disiinct  and  altogether 
separate  from  the  county  of  Galhvay  ;  and  that 
tlie  saide  county  of  the  towne,  soe  corporate,  and 
distinct  and  separate  from  the  said  county  of  Gall- 
way, shall  for  ever  hereafter  be  called,  taken  and 
knowne  to  be  the  county  of  the  towne  of  Galhvay. 
PROVIDED  alwisc,  nevertheless,  and  our  will  and 
pleasure  is,  and  wee  doe  hereby  declare,  institute, 
ordavne  and  appoint,  that  our  justices  of  assize 
•Hud  gaol  delivery,  and  our  justices   of  the  peuee 


in  theirc  sessions  for  business,  touching  the  county 
of  Gallway  at  large,  and  also  the  sherill"  of  the 
county  of  Gallway  at  large,  for  the  tinii-  being,  in 
holding  his  tournes,  or  other  his  courts,  and  all 
other  commissioners  of  enquiry,  and  other  oliicers 
of  us,  our  heires  and  successors,  and  every  of  tlicm 
who  have  heretofore  held  their  courts  within  the 
county  of  Galhvay  at  large,  shall  and  ni;iy  luivc 
free  ingresse,  cgresse  and  regresse  into  the  toun 
of  Gallway,  and  there  hold  their  sessions  for  all 
matters  and  things  whatsoever  which  shall  or  may 
happen  to  be  done,  or  arise  without  the  said 
county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway,  and  within  the 
county  of  Gallway  at  large,  in  such  place  as 
they  may  think  fitt,  and  in  as  ample  manner,  to 
all  intents  and  purposes,  as  they  did  heretofore 
hold  the  same  in  St.  Francis'-abbey,  or  any  parte 
of  the  county  of  Galhvay  at  large,  or  as  they 
might  hold  the  same  in  case  the  said  towne  of 
Gallway,  and  precinct  of  the  same,  were  not 
hereby  made  an  entire  county  of  itselfe,  but 
remained  parte  of  the  said  county  of  Gallua}'  at 
large  ;  any  thing  in  these  om-  letters  patents  con- 
teyned  to  the  contrary  thereof  in  any  wise  not- 
withstanding. AXD  FURTHER  of  our  especiall 
grace,  certeyne  knoivledge,  and  meere  motion, 
by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  aloresaid,  wee 
have  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  presents, 
for  us,  our  heires  and  successors,  wee  doe  give 
and  grant,  that  in  the  said  towne  and  county  of 
our  towne  of  Gallway,  there  shalbe  for  ever  here- 
after one  new  body  corporate  and  politique  in 
deed  and  name,  consisting  of  one  mayor,  two 
sherifis,  and  free  burgesses  and  comnionaltie  of 
the  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of  Galhvay, 
and  them,  the  said  mayor,  sherift's,  free  burgesses 
and  comnionaltie  of  the  said  towne  and  county  of 
our  towne  of  Galhvay,  and  their  successors,  into 
one  body  corporate  and  politique,  for  ever  to 
endure,  wee  doe  by  these  presents  fully  make, 
create,  establish  aiul  unite ;  and  that  the  said 
body  corporate  shall  for  ever  be  called  and  knowne 
by  the  name  of  the  mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses 
and  comnionaltie  of  the  said  towne  and  county  of 
the  towne  of  Gallway  ;  and  that  by  the  same  name 
they  and  thcire  successors  shall  have  perpetual 
succession,  and  shalbe  able  and  capable  in  law  to 
have,  purchase,  receive  and  possess  lands,  tcne* 
ments,  liberties,  priviledges,  jurisdictions,  fran- 
chises and  hereditaments  whatsoever,  of  what 
kinde  or  nature  soever,  unto  them  and  theire 
successors,  in  fee  or  perpetuity,  and  alsoe  gootls 
and  chattels,  and  all  other  things  whatsoever,  of 
v,!iat  nature  or  kinde  soever  ;  and  alsoe  to  give, 
grant,  demise  and  assigne  lands,  tenements  and 
hereditaments,  goods    and    chattels  ;  and   tp   doe 


APPENDIX. 


xlv 


and  execute  all  other  matters  and  things  by  the 
name  aforesaid,  as  any  other  person,  natural  or 
body  pollitique,  lawfully  could  or  might  doe  in 
anywise:  AND  LIKEWISE  that  they  and  theire 
successors,  by  the  name  of  the  mayor,  sheriffs, 
free  burgesses  and  connnonallie  of  the  tou-iie  and 
county  of  tlic  towne  of  Gaiiway,  may  pieade  and 
be  impleaded,  answere  and  be  answered,  before 
us,  our  heircs  and  successors,  and  before  anv  of 
the  justices,  conmiissioners  and  judges,  as  well 
ecclesiastical  as  secular,  of  us,  our  heires  and 
successors,  or  elsewhere  wheresoever,  of  and  in 
all  and  all  manner  of  actions,  real,  personal,  or 
mixt,  suites,  quarrells  and  demands  whatsoever, 
against  them,  or  by  them,  to  be  prosecuted. 
AND  FURTHER  of  our  like  especiall  grace, 
certayne  knowledge,  and  mecre  motion,  by  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  aforesaid,  wee  have 
given  and  granted,  and  by  these  presents,  for  us, 
our  heires  and  successors,  wee  doe  give  and  grant 
unto  the  said  mayor,  shcrifls,  free  burgesses  and 
commonaltie  of  the  said  towne  and  county  of 
our  towne  of  Gallway,  and  their  successors,  that 
the  mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  com- 
monaltie of  our  said  towne  and  county  of  oar 
towne  of  Gallway,  and  their  successors,  for  ever, 
shall  and  may  have  full  power  and  authority  to 
choose,  send  and  returne,  in  as  full  and  effectual! 
manner,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  formerly 
they  did,  or  at  any  time  heretofore  have  done,  two 
discreetc  and  litt  persons  to  serve  and  attend  in 
every  parliament  hereafter  to  be  held  in  our  said 
kingdome  of  Ireland  ;  and  that  the  said  persons 
soe  elected,  sent  and  returned,  shall  have  full 
power  and  authority  to  Ireatc  and  consult  upon 
such  things  and  matters  as  shalbe  to  them  there 
propoiuided  or  declared,  and  thereupon  freely 
give  their  votes  and  suffcrages,  and  to  doe  and 
execute  all  other  things  whatsoever,  as  fully  and 
freely  as  any  other  burgesse  of  any  ancient  bur- 
rough  in  o\n-  said  realme  of  Ireland,  or  in  our  said 
realme  of  England,  in  the  parliament  there,  are 
wont  to  doe  and  execute.  And  to  the  intent  that 
in  tyme  to  come  it  may  appeare  that  this  new 
charter  was  granted  unto  honest  and  discrcete  men, 
wee  doe,  by  these  incsents,  make,  nominate  and 
constitute  Theodorus  Russell,  es(ire.  to  be  the 
first  and  moderne  mayor  of  the  said  tov.-ne  and 
c(ninty  of  the  towne  of  Gallway;  to  continue  in 
the  said  odlce  untill  the  feast  of  St.  Michaell  the 
archangell,  which  slialbe  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1G7S  :  and  wee  doe  likewise,  by  these  presents, 
make,  nominate  and  constitute  Jolm  Clarke  and 
Richard  Browne  to  be  the  first  and  moderne 
sheriti's  of  the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne 
oi'  (Ja'lwav  ;  to   continue   in  the  said  office  untill 


the  feast  of  St.  Michaell  the  archangcll,  which 
shall  be  ill  the  year  of  our  I,ord  God  KiTS :  and 
likewise  wee  doe,  by  these  presents,  make,  nomi- 
nate and  constitute  Sir  Oliver  St.  George,  baronet, 
Sir  James  Culf  and  Sir  Thomas  Newconien,  knights, 
Vere  Essex  Croniu  ell,  es(|re.  Rich;\rd  Cotvtc,  elip-e. 
Sir  Henry  Waddington,  knight,  Charles  Holcroft, 
esi]rc.  Jolm  Eyre,  Edward  Eyre,  John  iMayart, 
and  William  Hamilton,  esip-es.  George  Hull,  gent, 
and  George  Lessone,  cs<ire.  and  such  others  as 
the  mayor  and  sheriffs  and  the  major  parte  of  the 
free  burgesses,  for  the  tyme  being,  shall  choose 
to  be  the  first  and  moderne  free  burgesses  of 
the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of 
Gallway,  to  continue  in  the  said  office  of  free 
burgesses  during  theire  respective  lives,  unlesis 
they  shall,  in  the  meane  tyme,  for  theire  mis- 
behaviour, or  for  any  other  reasonable  cause, 
be  removed  from  the  said  office  or  offices  :  and 
alsoe  all  such  inhabitants  of  the  said  towne,  and 
such,  and  soe  many  others,  as  the  said  mayor, 
sheriffs  and  free  burgesses  of  the  said  towne  and 
county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway,  for  the  tyme 
being,  shall  admitt  into  the  freedom  of  the  said 
towne,  wee  doe,  by  these  presents,  make,  constitute 
and  ordeyne  to  be  of  the  commonaltie  of  the  said 
towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway.  AND 
FURTHER  wee  doe  by  these  presents  make, 
nominate  and  constitute  William  Sprigg,  csqre. 
to  be  the  recorder  of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway, 
and  to  continue  in  the  said  office  untill  the  said 
feast  of  St.  Michaell  the  archangcll,  which  shall 
be  in  the  said  yeare  I67S;  and  Jerome  Russell, 
gent,  to  be  towne-clerke  of  ou''  said  towne  of 
Gallway,  and  likewise  to  continue  in  the  said  office 
untill  the  said  feast  of  St. Michaell  the  archangel!,  in 
the  said  year  1G78.  AND  FURTHER  wee  will 
that  the  said  Theodorus  Russell,  whome  wee  have 
by  these  presents  constituted  maj-or  of  the  said 
towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway,  and 
the  said  William  Sprigg,  whome  wee  have  con- 
stituted recorder  of  the  said  towne,  shall,  within 
one  moneth  after  the  date  of  these  our  letters 
patents,  come  before  Sir  Henry  Waddington, 
knight,  Charles  Ilolcroft,  csqre.  now  high  sheriff' 
of  the  said  county  of  Gallwa}',  and  John  I^yre, 
csqre.  or  any  two  of  them,  and  in  due  mamier 
take  the  oathe  of  supremacie  established  by  act 
of  parliament,  secundo  Elizabetha;,  in  our  said 
kingdome  of  Ireland,  and  the  oathe  of  allegiance, 
and  also  this  ensuing  oath,  vi/.  :  "  I,  .'/.  B.  doe 
declare  and  believe,  that  it  is  not  lawful,  iqion 
any  pretence  whatsoever,  to  take  up  arnies  against 
the  king,  and  that  I  doe  abhorr  that  trea3'terous 
possition  of  taking  amies  bv  his  authority  against 
liis  person,  or  against  those  that  are  commissioned 


xlvi 


APPENDIX. 


by  him. — So  help  me  God." — and  shall  likewise 
respectively  take  the  severall  oathes  heretofore 
usually  taken  for  the  due  execution  of  the  severall 
offices  of  mayor  and  recorder  of  the  said  towne 
and  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway ;  and  that 
the  said  John  Clarke  and  Richard  Browne,  whonie 
wee  have  by  these  presents  constituted  sherirt's  of 
the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towTie  of  Gall- 
way,  and  theire  successors;  and  the  said  Jerome 
Russell,  wlionie  wee  have  constituted  towne-clerke 
of  our  towne  of  Gallway,  and  his  successors  ; 
;md  the  said  Sir  Oliver  St.  (leorge,  Sir  James 
Cuffe,  Sir  Thomas  Kewcomen,  Vera  Essex  Crom- 
well, Richard  Coote,  Sir  Henry  Waddin<;ton, 
Charles  Ilolcroft,  John  Eyre,  Edward  Eyre,  John 
Mayurt,  Vv'illlam  Hamilton,  George  Hull,  and 
George  Lessone,  v.home  wee  have  made  present 
free  burgesses  of  the  said  towne,  as  alsoe  thSire  suc- 
cessors in  the  place  and  places  of  free  burgesses, 
att  all  tyines  to  come,  before  they  be  admitted  to 
execute  theire  respective  offices,  jilaces,  or  im- 
ployments  ;  and  likewise  all  and  every  such  person 
and  persons  as  shall  be  of  the  common  couneill 
of  the  said  towne  and  burrough,  as  alsoe  theire 
.successors  in  the  place  of  con)mon  councill-men, 
at  all  tymes  to  come,  before  they  be  admitted 
into  theire  respective  offices,  places,  or  iniploy- 
ments,  shall,  severally  and  respectively,  take  as 
well  tlie  severall  oathes  before  particularly  men- 
tioned, us  alsoe  the  oathes  heretofore  usually 
taken,  for  the  due  execution  of  theire  severall 
offices,  j)laces,  or  imployments;  the  said  severall 
oathes  to  be  administered  by  the  mayor  and 
recorder,  or  by  the  mayor  and  two  of  the  bur- 
gesses of  the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne 
of  Cnilhvay,  for  the  tyme  being,  wliome  wee  doe 
by  these  presents  authorize  and  require  to  admin- 
ister the  same,  in  the  Tholsell,  or  any  other 
convenient  place  within  the  said  towne.  AND 
it  is  our  further  will  and  pleasure,  that  the  said 
office  and  offices  of  mayor,  recorder,  sherifl'e  and 
towne-clerke,  of  the  said  towne  and  county  of 
the  towne  of  Gallway,  be  for  ever  hereafter 
elective.  AND  wee  doc,  by  these  presents,  for 
us,  our  heircs  and  successors,  give  and  grant 
unto  the  said  mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  arid 
coiinnoualtie  of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway,  and 
theire  suL'cessors,  that  the  said  mayor,  sheriffs 
and  conuuon-councill  of  the  said  towne,  for  the 
tynie  being,  yearely,  for  ever,  at  the  feast  of  St. 
I'eeter,  ad  N'incula,  coujnionly  called  lannnas-day, 
from  and  after  the  five  and  twentyeth  day  of 
March  next  ensuing,  shall  and  may  assemble 
tlieniselves  in  th.e  Tholsell  of  the  said  towne,  or 
any  other  convenient  place  within  the  said  towne 
«f  (/uHu-ay,  and,  being    soe    assembled,  may  (or 


the  greater  parte  of  them)  before  they  departc 
thence,  may  choose  one  of  the  discreetest  free  bur- 
gesses of  the  said  towne  to  the  ofllce  of  mayor  of 
the  said  towne,  who,  being  presented,  npproved 
and  sworen  in  maimer  and  form  as  Inrenl'ier  is 
expressed,  may  holde,  exercize  and  enjov  the 
same  for  one  whole  yeare,  from  the  feast  of  St. 
Michaell  the  archangell  then  next  following  ami 
untill  anotlier  of  the  said  burgesses  shalhe  duely 
elected,  presented,  approved  and  sworen  into  the 
said  office,  in  manner  as  hereafter  is  setfortli  ; 
and  may  alsoe  then  and  there  elect  some  discrcete 
person,  learned  in  the  lawes,  to  bee  recorder  of  the 
said  towne,  as  alsoe  some  discreete  person  to  be 
towne-clerke  of  the  said  towne,  who,  being  re- 
spectively presented,  approved  and  sworen,  in 
manner  and  forme  as  hereafter  is  expressed,  may 
liold,  exercise  and  enjoy  the  same  for  one  whole 
yeare,  from  the  feast  of  St.  Michaell  the  arch- 
angell then  next  following,  and  untill  two  other* 
shalbe  duly  elected,  [presented,  approved  and 
sworen  into  the  said  offices  respectively  in  manner 
as  hereafter  is  setforth.  And  wee  "doe  further 
ordeyne  and  appoint,  that  it  shall  and  may  be 
lawfull  for  the  mayor  and  recorder  of  the 
said  towne,  for  the  tyme  being,  respectively,  in 
case  of  sickness,  or  any  urgent  or  impo'rtant 
occasions  of  theire  owne,  to  be  absent  I'loni  ibe 
said  towne,  to  ap|)oint  theire  respective  deputyes 
during  such  tyme  of  his  and  theire  sickness  or 
absence  from  the  said  towne,  who,  takeing  the 
severall  oathes  herein  fonnerlyappointed  to  betaken 
by  the  mayor  and  recorder  of  the  said  corporation 
respectively,  shall  and  may  execute  the  place  and 
office  of  deputy  mayor  and  deputy  recordL-r 
of  the  said  corporation  in  all  things,  durcing  the 
tyme  of  such  mayor  and  recorder's  sickness  or 
absence,  respectively,  as  fully  and  ani|)ly,  to  all 
intents  and  purposes,  as  such  sick  or"  absent 
mayor  or  recorder  might  have  done  if  lie  and 
they  were  well  and  personally  |)reseiit ;  such 
deputy  mayor  and  deputy  recorder,  respectively, 
first  takeing  all  the  severall  oathes  formerly  men- 
tioned to  bee  taken  by  the  mayor  and  recorder 
of  the  said  towne,  before  the  sheritl's  of  the  said 
towne  for  the  tyme  being,  and  any  three  or 
more  of  the  free  burgesses  of  tJie  said  towne, 
whome  wee  doe  hereby  fully  authorize  and 
require  to  administer  the  same  unto  them  respec- 
tively on  the  Holy  Evangelists.  AND  our  will 
and  pleasure  is,  that  the  mayor  and  recorder  of 
the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of 
Gallway,  and  theire  deputies,  for  the  tyme  beiu'', 
respectively,  shalbe  justices  of  the  peace  for  tlie 
county  of  Gallway  att  large,  durting  theire 
continuance   in   theire  respective  offices.     AND 


APPKNDIX. 


FUllTHEIl  ot"  oar  more  aljutulaut  grace,  ci-r- 
tevne  kno\vlcdj;e  and  nicere  motion,  by  and  witli 
the  advice  and  consent  aforesaid,  wee  will,  and 
by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heires  and  succes- 
sors, doe  give  and  grant  unto  the  said  mayor, 
slieriffs,  free  bursesses  and  coninionaitic  of  the  said 
towne  and  county  of  tlic  said  tonne  of  Gallway, 
and  thcirc  successors,  tliat  when  and  so  often 
as  it  sliall  happen  that  the  mayor  of  tlie  saide 
towne  of  Gallway,  for  the  tyme  being,  shall  dye, 
or  the  said  office  shall  become  voyd  within  the 
compasse  of  one  yeare  after  he  shall  be  elected, 
presented,  approved  and  svvoren,  as  aforesaid, 
that  then,  and  in  such  case,  it  shall  and  may  bee 
lawfull  to  and  for  the  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and 
common  councill  of  the  said  towne,  and  theire 
successors,  within  fifteen  dayes  after  such  death 
or  vacancie,  to  choose  some  other  fitt  person,  out  of 
the  number  of  the  free  burgesses,  to  the  office  of 
mayor  of  the  said  towne ;  and  that  such  person, 
being  soe  elected  and  chosen,  and  takeing  the 
several!  oathes  before  mentioned,  before  the 
sherilFs,  and  any  seven  or  more  of  the  free  bur- 
gesses of  tlie  said  towne  for  the  tyme  being, 
whome  wee  doe  hereby  authorise  and  recjuirc  to 
administer  the  same  on  the  Holy  Evangelists, 
shall  and  may  execute  the  said  office  of  maj'or  of 
tlie  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of 
Gallway,  untill  the  feast  of  St.  Wichaell  the  arch- 
angcU  next  following  such  new  election.  AND 
FUUTHER  of  our  more  abundant  grace,  certeyne 
knowledge  and  meere  motion,  by  and  with  the 
advice  and  consent  aforesaid,  wee  have  given  and 
granted,  and  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heires 
and  successors,  doe  give  and  grant  unto  the  said 
mavor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  commonaltic 
of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway,  and  theire  suc- 
cessors for  ever,  thatt  the  said  ma3'or,  sheriffs  and 
common-councill,  and  theire  successors  for  ever, 
shall  have  full  power  and  authority,  from  tyme 
to  tyme,  every  year,  at  the  feast  of  lammas, 
to  choose  and  nominate  two  honest  and  dis- 
creetc  free  burgesses  of  the  said  towne  to  be 
sheriffs  of  the  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallwaj' 
aforesaid,  to  continue  for  one  whole  yeare,  from 
the  feast  of  St.  Michaell  the  archangell  then 
next  following  such  election  inclusive  ;  and  that 
such  i)creons  soe  elected,  presented  approved  and 
sworen,  in  manner  as  hereafter  is  settforth,  may 
take  upon  them  the  execution  of  the  said  office 
of  sheritfe,  and  may  hold,  execute  and  enjoy  the 
said  office  of  sheritFe  of  the  said  county  of  the 
towne  of  Gallway  for  one  whole  yeare,  from  the 
feast  of  St.  iMichaell  the  archangell  then  next 
following,  and  untill  others  shalbe  elected,  pre- 
sented, approved  and  sworen  into  the  said  office, 


in  maniier  ns  hereuficr  in  i':i|»i-.-.-(  d  ;  nnd  rliir 
such  sheriffs  of  the  county  of  the  said  ii.une  of 
Gallway  shall  and  may  have  and  exercise  all 
and  all  manner  of  jurisdictions,  powers,  authorities, 
liberties,  and  other  things  whatsoever  to  the  .^aid 
office  of  sheriffe  belongeing  or  apperteyning,  within 
the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of  Gall- 
way, and  the  lymits,  mearcs  and  bounds  of  the 
same,  as  other  sheriffs  of  ue,  our  heires  and 
successors,  within  our  said  kingdonic  of  Ireland, 
have  or  ouglit  to  have  within  theire  baylywicks. 
And  that  wee,  our  heires  and  successors,  from 
tyme  to  tyme,  for  ever  hereafter,  shall  and  will 
direct,  and  cause  to  be  made,  to  the  slierills  of 
the  said  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway  for  the 
tyme  being,  all  and  singular  writts,  bills,  precepts, 
warrants,  summons,  attachments,  distresses,  es- 
treats and  mandates,  of  us,  our  heirM  and 
successors,  and  the  summons,  attachments  and 
distresses  of  the  Excheipier  of  us,  our  heires 
and  successors,  iind  other  the  courts  of  us,  our 
heires  and  successors,  ariseing  for  any  matter  or 
thing  within  the  said  towne  or  count}'  of  the 
towne  of  Gallway,  or  within  the  precincts  or 
lymits  of  the  same,  for  the  future,  which  ought 
to  be  directed  to,  and  executed  by,  the  sheril'e  of 
the  county  of  Gallway,  if  the  said  towne  of 
Gallway  and  the  precincts  of  the  same  were  not 
made  an  entire  county  of  itselfe,  soe  that  noe 
other  sherifte  in  our  said  realme  of  Ireland,  or 
bayliffe,  or  scrjeant  of  any  sheriffe  in  our  said  realme 
of  Ireland,  except  the  sheriffs  of  us,  our  heires 
and  successors,  of  the  said  county  of  the  towne  of 
Gallway,  and  theire  bayliffes,  ministers  or  servants, 
shall,  for  the  future,  enter  into  the  said  towne,  or 
precincts  of  the  same,  (except  as  before  is  ex- 
cepted,) to  exercize  or  execute  any  thing  that 
belongs  to  the  office  of  sheriffe,  iu)r  shall  any 
way  intermeddle  therein.  AND  wee  doe  hereby 
further  will,  institute  and  ordeyne,  and  our  royal 
will  and  pleasure  is,  that  upon  all  elections  to  bee 
hereafter  made,  after  the  five  and  twentycth  day 
of  March  next,  of  any  person  or  persons  to  serve 
in  any  of  the  offices  of  mayor,  sheriffs,  recorder,  or 
ton  nclerke,  of  the  said  corporation,  the  names  of 
the  persons  soe  elected  to  serve  in  the  said  severall 
offices  shalbe  by  the  said  corporation  forthwith 
presented  to  our  lieutenant,  or  other  chief  governor 
or  governors,  and  the  privy  councill  of  our  said 
kingdome  of  Ireland,  to  be  approved  of  by  them  ; 
and  that  the  said  persons  soe  elected  for  any  the 
said  offices  shalbe  for  ever  hereafter  incapable  of 
serveing  in  the  said  severall  offices,  or  any  of 
them,  untill  they  shalbe  respectively  approved  of 
by  the  lord  lieutenant,  (u-  other  chief  governor  or 
governors,  and  privy  councill  of  our  said  kingdome 


xlviii 


APPENDIX. 


of  Ireland,  by  order  under  tlieire  hand ;  and  in 
case  the  persons,  or  anv  of  them,  wliose  names 
shall  be  soe  presented  to  our  lieutenant,  or  other 
our  chiefe  governor  or  governors,  and  councill  of 
our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland,  shall  not  be  soe 
approved  of  within  tenn  dajes  after  theire  names 
shall  be  soe  presented,  then,  and  in  such  case, 
the  said  corporation  shall,  from  tj'nie  to  tyme, 
jiroceed  to  a  new  election  of  fitt  persons  for  the 
said  respective  offices,  for  which  the  persons  soe 
presented  shall  not  be  soe  approved  of,  and  shall 
in  like  manner  present  theire  names  to  the  said 
lieutenant,  or  other  chiefe  governor  or  governors, 
and  council  I  of  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland, 
luitill  they  shall  liave  chosen  such  persons  for 
tlie  said  respective  offices  as  sliall  be  soe  ajiproved 
of,  as  aforesaid  :  PROVIDED  alwaise,  that  this 
shall  not  extend  to  the  election  of  ^any  person 
that  shall  be  elected  in  the  place  of  any  of  the  said 
officers  annually  chosen,  who  shall  dye  witliin  the 
yeare  of  theire  execution  of  the  said  respective 
offices,  or  witiiin  one  nioneth  before  they  are  to 
enter  upon  tlie  execution  thereof.  AND  our 
further  will  and  pleasure  is,  that  noe  person  shall 
be  hereafter  chosen  warden  of  tlie  said  towne  of 
Gallway,  but  such  person  as  shall  be  nominated  to 
the  said  office  by  our  lieutenant,  or  other  chiefe 
governor  or  governors  of  our  said  kingdome  of 
Ireland,  for  the  tyme  being.  AND  our  further 
will  and  pleasure  is,  and  wee  doe  alsoe  hereby 
declare  and  ordeyne,  that  noe  person  or  persons, 
that  shall  hereafter  be  elected  cither  mayor, 
recorder,  sheritf,  alderman,  towne-clerke,  free 
burgess,  or  one  of  the  conmion  councill,  within 
the  said  towne  or  corporation,  or  master  or 
wardens  of  any  corporation,  guild  or  fraternity, 
within  the  said  towne  or  corporation,  shalbe 
capable  of  holding  and  enjoying,  or  executeing 
any  the  said  otfices,  jilaces,  or  imploymeuts,  until! 
he  or  they  shall  have  taken  the  oath  of  supre- 
macie,  established  by  act  of  parliament,  sccundo 
Klizabctha;,  in  this  kingdome,  and  the  oath  of 
alleagiance,  besides  the  oaths  usually  taken 
upon  the  admission  of  any  persons  in  the  said 
respective  offices  or  imploynients,  and  alsoe  tliis 
eiuiuing  oath,  viz.  :  "  I,  A-  B.  doe  declare  and 
believe,  that  it  is  not  lawfull,  u\)m\  any  pretence 
wliatsoever,  to  take  amies  against  the  king,  and 
that  I  do  abhorr  that  trayterous  position  of  takeing 
amies,   by   liis   authority,    against   iiis   person,   or 

against  those  that  are  commissioned  by  him tjo 

liclpme  God. — ''the  said  oathes  to  be  taken  before 
such  person  or  persons  as  shall  ad'uitt  them  to  the 
said  severall  offices,  places  aiul  ii'.ipUivments,  ■>>.  ho 
are  hereby  inipowered,  authorised,  and  re.p.ired  lo 
i^ihninister  to  thcni  the  said  oatiies  ;  and  upon  any 


such  person  or  persons  refusal]  to  take  the  said 
oathesthe  electionof  such  personor  persons  into  any 
of  tlie  said  offices, places  and  imploynients,  is  licrcby 
declared  to  be  absolutely  null  and  voyd,  (such  per- 
sons onely  excepted  with  whose  takeing  tlie  said 
oatli  of  supremacie,  our  lieutenant  or  other  chiel'e 
governor  or  governors  of  our  said  kingdome  of 
Ireland  for  the  tyme  being,  for  some  particular 
reasons,  shall  tbinke  fitt,  by  writeing  under  his 
or  theire  hand,  by  name,  to  dispence.)  AND  for  the 
avoydeing  of  such  tumults  and  disorders  wherewitli 
popular  elections  of  magistrates  and  other  officers 
are  often  attended,  wee  do  hereby  further  order 
and  direct  that,  for  ever  hereafter,  the  mayor, 
sheriffs,  recorder,  towne-clerke,  and  all  other 
officers  of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway,  shalbe 
elected  and  chosen  onely  by  tlie  mayor,  sheritls 
and  common  councill  of  the  said  towne,  or  the 
greater  number  of  the  votes  of  sucli  of  the  com- 
mon councill  of  tile  said  towne  as  shalbe  present 
on  the  dayes  whereon  sucli  elections  are  or 
ought,  to  be  usually  made  ;  and  tliat  noe  freeman 
of  the  said  towne,  or  other  person,  wlio  shall  not 
be  of  the  common  councill  of  the  said  towne, 
shall  att  any  tyme  hereafter  have  any  vote  in  the 
election  of  any  mayor,  sheriffes,  recorder,  towne- 
clerke,  or  other  officers,  in  the  said  towne  of 
Gallway  ;  and  that  noe  matter  ur  (hing-,  in  any 
wise  relateing  to  the  affaires  of  the  said  towne, 
shalbe  hereafter  propounded  or  debated  in  the 
Tholsell,  or  generall  assembly  of  the  said  towiie, 
untill  the  same  shall  have  first  passed  the  common 
councill  of  the  said  towne  ;  and  tliat  the  persons 
offending  against  this  rule  shall  be  disfranchised 
by  the  mayor  and  common  councill  of  the  said 
towne  ;  any  law,  usuage  or  custome  of  the  said 
towne  to  the  contrary  in  any  wise  notwith- 
standing. AND  I'UKTHER  we  will  and  ordeyne, 
and  the  said  mayor,  sheriffs,  burgesses  and  coni- 
monaltic,  for  themselves  and  tlieire  successors, 
doe  accordingly  covenant  and  grant  to  and  with 
us,  our  lieires  and  successors,  that  all  foreigners, 
strangers  and  aliens,  as  well  others  as  protestants, 
who  are  or  shalbe  merchants,  traders,  artizans,  arti- 
ficers, seamen,  or  otherwise  skilled  and  exercised 
in  any  mystery,  craft,  or  trade,  in  the  working  or 
making  any  manufacture,  or  in  tlie  art  of  luniga- 
tion,  who  are  at  jiresent  resideing  and  inhahitting 
within  the  saide  towne  of  Gallway,  or  who  shall 
att  any  tyme  hereafter  come  into  the  said  towne 
of  Gallway,  with  intent  and  resolution  there  to 
inhabit,  reside  and  dwell,  shall,  upon  his  or  tlieire 
reasonable  suite  or  request  made,  and  upon  pay- 
uicnt  down  of  twenty  shillings,  by  way  of  fine, 
inito  the  cliiefe  magistrate  or  magistrates  and 
common  councill,  or  other  persons  authorized  to 


/i  J-i-J',;vJ/J  A 


•lift 


udiiiiU  iiml  make  riL'eiiii.n  of  lljc  buid  towne  of 
Galhvay,  bee  admitted  a  IVecniaii  ol'  our  said  towne 
oF  Gallway;  and  if  lie  or  they  sliall  desire  it  of 
all  or  any  guild,  brotherhood,  society  or  fellow- 
ship, of  any  trade,  craft  or  misterie  within  the 
same,  during  liis  or  theire  residence  for  the  most 
parte,  and  his  and  theire  familyes  constant  inha- 
biting within  our  said  towne  of  Gallway,  and  noe 
longer,  and  sliall  have,  exercise  and  enjoy  all 
privilcdges  and  imnuiiiitles  of  trading,  working, 
buying  and  selling,  in  as  large  and  ample  manner 
as  any  freeman  of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway 
might  have  exercised  or  enjoyed  by  virtue  of  his 
or  their  freedome  ;  and  that  every  such  person  or 
persons  who  shall  be  admitted  to  be  free,  as 
aforesaid,  shall  from  henceforth  be  deemed,  es- 
teemed and  taken,  and  be  denizen  and  denizens, 
within  this  kingdome;  any  law,  statute,  ciiarter,  usage 
or  custonieof  this  kingdome,  or  of  any  cittie,  walled 
towne,  or  corporation  of  the  same,  to  the  con- 
trary in  any  wise  notwithstanding.  Provided 
alwise,  that  all  such  strangers,  artificers,  and 
others,  to  be  admitted  freemen  as  aforesaid,  shall 
take  the  oath  of  alleagiaiice,  and  alsoc  such  other 
oatlics  as  are  accustoniably  taken  by  all  or  any 
freeman,  or  members  of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway, 
or  by  all  or  any  the  members  of  any  such  guild 
or  brotherhood,  society  or  fellowship,  of  the 
trade,  craft,  or  oilier  inistery,  which  he  or  they 
shall  occupy  or  exercise,  in  case  he  or  they  shall 
desire  to  be  incorporate  into  any  such  guild,  bro- 
therhood, society,  or  fellowship,  aforesaid ;  and 
shall  pay  all  such  and  like  charges  as  all  freemen, 
or  subjects  of  the  like  trade,  craft  or  misterie, 
shall  or  doe  use  to  pay,  and  noe  other,  nor  more. 
And  if  the  chicfe  magistrate  or  magistrates,  or 
other  persons,  authorised  as  aforesaid,  of  the  said 
towne  of  Gallway,  or  any  master,  warden  or 
other  governor  of  any  brotherhood,  society,  or 
fellowship,  or  any  trade,  craft  or  inistery  within 
the  said  towne  of  Gallway,  shall  refuse  to  adniitt 
any  such  stranger,  being  a  merchant,  trader, 
artificer,  artizan,  workman  or  seaman,  residing 
or  coming  into  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland,  with 
intent,  asaforesaid,  to  be  a  freeman  of  our  said  towne 
Gallwa}',  or  to  be  a  brother  or  member  of  any 
brotherhood,  society  or  fellowship  within  the 
same,  every  such  chiefe  magistrate  or  magistrates, 
masters,  wardens  or  other  governors,  respectively, 
shall,  upon  complainte  and  due  proofe  made  of 
such  refusall  before  our  lieutenant,  or  other  chiefe 
governor  or  governors  and  councill  of  our  said 
kingdome  of  Ireland,  be  by  theire  order  disfran- 
chised, and  from  thenceforth  incapable  (without 
theire  ,lycunce)  of  being  a  freeman  or  member  of 
the  said  towne  ;  and  every  such  stranger,  being  a 


G 


merchant,  trader,  urtiliccr,  arlizun,  wDiLniiin  or 
Heamun,  upon  tender  by  him  iniide  i>l'  Iwcnly  hIiiI- 
lings,  (by  way  of  fyne,  um  uforehiiid,  uud  lalviiiip; 
the  oath  of  alleagiaiice  bel'ore  any  justice  of  the 
peace  of  the  county  of  (Jallway,  who  is  hereby 
authorized  and  appointed  to  administer  the  said 
oath,)  shall  tliereupon  by  virtue  liercof  be 
deemed,  reputed  and  taken,  to  all  intents  and 
jiurposes,  to  be  a  freeman  or  member  of  our  said 
towne  of  Gallway,  and  of  the  brotherhood,  society 
or  fellowship  of  any  trade,  craft,  or  niistery  where 
lie  or  tliey  slialbe  denyed  admission  as  aforesaid, 
and  from  thenceforth  have,  exercize  and  enjoy 
llie  libertie  and  priviledge  of  tradcing,  working, 
buying  or  selling  of  any  coiiimodities  v\  hatsoever, 
in  as  large  and  ample  manner  as  if  he  had  been 
admitted  a  freeman  of  our  said  county  of  Gallway, 
a  brother  or  member  of  such  brotherhood,  society 
or  fellowship  of  any  trade,  craft  or  mislery  within 
the  same,  takeing  the  usuall  oathes  of  such  free- 
men, brothers  and  members,  which  oathes  any 
one  justice  of  peace  of  our  said  county  of  Gall- 
way is  by  these  presents  iinpowered  to  administer, 
and  paying  all  such  charges,  as  aforesaid  ;  any 
law,  custome,  charter  or  usage  to  the  contrary 
in  any  wise  notwithstanding.  And  in  case  any 
person  or  persons  shall  give  any  interruption  or 
disturbance  to  any  such  stranger,  being  a  mer- 
chant, trader,  artificer,  artizan,  workemaii,  or 
seaman,  as  aforesaid,  to  the  hindering  of  him  in 
his  tradeing,  workeing,  buying  or  selling,  as 
aforesaid,  contrary  to  the  intent  and  meaning  of 
these  presents,  all  and  every  such  person  or  per- 
sons soe  offending  shall,  upon  like  complaint  and 
proofe  made  of  his  or  theire  offence  therein  before 
our  lieutenant,  or  other  chiefe  governor  or  go- 
vernors, and  councill,  of  our  said  kingdome  of 
Ireland,  for  the  tyme  being,  be  by  theire  order 
disfranchised,  and  from  thenceforth  iiicapable,with- 
out  theire  lycence,  of  being  made  a  freeman  or 
member  of  our  said  towne  of  Gallway.  AND 
FURTHER  of  our  more  abundant  grace,  certeyne 
knowledge  and  meere  motion,  by  and  witli  the 
advice  and  consent  aforesaid,  wee  have  given  and 
granted,  and  hy  these  presents,  for  us,  our  lieires 
and  successors,  wee  doc  give  and  grant  unto  the 
said  mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  com- 
nionaltie  of  the  saide  towne  and  county  of  the 
towne  of  Gallway,  and  theire  successors  for  ever, 
that  there  be  within  the  said  county  and  towne  and 
county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway,  and  the  fran- 
chises of  the  same,  one  guild  of  merchants  of  the 
staple,  consisting  of  one  mayor,  two  constables, 
and  of  such  a  number  of  merchants  of  the  said 
towne  as  the  said  mayor  and  constables  of  the 
said  guild  of  merchants  of  the  staple,  for  the  tynie 


1 


APPENDIX. 


being,  shall  think  fitt  ;  and,  tlierefore,  wee  will, 
uiiil  by  this  our  charter  wee  doe,  for  us,  our  heires 
and  successors,  make,  constitute  and  ordeyne 
Charles  Holcroft,  esq.  mayor  of  the  said  guild 
oi'  merchants  of  the  staple  of  the  said  towue  of 
(ialhvav,  to  continue  from  the  date  of  these  our 
letters  "iiatents,  to  the  feast  of  St.  Michaell  the 
archangell,  which  sliall  be  in  the  said  year  of  our 
Lord  Ciod  1678;  and  alsoc  wee  doe  by  these 
presents  nial:e,  constitute  and  ordeyne  John  Flower 
and  Thomas  Poole  constables  of  the  s.aine  guild  of 
merchants,  of  the  staple  of  the  said  towne  of 
(lallway,  to  continue  untill  the  said  feast  of  St. 
Micliaell  the  archangell,  which  shall  be  in  the 
said  yeare  of  our  Lord  (iod  1678;  and  that  after 
tl;e  said  feast  of  Saint  Michaell  the  archangell,  in 
the  said  yeare  167S,  the  mayor  and  constables  of 
the  said  guild  of  merchants  of  the  staple  be  yearely 
oideyned  in  manner  following;  that  is  to  say,  the 
mayor  of  the  said  touiie  of  Gallway  for  the  pre- 
ceding yeare  slialbe,  and  is  hereby,  appointed  to 
be  mayor  of  the  said  guild  of  merchants  of  the 
sla]>le,  for  one  yeare  then  next  following,  and 
noe  longer;  and  the  .sherilfs  of  the  said  towne  for 
the  preceding  yeare  slialbe,  and  are  hereby, 
a[ipoviited  to  be  constables  of  the  said  guild  of 
mercl'.ar.ts  for  one  yeare,  tlien  next  following,  and 
noe  longer  ;  and  that  the  mayor  and  constables, 
or  m;iyur  and  one  constable,  of  the  said  guild  of 
nu'rclumts  of  the  staple  of  the  said  towne  for  the 
tynie  being,  for  ever,  shall  have  full  and  absolute 
power  and  authority,  from  tyme  to  tyme,  to  take 
and  receive  all  and  singular  statutes  or  recogni- 
zances of  tlie  staple,  taken  or  to  be  taken  in  or 
witiiin  the  said  towne  or  burrough,  and  thereupon 
to  certliie  the  same  into  our  high  court  of  chan- 
cery, in  our  said  reabne  of  Ireland,  and  further 
to  doe  and  execute  all  and  singular  other  matters 
iind  things  which  doe  any  wise  belonge  or  apper- 
teyne  to  the  office  of  mayor  and  constables  of  the 
guild  of  merchants  of  the  staple,  according  to  the 
I'o -m  of  the  statute  in  that  case  made  and  provided, 
in  ;>s  ample  manner  and  forme  as  the  mayor  and 
o'.istables  of  the  staple  in  our  cittie  of  Waterford, 
or  in  any  other  towne  or  cittie  within  our  realme 
of  Ireland,  doe  use  or  execute,  or  heretofore 
nii./,ht  or  could  use,  doe  or  execute  in  any  wise. 
ANiJ  FL'UTIIEl!,  of  our  more  ample  grace, 
certeyne  knowledge  and  meere  motion,  by  and 
Vijith  the  advice  and  consent  aforesaid,  v.'ce  will, 
and, by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heires  and 
success(n-s,  doe  grant  uiito  the  said  mayor,  sheriffs, 
free  burgesses  and  commonaltie  of '.he  said  towne 
and  county  of  the  towne  of  (Jallway,  and  theirc 
succefeors,  that  they  and  theire  successors  for 
ever  shall,  and    may  have   and    use  such  severall 


vestments,  ensignes  and  ornaments,  witliin  tlie 
said  towne  and  county  of  the  said  towne  of  Gall- 
way,  and  the  franchises  of  the  same,  for  the 
honour  and  dignity  of  the  said  towne  and  county 
of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway,  and  the  mayor, 
sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  commonaltie  of  the 
said  towne,  as  the  mayor,  or  sheriffs,  burgesses  and 
commonaltiesof  the  towne  of  Gallway,  had,  or  used, 
or  might  or  could  have  had  or  used  witliin  the  said 
towne  of  Gallway, att  any  tyme  before  the  said  three 
and  twentyeth  day  of  October,  which  was  in  the 
said  year  of  our  Lord  1611  ;  and  that  the  mayor 
of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway,  for  the  tyme  being, 
ma}'  have  a  sword  borne  before  him  in  all  places 
within  the  towne  and  county  of  the  said  towne  of 
Gallway,  and  the  franchises  of  the  same,  for  the 
greater  eminence  of  the  mayoralitye  or  office  of 
mayor  of  the  said  towne,  and  the  authoritye 
thereto  belongeing  ;  and  to  this  end  wee  will,  and 
bye  these  presents  doe  grant,  that  the  said  mayor, 
sheriifs,  free  burgesses  and  connnonaltie  of  the 
said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway, 
and  theire  successors,  from  tyme  to  t3'nie,  for  ever, 
may  constitute  and  have  one  officer,  or  sword- 
bearer,  to  carry  the  sword  before  the  mayor  of 
the  said  towne  for  the  tyme  beini;,  in  manner  and 
forme  aforesaid.  AND  FUirrilKU  wee  will, 
and  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heires  and 
successors,  doe  grant  unto  the  said  maj'or,  sheriHs, 
free  burgesses  and  commonaltie  of  the  said  towne 
and  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway',  and  theire 
successors,  that  they  and  theire  successors  shall 
and  may  have,  for  ever  hereafter,  within  the  said 
towne  of  Gallway,  or  the  liberties  and  precincts 
of  the  same,  one  liouse  of  connnon  meeting  or 
convocation,  which  shalbe,  and  shalhe  called,  the 
Thulsell  of  the  towne  of  Gallway  aforesaid  ;  and 
that  it  shall  and  may  be  iawfull  to  and  for  the  said 
mayor,  sheriifs,  free  burgesses  and  conmionaltie, 
and  theirc  successors,  and  to  and  for  the  recorder 
of  the  said  towne,  for  the  tyme  being,  or  the 
major  part  of  them,  from  ty\uo  to  tyme,  and  att 
all  t3'mes  for  ever  hereafter,  soe  ofien  as  to  them, 
or  the  major  part  of  them,  shall  seeme  meete  or 
requisite,  to  meete  or  assemble  themselves  in  the 
aforesaid  house,  called  the  Tholsell,  or  in  any 
other  convenient  place  within  the  said  towne  and 
liberties  and  precincts  thereof;  and  that  the  said 
mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses,  recorder  and 
connnonaltie  of  the  said  towne,  or  the  major 
parte  of  them  soe  assembled,  whereof  the  said 
mayor  and  recorder  of  the  aforesaid  tov/ne  of 
(Jallway  for  the  tyme  being  to  be  two,  may  and 
shall  have  full  ])ower  and  authority,  from  tynic  to 
tyme,  then  and  there  to  ordeyne,  make,  con- 
stitute    and    establish    such    reasonable      kr.ies. 


'W 


\  nil  II  M 


ii 


<.>i 


ul,„l,..,...,    I,    i,.,    IIm    V,      .M       ll,.'      1MH|.M       piNlr    Cll      III.   Ill, 

hll.lll   IM   lli.'lir.ll.M.  l.'IIOH.s  ^,l'.;  y^uoA,  v^  holl^cjiju  il.lll 

lioiiusi,  [iroliluljle  and  necessary,  iib  wtll  I'ur  llic 
good  rule  and  j^'overnniynt  ol'  our  said  towiic  and 
count)-  ol'  our  lowne  of  Ciallwuy,  and  tlic  lil)crli('s 
and  precincts    ihcreoF,  and  of  all   and  singular  the 

■  officers,  members  and  ministers  of  the  said  toivne, 
the  liberties  and  precincts  thereof,  as  alsoc  for  the 
.dcclareing,   settinge   downc    and    nppoynteing   in 

^vllat  order,  manner  and  forme  the  said  mayor, 
shcrifts,  free  burgesses  and  commonaltic,  and  all 
other  the  officers  and  ministers  of  our  said  townc 
and  county  of  our  townc  of  Gfilhvay,  the  liberties 
and  precincts  thereof,  shall  and  may,  from  tvnic 
to  tyme,  demeane  and  behave  themselves  in  theire 
sevcrall  and  respective  offices  and  imployments, 
and  alsoe  for  the  common  profitt,  advantage  and 
good  government  of  the  said  towne,  the  liberties 
and  precincts  thereof,  as  alsoe  for  the  better 
prcserveing,  governeing  and  disposing,  placeing, 
setting  and  letting,  of  all  or  any  the  lands,  tene- 
ments and  hereditaments,  which  in  and  by  these 
presents,  or  otherwise,  are  or  have  beene  given, 
granted,  assigned  or  confirmed,  or  which  at  any 
tyme  hereafter  shalbe  given,  granted,  assigned  or 
confirmed,  to  the  saide  mayor,  sherifls,  free  bur- 
gesses and  coramorraltie  of  our  said  townc  and 
county  of  our  towne  of  Gallway,  as  alsoe  for  the 
better  ordering,  governeing  and  disposeing  of  all 
and  singular  other  matters,  causes  and  things 
whatsoever  touching  or  concearning  the  estate, 
right,  or  interest  of  the  said  towne  of  Gallway, 
the  liberties  and  precincts  thereof;  and  that  it 
shall  and  may  be  lawfull  to  and  for  the  said  maj'or, 
sheviiis,  free  burgesses,  recorder  and  conmionaltie 
of  our  said  towne  and  county  of  our  towne  of 
Gallway,  for  the  tyme  being,  or  the  major  parte 
of  them,  whereof  the  said  mayor  and  recorder  of 
the  said  townc,  for  the  tyme  being,  to  be  two,  at 
such  tyme  and  tymes,  and  soe  often  as  they,  or 

■  the  major  parte  of  them,  shall  think  fitt,  to  make, 
ordcyne  and  establish  such  lawes,  statutes  or 
ordinances  as  aforesaid,  and  impose  and  cesse  upon 
all  and  every  person  and  persons  that  shall  offend 
against  the  said  lawes,  statutes  and  ordinances,  or 
any  of  them,  such  reasonable  paines,  penalties 
and  punishments,  as  to  the  said  mayor,  sheriffs, 
free  burgesses,  recorder  and  commonaltic,  for 
the  tyme  being,  or  the  major  parte  of  them,  as 
aforesaid,  sliall  sccmc  requisite  and  expedient  in 
that  behalfe;  all  and  singular  which  said  lawes, 
statutes  and  ordinances  soe  to  be  made,  constituted 
and  ordeyned  as  aforesaid,  wee  will  and  connnand 
to  be  observed,  obeyed  and  performed,  under  the 

.  jiaincs,  penalties  and  punishments  therein  to  be 


> .i',.,..,i,  ,(.,  „i' .iiii.i .    nil  A  iiii  ll  ll I,.. 

i»ilil  Imn...,    ,.liil.ili,.,    iimIiiimih  ...,    I ,  |,.  K.Jli.  , 

mid  |iuiil»liiiuiiU,  In:  niihiiii.iliJL',  iinil  ii.il  i .  |hi|4ii,iiiI 
nor  coiitrury,   but  ugriLalili;  to  the  lane.i,  ..liituli :., 
customes,   righto  and   n.siigeK  of  our  wiid  Kiiindiiiiic: 
of  Ireland,  and  iiulu  the  rulen,  ordcrH  ami   din-c- 
tions  made  and  estahlislieil   l)y   our  lieutenant  and 
couneill  of  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland,  beareing 
date  the  three  and   twentyeth   day  of  .September, 
in    the  yeare   1(>7'2,   for  the  better  regulateing  of 
tlic  said  corporation  of  our  said  towne  uf  (ialhvay, 
and  the  electing  of  magistrates  and  iilfieers  there. 
AND    WEi:   rUUTIlKIl   WILL,  and    by  these 
presents,  for   us,  our   lieires   and  succe:>'-ors,   doe 
grant  to    tlie  said   mayor,  sherlll's,  free  burgesses 
<ind  commonaltie  of  our  said  to\i'ne  and  county  of 
our    towne    of   Gallway,    and    theire    successors, 
that  they   and  theire   successors,  shall   and    nia> , 
for   ever  heieaftcr,  have,  hold  and  kecpe   ii\   the 
Tholsell  of  our  said  towne  of  Gallway,  or  in  any 
other   convenient    place    within    the    i-aid    towne, 
the    liberties    and    precincts    thereof,    a   wcekely 
court  of  record,  on  every  Tuesda}'  and  Friday  in  the 
weeke,  before  the  mayor,  or  his  de[nity,  and  the 
recorder  of  the  said  towne,  for   the   tyme   being, 
or  his  deputy;  and  that   in   the  said  court' they 
may    hold    and    have   cognizance   of   all    and    all 
manner  of  pleas   and  actions  upon  the  case,  de- 
ceipts,  debts,  accounts,   covenants,    detinues  and 
trespasses,  takeing   and  detayning   of  goods   and 
chattels,  and  other  contracts  whatsoever,  for  any 
causes,  matters,   or   things   wliatsocver    arriscing, 
happening  or  growing  within  our  said  towne  and 
county  of  our  towne  of  Gallway,  the  liberties  and 
precincts  thereof;  and  that  in  the  said  courts  the 
said  mayor  and  recorder  of  the  said  towne,  for  the 
t3'nie    being,    and   theire    respective   deputies,  as 
aforesaid,  shall  and  may  cause  all  and  every  jierson 
and  persons  against  whome  such  suites,  plaintes, 
actions  or  demands,  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  brought, 
sued,   or   demanded  to  be  attached,  according  to 
the  due  course  and  process  of  law,  by  theire  goods 
and  chattels,  within  the  said  towne  and  county  of 
the  towne  of  (lallway,  the  liberties  and  precincts 
thereof,  or  shall  and  may  cause  the  bodyes  of  sueli, 
persons  to  be  arreasted,   and  the  bodyes  of  such 
persons   soe  arreasted  to  be  committed  and  sent 
to  prison  ;  and  by  and  according  to  the  like  due 
course   and   process   of  law,  shall  and  may  heare 
and  determine  all  and  singular  such  pleas,  actions, 
plaintes,  suites  and  demands,  and  cause  execution 
to    be   thereof  made,   in    as    ample    manner    and 
forme  as  hath  beene  done,  used  and  accustomed, 
or  nnght  or  ought  to  have  beene  done,   used  and 
accustomed  in  any  court  of  record  no«',  or  at  any 
time  heretofore,  holden   or   kept  within   our  said 


lii 


APPENDIX. 


towne  and  county  cT  our  Hnrne  of  Gallway,  or  in 
anv  court  of  record  now  or  at  any  tyme  hereto- 
fore holilen  or  kc])t  in  any  tittie,  borrough  or 
'towne  incorporated  within  our  said  kingdonie  6i' 
Ireland.  ANU  our  furtlicr  will  and  pleasure  is, 
aiul  wee  doe  by  these  presents,  for  us,  our  heires 
and  successors,  grant,  restore,  ratiiic  and  confirm 
to  tlie  aforesaid  mayor,  sherift's,  free  burgesses 
and  comnionaltie  of  the  said  towne  and  county  of 
tlie  towne  of  Gallway,  and  theire  successors  for 
ever,  all  the  manners,  messuages,  houses,  chan- 
tries, lands,  tenements,  wastes,  waste  grounds, 
commons,  pastures,  purpresturcs,  reversions,  rents, 
services  and  hereditaments  whatsoever,  which  in 
Hnd  upon  the  two  and  twentycth  day  of  October, 
in  the  yearc  of  our  Lord  1611,  were  lawfully 
held,  possessed  or  enjoyed  by  the  mayor,  sheriffs, 
.free  burgesses  and  conimonaltie  of  the  said 
towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of  Gallway  in 
theire  politique  capacity,  and  alsoe  all  and  all 
•Bianner  a.nd  such  and  the  same  liberties,  franchises, 
tV--;'  cuiiloiiies.  ini.nunities,  usuages,  exemptions, 
€:.!.-;e'..'ipnts,  jurisdictions,  fairs,  marketts,  courts 
-t)f  j'vpov.-der,  weyres,  fishings,  waters,  weyes, 
wJiaifes,  keyes,  customes,  tolls,  pickage,  stallage, 
.passage,  pontage,  paveagc,  goods  and  chattels 
■Wiiyvcd,  straves,  treisure-trove,  profitts,  com- 
modities advantages,  benefitts,  enioluments,  li- 
'berfies,  powers,  authorities,  priviledges,  duties, 
rights  and  liercditaments,  lawfully  had,  held, 
iisod,  received,  possessed  and  enjoyed  by  the 
mayor,  slieriffs,  free  burgesses  and  conmionaltie 
©f  tlie  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of 
Gallway,  in  or  upon  the  said  two  and  twentj'eth 
day  of  October,  in  the  yeare  of  our  Lord  God 
36 it,  by 'force  and  virtue  of  any  charters  or 
letters  patents  heretofore  made,  granted  or  con- 
firmed by  any  of  our  royal  predecessors,  late 
kings  and  queens  of  England,  by  whatsoever 
name  or  names,  or  by  whatsoever  incorporation 
they  have  beeen  incorporated  or  knowne,  or  by 
force  and  virtue  of  any  lawfull  right,  title  or 
acquisition,  purchase,  usage,  custome,  prescrip- 
tion, or  other  lawfull  meanes  whatsoever,  althougli 
thev  are  or  any  of  them  have  beene  abused, 
disused  or  discontinued  :  wherefore  wee  will,  and 
by  these  presents  for  us,  our  heires  and  suc- 
cessors, doe  strictly  enjoyne  and  •  command,  that 
the  mayor,  sherift's,  free  burgesses  and  conunon- 
altie  of  the  said  towne  and  tounty  of  the  towne 
of  Gallwaj',  and  theire  successors  for  ever,  shall 
and  may  full)',  freely  and  entirely  have,  hold,  use 
and  enjoy  all  the  liberties,  free  customes,  privi- 
ledges, authorities, 'jurisdictions,  frcedomes,  man- 
nors,  niessuages,  chauntries,  lands,  tenements, 
commons,- pastures,    fishings,    wieres    and    here- 


ditaments aforesaid,  according  to  the  tenor,  cfTect, 
true  intent  and  meaneing  of  these  our  letters 
patents,  without  the  lett,  impeachment  or  hin- 
derance  of  us,  our  heires  or  successors,  or  any 
of  the  oflicers  or  ministers  of  us,  our  heires  or 
successors  whatsoever,  willing  that  the  .-aid 
mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  comnionaltie 
of  the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne  of 
Gallway^  or  theire  successors,  or  any  of  them, 
be  not,  at  any  tyme  hereafter,  impleaded,  mo- 
lested, vexed,  greeved,  or  any  wise  troubled  for, 
or  by  reason  of,  the  premises,  or  any  of  them,  by 
us,  our  lieires  or  successors,  or  the  justices, 
sheriffs,  escheators,  bayliffs,  coroners,  or  other 
officers  or  members  whatsoever,  of  us,  our  heires 
or  successors  :  SAVEING,  nevertheless,  to  every 
person  and  persons,  theire  heires  and  a'signes, 
who  have  or  claime  any  lands,  tenements  or  here- 
ditaments formerly  belongeing  to  the  said  corpo- 
ration of  Gallway,  in  theire  politique  capacity, 
by  force  and  virtue  of  any  letters  patents,  under 
the  greate  scale  of  Ireland,  grounded  on  any 
certificates  passed  by  our  late  commissioners  of 
our  court  of  claj'mes  sitting  at  Dublin,  all  such 
estate,  right,  tytle  and  interest  as  they,  theire 
heires  and  assignes  have,  or  ought  to  "have,  in 
law  or  equity,  of,  in  and  unto  such  lands,  tene- 
ments and  hereditaments,  by  force  and  \iitue  of 
such  certific^ates  and  letters  patents  made  unto 
them  in  manner  as  aforesaid  :  SAVEING  alsoe 
unto  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Hamilton,  the  widow  and 
relict  of  James  Hamilton,  esqre.  one  of  the 
groomes  of  our  bedchamber,  lately  deceased,  her 
heires  and  assignes,  all  such  estate,  riglit,  title 
and  interest  as  shee  and  they  have  in  and  unto 
any  the  lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments  for- 
merly belongeing  unto  the  said  corporation  of 
Gallway,  and  which  were  lately  granted  by  us 
unto  the  said  Elizabeth,  her  heires  and  ussigni-s, 
by  certcyne  letters  patents,  under  our  greate  scale 
of  Ireland,  beareing  date  the  5th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, which  was  in  the  five  and  twentyeth  yeare  of 
our  reigne :  saveing  alsoe  unto  collonell  Theo- 
dorus  Kussell,  his  heires  and  assignes,  all  such 
estate,  right,  tytle  and  interest  as  the  said  Theo- 
dorus  Russell,  as  assignee  to  the  said  Elizabeth 
Hamilton,  hath  or  ought  to  have,  in  law  or  equity, 
in  and  unto  the  duties,  customes,  fees  and  percjui- 
sitts  of  the  marketts  of  Gallway,  together  with 
the  markett-house  there,  lately  mortgaged  by 
the  corporation  of  Gallway  to  John  Blake,  esqre. 
late  recorder  of  Gallway,  for  the  sume  of  ^+00 
sterling,  and  in  and  unto  the  charter  and  petty 
customes  of  Gallway,  lately  mortgaged  by  the 
said  cor[)oration  unto  Nicholas  Blake  and  Gregory 
Lynch,  and  others,  for  the  sum  of  ji  2000  stcrlinjr, 


APPENDIX. 


liii 


•dW  which  said  charter,  markctts,  petty  duties  and 
customes,  were  lately,  anion;,'st  other  thin<;s,  grant- 
ed by   us   unto   the  said  Elizabeth  Hamilton,  her 
heircs  and  assignes,  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  and 
by  her  assigned,  articled  and  agreed  to  be  assigned 
unto  the   said  Tlieodorus  Itussell,  his   licires   and 
assignes,  for   a  greate  and  valuable  consideration 
layd   out   and  paid  by   him   for  the  same,   at  the 
instance  and  de>irf  of  the  said  corporation  :   AND, 
therefore,  our   will    and    pleasure  is,  and  wee  do 
hereb}'  ordeyne  and  appoint,  that  the  said  mayor, 
gheritt's,   free   burgesses    and   connnonalty    of  our 
said  ton'ne  and  county  of  our  towne  of  Gall«ay, 
doe  accordingly,  for  themselves   and   theirc  suc- 
cessors,   covenant,    promise,  grant  and    agree  to 
and  with  us,  our  heires  and  successors,  that  neither 
they,  the  said  mayor,  sherilfs,  free  burgesses  and 
commonaltie,  nor   theire  successors,  nor  'any    of 
them,    nor    any    person    or    persons    whatsoever 
claymeing  the  premises,  or  any  parte  thereof,  b}', 
from  or  under  them,  or   any  of  them,  or  by  and 
with  theire  privity  or  procurement,  shall  or  will, 
by  virtue  of  these  presents,  or  otherwise,  demand, 
levyc,  collect  or  receive  any  of  the  charter,  markett 
and  petty  duties  or  customes  aforesaid,   or  any  of 
them,  or  wittingly  or  willingly  interrupt,  molest  or 
disturb,  or  give  any   interruption  or  disturbance, 
at  any  time,   unto  the  said  Theodorus  Russell,  his 
heires    or   assignes,    or  his   or   theire    agent    and 
receivers,    in    levying,     collecting    and    receiving 
the  aforesaid   charter,  markett   and   petty   duties 
and  customes,  and  every   of  them,  untill  'he  aud 
they  shall  have  first  levyed,  collected  and  receivsd 
out  of  all  and  singular  the  issues,  perquisitts  and 
profitts  which  shall  arrisc  out  of  the  said  charter, 
markett  and  petty  duties  and  customes  of  the  said 
towne  of  Gallway,  to  his  and  theire  own  use,  the 
full    and  entire   sume   of   £2500  sterling,    which 
hath  beene  expended  by  him  in  purchaseiug  in  the 
«aid  charter,  markett  and  petty  duties  and  customes 
from  the  said  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Hamilton,  in  manner 
as  aforesaid  ;  and  alsoe  -all  such  other  sume  and 
sunies  of  money  as  he,  the  said  Theodoras  Ptussell, 
shall   upon  oath   account   to  have  expended  and 
lavd  out  in  and  concerning  the  same,  and  until! 
the  said  mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  aud  com- 
monaltie   of  our  said  towne   and    county   of  our 
towne  of  Gallway  shall  likewise  have  satisfyed  and 
paid  unto  the  said  Theodorus  Russell,  eitJier  out 
lof  the   issues    and   profitts    of   the    said    charter, 
-markett  and  petty  duties  and  customes  aforesaid, 
or  otherwise,  the  full  sume  of  ^  300  sterling  over 
and    above    his    disbursement,    as    a    reasonable 
compensation  of  his    greate   paines    and   trouble 
undergone  on  the   behalfe  and  for    the  good    of 
'  that  corporation  ;  and  from  and  after  such  satis- 
^faction  of  the  sumes  aforesaid  to  the  said  Theo-' 


dorus    Russell,    his   heires    or    assignes,   the   said 
charter,  markett  and  petty  duties  and  customes  of 
the   said    towne    to    remaine   to  the   saiil  mayor, 
hherift's,  free   burgesses  and    connnonaltie   of   the 
said    towne,  and   theire   successors,  to  such   uses 
whcrcunto  the  same  were  by  any  former  clnirtcr 
of  the  said   towne    granted    or  designed.     AND 
our   further  will   and    pleasure    is,    and  wee  doe 
licrcby   will  and  reciuire   our   lieutenant,   deputy, 
and  every  other,   our    chiefe    governour   and   go- 
vernours  of  our  said  rcalme   of  Ireland,  and  our 
jirivy  councill  there,  for  the  tyme  being,  tluit  they, 
and   every   of  them,  doe  take  care  tlwt  the  said 
mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses   and    connnonaltie 
of  our   said  towne   of  Gallway,    and    theire    suc- 
cessors, doe  duely  and  truely  observe,  performe, 
fulfill   and   keepe  the  severall  articles  and  agree- 
ments by  them  made  with  us  for  satialVing  the  said 
Theodorus    Russell    in   manner  as   aforesaid,  and 
that  they  pursue  all  fitting  meanes  for  his  securitie, 
and  keepe  him  in  the  quiett  and  full  possession  of 
the  said  duties  and  customes,  either  by  an  annual 
electing  of  hiai  into  the  office  or  place  of  mayor 
of  the   said  cori)oration,  in   succession,  untill    he 
be  satisfied  all  and  singular  the  aforesaid   sumes 
and    engagements,    or    otherwi.se  by    such    other 
reasonable  and  fitting  wayes  and  meanes  as   they 
shall  judge  to  be  most  expedient  ancfconduceing 
to, the  end  and  purposes  aforesaid.     AND   FUR- 
THER of  our  more  ample  grace,  certayne  know- 
ledge and'  meere   motion,  bj'  and  with  the  advice 
and  consent  atbresaid,  wee  doe,  by  these  presents, 
for  us,  our  heires  and  successors,  grant  unto  the 
said   mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  common- 
altie of  the  said  towne  and  county  of  the  towne 
of  Gallway,  and  theire   successors  for  ever,  that 
these  our  letters  patents,  or  the  eixrolhnent  thereof, 
and  every   clause   and  article  therein  conte3ned, 
shalbe    construed,    interpretted  and   adjudged   to 
the    greatest   advantage,    benefitt  and   favour   of 
the  said  mayor,  sheriffs,  free  burgesses  and  com- 
monaltie of  -our  said    towne   and   county  of  our 
towne  of  Gallway,  and  theirc  successors,  against 
us,  our  heires  and  successors,  as  well  in  all  our 
courts  in  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland   as    else- 
where wheresoever,  without  any  other  confirmation, 
license  or  tolleration  liereafter  to  be  procured   or 
obteyued,  notwithstanding  any  defect  or  defects 
whatsoever  in  these  our    letters    patents,  or  any 
other   cause,    uiatter  or   thing  whatsoever  to  the 
contrary  thereof,  although  noe   express  mention, 
iSrc.  and  wee  further   will,  &c.  without  fine  in  our 
hanaper,  <i-c.  provided  ahi  ise  that  these  our  letters 
patents  be  eurolled  in  the  rolls  of  oin-  high  court  of 
chancery  in  our  said  kingdome  of  Ireland,  within  the 
space  of  six   monthes  next   ensuing    the   date  of 
these  presents  ;  any  statute,  &c.  in  witness  whereof 


liv 


APPENDIX. 


wiic    have   caused   tlicse   our  letters   to  be  niadb  appoint  to  take  possession  of  tlip  snmf  ;  nntl   tliat 

patent.     AVitnci^s  our  aforesaid  lieutenant  generall  the  governor  shall  withdraw  all  tin-  caniKr.i  irom 

and    generall   governor  of  our  said   kingdonic    of  the  wall. 
Ireland,  at  Dublin,  the    Mth    day  of  August,  in  '""^    '^ 


IV.  That  till  the  town  is  siirreiuleicd  as  al'ine- 
said,  the  general  may  order  such  \\url-.>  and 
batteries  to  be  made  as  lie  shall  judge  convciuml, 
provided  he  dolh  not  bring  them  within  three 
yards  of  the  wall,  nor  the  guns  within  ten  yardi 
of  the  batteries  ;  and  that  in  the  town  tiicy  ^hall 
not  proceed  to  work  to  fortify  the  same  any 
further. 

V.  In  consideration  of  the  said  rendition,  hii 
excellency  gives  leave  to  lieutenant-general  U'Us- 
sone,  iMonsieur  IVIetlett,  commissary  of  war,  and 
the   rest  of  the  French   officers  and  soldiers,  and 

Gullelmus  et  Maria  Dei  gratia,  Anglie,  Scocie,  others  of  that  nation,  now  in  Galway,  to  go  to 
rrancie  et  Hibernie,  Rex  et  Regina,  fidei  defen-  Limerick,  with  their  arms,  bagg  and  baggage, 
sores,  &c.  Omnibus  ad  quos  pra-sentes  lite're  nostre  "hither  they  shall  be  safely  conducted  the  nciucst 
pervencrint,   salutem.    Inspeximus  irrotulamentum     ^J^-iy  ;    ^ni\,  in  case  that  the  said  lieutenant-general 


the  nine  and  twentyeth  yeare  of  our  reygne 

Irrpl  21°.  die  Aagiisii.  anno  renni  Regis  Carole 
II.  licesimo  nono. 


Number  IX. 

Articles  of  Gnhxaxf   exemplified,    and   confirmed  hij 
their  Majesties  King  William  and  Queen  Marij. 


quarumdam  llterarum  patcntiuni,  de  continnatione 
gerenda,  et  apud  Westmonasterium  IT  die  Febru- 
arii  ultimo  pretcrito,  in  curia  cancellarla  nostra, 
irrotulata  ac  ibidem  recorda  remanente  in  hec 
verba. — William  and  Mary,  by  the  grace  of  God, 
&c.  To  all  whom  these  presents  shall  come, 
geeting. — WHEREAS  certain  articles,  bearing 
date  the  one  and  twentyeth  day  of  July  last  past, 
were  made  and  agreed  upon  by  our  trusty  and  well 
beloved Godert,  baron  dcGinckel,  lieutenant-gene- 
ral and  commander  in  chief  of  our  forces  in  our 
kingdom   of  Ireland,  and  the   constable   and   go 


D"Ussone  shall  want  horses  to  carrj',  his  equipage 
thither,  the  general  will  furnish  him  with  tlniii. 
VI.  That  such  of  the  garrison  as  desire  it 
may  remain  in  town,  or  go  to  their  respective 
homes,  and  enjoy  the  benefit  of  this  capitulation  ; 
and  the  rest  shall  march  to  Limerick,  with  their 
arms,  six  pieces  of  cannon,  drums  beating,  culnurs 
flying,  match  liglited,  bullet  in  mouth,  and  a* 
much  ammunition  and  jirovisions  as  each  ollicer 
and  soldier  can  carry  with  him  ;  and  that  they 
shall  be  furnished  with  draft  horses  and  harness 
for  their  guns  if  they  want  tliem,  which  said  guns 


of    our    town   of    Galway,     in    our    said     they   shall  have   liberty  to  choose,  provided   they 
kingdom,  whereby  our  said  general  promises  that     take  none  above  twelve  pounders 
atifie    these    capitulations   within    the  VII.   That  the  wounded  and   si 


ck  officers  may 
tayjn  town  till  they  are  cured  ;  and  thattlien  they 
shall  be  sent  to  Limerick  with  a  safe  conduct, 
and,  in  the  mean  time,  shall  be  provided  in  town 
witli  necessaries  for  their  cure  and  subsistence. 

^TII.  That  the  governor,  constable,  mayor, 
sheriffs,  aldermen,  burgesses,  freemen  and  natives 
of  Galway,  and  the  inliabitants  thereof,  or  the 
reputed  ones  by  any  former  charter  or  reputed 
charter  of  king  .lames  II.  granted  before  his 
I.  That  the  town  and  fort  of  Galway  shall  be  abdication,  or  any  of  his  ancestors,  shall  have  a 
given  up  to  his  excellency,  or  such  officer  as  he  general  pardon  of  all  attainders,  outlawries,  trea- 
shall  apjioint,  on  Sunday  morning  next,  by  six  sons,  felonies,  preiuunires,  and  all  manner  of 
of  the  o'clock,  together  with  all  the  stores  of  am-  offences  connnitted  since  the  beginning  of  the 
munition  and  provision,  and  magazines  of  all  sorts,  said  king  James's  reign  to  the  date  Jiereof. 
without  embezzlement ;  and  that  immediately  upon         IX.  'I'hat  all  and  every  of  the  garrison,  officers, 


we  ^should  ratitie    tliese    caj 

space  of  three  monthes  from  the  date  thereof,  or 
sooner,  the  tenor  of  which  said  articles  is  as 
followeth,  viz. : 

Articles  granted  to  the  town  and  garrison  of 
Galway  by  lieutenant-general  Ginckel,  com- 
nnuider  in  chief  of  their  majesties'  forces, 
the  21st  of  July,   1631. 


the   signing-  these  articles,    such    person    as    tlie 
general  sliall  appoint  have  leave  to  inspect  them. 

II.  That  all  deserters  that  are  in  the  town 
shall    be  given  up. 

III.  That  immediately  after  signing  these 
articles,  all  the  out-works  of  the  town  shall  be 
♦Iclivered   to    such    officers    as    the   general    shall 


governor,  constable,  mayor,  sheriffs,  aldermen, 
burgesses,  freemen  and  inhabitants  aforesaid,  shall 
enjoy  and  possess  their  estates,  real  and  personal, 
and  all  otlier  liberties  and  immunities,  as  they 
held  or  ought  to  have  held  under  the  acts  of 
settlement  and  explanation,  or  otherwise,  by  the 
laws   of  the  kingdom,  freely  discharged   from  all 


APPENDIX. 


Iv 


crown  rents,  quit  rents  and  all  other  charges,  to 
the  date  hereof. 

X.  Tluit  tlie  names  of  the  Roman  Catlioh'c 
clergy  of  the  town  of  (Jahvay  be  given  to  the 
general  on  or  before  Tuesday  next,  and  tliat  they, 
as  well  as  the  laity  of  the  said  town,  shall  have 
the  private  exercise  of  their  religion,  and  tliat  the 
said  elersiy  shall  be  protected  in  their  persons 
and  good's. 

XI.  That  the  gentlemen  of  estates,  now  belong- 
ing to  the  town  and  garrison  of  Cilalway,  shall 
have  liberty  to  keep  a  gun  in  their  houses  for  the 
defence  of  the  same,  and  wear  a  sword  and  case 
of  pistols  if  they  think  fit. 

XII.  That  all  Roman  Catholic  lawyers  of  the 
said  town  shall  have  the  free  liberty  of  practice 
that  they  had  in  king  Charles  the  Second's  time. 

XIII.  That  such  of  the  otlicers  belonging  to 
any  of  the  regiments  that  are  now  in  Gahvay,  and 
not  present  at  the  signing  of  these  capitulations, 
shall  have  the  benefit  of  the  same,  provided  they 
shall  submit  withiu  three  weeks  to  the  governor  of 
Galway,  for  the  time  being,  who  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  general ;  or,  that  tliey  shall  have  a  sate 
conduct  to  go  to  Limerick,  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  said  garrison  liath. 

XIV.  That  such  other  persons  now  in  town  as 
desire  to  go  out  with  the  garrison,  or  such  part 
thereof  as  goes  to  Limerick,  shall  have  liberty  to 
do  so,  and  carry  their  families  and  goods  along 
with  them  ;  and  that  such  officers'  wives,  belonging 
to  the  said  garrison,  as  are  there,  or  in  any  part 
of  Connaugiit,  niay,  at  the  same  time,  depart 
with  their  goods,  or  at  any  other  convenient  time 
afterwards,  particularly  colonel  Edmund  Ryley's 
wife,  mother  and  family,  the  lady  Eveagh  and  her 
daughter,  and  lieutenant  colonel  Luke  Ryley,  his 
brother  Philip  Ryley,  their  wives  and  families. 

XV.  That  innuediately  all  acts  of  hostility  shall 
cease  on  both  sides  ;  and  that  if  it  shall  hapjien 
tliat  any  provoking  language  shall  pass  between 
tlie  soldiers,  they  shall  be  punished  by  their  re- 
spective ofncers  for  the  same,  and  not  i)ernutted  to 
fire  one  upon  anotlier. 

XVI.  That  for  the  due  performance  of  these 
articles,  llie  governor  shall  immediaitly  give  the 
persons  undernamed  for  hostages  : 

Earl  of  Clanricarde. 

Lord  Inniskillen. 

Colonel  Dominiek  Browne. 

Lieutenant-colonel  Bodkin. 

IVIajor  Dillon. 
Lastly,     the    general    promises    to    have    these 
caiiituUitious  ratified  by  tlieir  majesties,  M-ithiii  the 
space  of  three   nu)nt!is  from  the  date  hereof,  or 
sooner  if  possible. 


Signed  and  sealed,  the  day  above  mentioned,  by 
the  conmiander  in  chief  of  their  majesties'  forces, 
and  the  constable  and  governor  of  the  said  town, 
interchangeably. 

Baron  de  Ciiuckell. 

I  Dillon. 
The  other  part  by   -'  Clanricarde. 
(  Inniskillen. 

Signed  and  sealed,  in  the  presence  of, 

Dominiek  Browne.  Oliver  O'Gara. 

John  Bodkin.  William  B(nn-ke. 

Thomas  Dillon.  Anthony  O'Doghcrtv. 

James  Skelton,  Robert  Lynch. 

James  O'Bryan.  Bryan  O  Keilc. 

Hugh  Doglierty.  Hugh  O'Neile. 

John  Stephenson.  John  Doghert\. 

And  wlicreas  the  said  town  of  Galway  liath 
been  since,  in  pursuance  of  the  said  articles, 
surrendered  unto  us;  know  ye  that  we,  having 
considered  of  the  said  articles,  are  graciously 
pleased  hereby  to  declare  that  we  do,  as  far  as  in  us 
lies,  ratilie  and  confirm  the  same,  and  every 
clause,  matter  and  thing  therein  contained ;  and 
as  to  such  part  thereof  for  which  au  act  of  par- 
liament shall  be  found  to  be  necessary,  we  shall 
recommend  the  same  to  be  made  good  by  parlia- 
ment, and  shall  give  our  royal  assent  to  any  bill 
or  bills  that  shall  be  passed  by  our  two  houses  of 
parliament  for  that  purpose :  Provided  alwa3s, 
and  our  will  and  pleasure  is,  that  these  our  letters- 
patents  shall  be  enrolled  in  our  court  of  chancery 
in  our  said  kingdom  of  Ireland,  within  one  year 
next  ensuing. — In  witness  whereof  Me  have  caused 
these  our  letters  to  be  made  patent.  Witness 
ourselves,  at  Westminster,  the  17th  day  of 
February,  in  the  fourth  year  of  our  reign. 


Pci-  hrexe  de  jjrhalo  sigillo. 


Snow. 


Xos  autem  tenorcm  pra^missorum  pr.xdictorum 
ad  requisitioiiem  atturuati  gencralis  Domini,  Regis 
et  Dominx  Reginae  pro  regno  Hyberniic  duxinms 
exeni])lllicandum,  per  presentcs.  In  cujus  rei 
testimonium  has  litteras  nostras  fieri  facimus 
patentes.  Testibus  nobis  ipsis  apud  \Vestmonas- 
teriuui,  (juinto  Aprilis,  anno  regni  eorum  quarto. 

Bridges. 

Examinatur.  fS.  Keck.  7  I"  Cancel, 

per  nos,      |Lacon  Wra.  Childe.  J|^  Magistros. 

Inrollcd  4th  February,  fourth  year  of  William 
and  r^Iary,  part  2,  innuediately  befoi-e  the  Articles 
of  Limerick. 


Ivi 


APPENDIX. 


KuMBEIl   X. 

J  Schedule  of  all  such  Ingateand  Outgnte  Customes, 
Tolls  and  otlterD7ities,ii;hicli,  hy  agreement  behveen 
the  Corporation  and  MercJiants  of  the  Town  of 
Galxvay,  are  for  the  Jliture  to  be  paid  in  liett  of 
the  former  I'olls  and  Customs. 

Martis  13".  die  Aprilis,  1762. 

Out  of  every  Winchester  barrel  containing  four 
luislicls  or  twenty  stones  ol'  wheat,  or  nical  of 
wheat,  to  pay  2d.  and  so  in  proportion  for  a 
lesser  quantity.  Every  such  barrel  of  bere,  barley, 
malt,  or  meal  of  barley  or  here,  to  pay  \d.  and  so 
in  proportion  for  a  lesser  quantity.  Every  such 
barrel  of  oats,  or  fourteen  stones,  or  four  bushels 
of  oatenmeal,  \d.  and  so  in  proportion  for  a  lesser 
quantity.  The  above  to  be  paid  in  lieu  of  the 
tolls  liitherto  taken  out  of  said  grain'  or  meal. 
All  the  above  grain  or  meal  to  pay,  besides  in- 
gateage,  one  halfpenny  per  barrel  ;  the  said  grain 
and  meal  to  pay,  according  to  act  of  parliament,, 
per  barrel  for  weighing,  provided  the  same  be 
weighed.  All  corn  bought  in  the  country  by 
malsters,  or  any  other  private  persons,  to  pay  \d. 
per  barrel  gateage  or  custom,  and  no  other  duty, 
provided  it  is  not  weighed  in  the  market-house  : 
the  malsters  to  be  sworn  before  the  mayor  to  give 
a  just  return  of  all  bere,  oats  and  barlc}',  at  the 
request  of  the  toll  gatherers.  For  every  cow, 
bullock,  bull  or  ox  to  be  slaughtered  for  market, 
to  pay  2d.  For  every  cow.  bullock,  bull  or  ox 
slaughtered  for  exportation,  to  pay  \d.  For  every 
sheep  to  be'  slaughtered  for  market  to  pay  one 
halfpenny,  ar;d  the  same  for  a  veal.  For  every 
carcass  of  beef  slaughtered  within  the  liberties, 
and  brought  into  town  to  be  sold,  to  pay  Id.  and 
those  without  the  liberties  to  pay  '6d.  For  every 
sheep  to  he  slaughtered  within  tlie  liberties,  and 
brouj^ii'i  into  the  town  to  be  sold,  to  pay  \d.  For 
every  calf  one  farthing.  For  every  large  hog  \d. 
For  every  small  hog  one  hall'penny.  F'or  every 
goat  If/.  For  every  kid  one  halfpenny,  and  for 
every  lamb  one  halfpenny.  For  everj'  raw  hide 
brought  into  the  town  to  be  sold,  or  to  be  sold  in 
the  suburbs,  \d.  For  every  tanned  hide  brought 
into  the  town  to  be  sold,  or  to  be  sold  in  tlie 
sid)urbs,l£/.  No  custun;  fur  the  tanned  hides  tanned 
within  the  suburbs,  bought  of  tanners  living  within 
the  suburbs,  or  brought  into  the  town  to  be 
fiworn  before  the  mayor.  F'or  every  hundred 
vcight  of  rendered  tallow  brought  into  the  town 
to  be  sold  to  pay  2(/.  every  half  hundred  \d. 
less  to  pay  in  proportion.  For  every  Iiundred 
weight  cask  of  butter  \d.  F'or  a  large  cask  of 
butter  Id.  and  so  in  proportion.  F'or  every  bag 
of  wool,  five  hundred  weight.  Ad.  F'or  every  bag 
^"  ditto  from  three  hundred  to  live  hundred  weight 


3f/.  For  every  bag  of  ditto  from  one  hundred  t» 
three  hundred  weight  Id.  For  e\  ery  single  stone  It/, 
and  so  in  proportion  downwards. —  N.  15.  custom 
for  feathers  as  for  wool. — ^^For  every  bag  of  hops 
to  be  sold  3</.  For  every  pocket  of  iiops  2(/. 
For  every  half  bag  of  ditto  2(/.  For  every  ho^^e-load 
of  bark  to  be  sold  at  the  market  \d.  For  every 
horse-load  of  ditto  to  be  delivered  to  the  taniiert 
one  halfpenny.  For  ever}'  hogshead  of  wine  or 
spirits  brought  into  the  town  by  land  carriage  to 
pay  'id.  For  every  pipe  or  butt  of  ditto  to  pay  GJ. 
For  every  quarter  cask  or  half  hogshead  of  ditto  to 
pay  'id.  For  every  l>ogshead  of  cider  to  be  sold 
2d.  For  every  hogshead  of  porter  '6d.  For  every 
hogshead  of  oil  i>d.  For  every  half  ditto  2d.  For 
every  hundred  stones  of  Spanish  iron  Is.  and  less 
in  proportion.  For  every  load  of  fish  going  into 
the  country  to  pay_lf/.;  a  lesser  quantity  to  pay  one 
halfpenny.  For  every  car-load  of  soap  to  pay  3d. 
For  every  load  of  soap  to  pay  2d.  F'or  every 
car-load  of  merchants'  goods  coming  from  any 
other  province  and  brought  into  the  town  to  pay  St?. 
and  no  more.  For  every  car-load  of  goods  not 
specified  in  this  schedule,  and  which  has  hitlierto 
paid  custom  coming  from  the  province  od'unnawht 
into  the  town,  to  pay  It/,  and  no  more.  For  e\ery 
car-load  of  goods  going  out  of  the  gates  to  pay  2(1. 
and  every  horse-load  to  pay  I  ;</.  ;  nollung  under 
fifty  pounds  weight  to  pay  any  tiling. 

All  the  aforesaid  duties  and  gateage  arc  agreed 
to  be  given  in  lieu  for,  and  so  long  as  no  charter 
duties  shall  be  demanded  by  the  corporation  oxx 
goods  imported  into  said  town,  or  exported  from 
it,  and  no  longer,  it  being  the  intent  to  ease  and 
improve  the  trade  of  said  town,  for  the  mutual 
advantage  of  both  town  and  country,  to  establish 
peace  and  harmony  in  said  town,  as  also  to  declare 
that  no  goods  imported  or  expo- ted  by  sea  to  or 
from  Galn-aiy,  and  which  shall  pay  the  king's 
duties,  shall  be  chargeable  with  any  ingate  customs, 
tolls  or  duties,  (fish  as  aforesaid  only  excepted  ;) 
neither  ai-e  any  provisions  coming  into  or  going 
out  of  said  town,  for  the  private  use  of  any 
resident  in  said  towUj  to  pay  any  gateage,  custom, 
toll  or  duty  ;  neither  shall  there  be  anj'  gateage, 
custom,  toll  or  duty  paid  for  any  turt',  milk,  eggs, 
poultry,  fresh  butter  in  rolls  or  prints,  hay  or 
straw;  nor  shall  any  fish  coming  from  the  Cladaqrrh, 
to  be  sold  in  the  public  fish-market,  be  liable  or 
chargeable  with  any  custom,  toll  or  duty  of  any 
kind,  either  at  the  gate  or  at  the  market.  Timber 
of  all  kinds  going  into  the  town,  or  for  the  use  of 
the  town,  for  ships  or  boats,  are  to  pay  nothing  ; 
small  parcels  of  boards  to  pay  nothing  ;  five  to  pay 
one  lialfpenuy,  ten  one  penny,  fit'teen  three  half- 
pence, and  a  carload  two-pence.  Liquors  under 
a  dozen  bottles  to  pay  nothing,  and  to  pay  one 
farthing  a  dozen  if  under  a  horse-load. — Com.  Jour. 


/  A'  D  E  X. 


Ai1mlr:ilty  of  tlic  bay  of  Galway,  28  j,  note. 

AghiK'nure  castle  suriji-iscj  by  Morougli  ua  duhh  O'Flahcrty, 

109. 
Albanagh,     Sir   WiUiam    de     Burgh,     tlie    firit    M'Willlam 

oughtcr,  so  called,  56. 
Altars  in  St.  Nicholas'  cliurch,  24C,  note. 
Amicable  society,   312. 
Ann:igli'io"ii,  ancient  dioccss  of,  68. 
An.igfiVecne,  Sir   William  de    Burgh  of,   the  first  M'William 

eigliter,  55 ;  takes  possession  of  Galway,  56. 
Ancient  records  of  Ireland  destroyed,  o'i. 
Ardfrv,   Sii    Richard   Blake's   house  at,  pillaged    by  captain 

Willoughby,  IIJ,   119. 
Arm.ida,  Spanish,  one  of  the  vessels  wrecked  in  the  bay,  93  ; 

several  Spaniards  beheaded  by  the  lord  deputy,  ib.;  humanity 

of  the  town's  people,  ib.  note. 
Arms  of  Galway,  25,  57;   mile,  197. 
Airan,    Islands  of,  5,  52.  C3,  82,   207,  addenda. 
Articles  upon  the  submission  of  Galway,  114,  note;  upon  the 

s-.nrcnder  of  St.   Augustine's  fort,    121,  note;  of  the  town 

to  Coote,  13J;   and  to  Ginckle,  151. 
Assizes  first  established  in  Corinauglit,  98,  note. 
Athenry  suppoed  to  be  ancient  city  of  the   Auterii,  mentioned 

by    I'tolemy,   SS  ;   murage   charter  granted    to,    49,    note; 

battle   of,    54  ;    burned   by    the    Mac-an-Earlas,    87  ;    im- 
provements undertaken,  94,  twte ;  plundered  and  burned  by 

Hugh  run'lh  O'Donnell,  ib. 
Athlone  bridge  built,  39,  note. 
Alhy,   family  of,   6,  7,  25,  54. 
Attornies,  314,  note. 
A-Jghrim,  battle  of,    1 56. 
Augustine's,  St.  fort  built,  97  ;  surrendered,  121  ;  demolished, 

1 22. 
Augusiinian  friary,  278  ;  nunnery,  278. 
Aubcba,  bay  of  Galway  according  to  Ptolemy,  5. 

Hallinasloe,   fairs  of,  2S7,  note. 
Ballymanagh,  fort  of,  built,    102. 
i;aireti.  fanvily  of,  21,  25. 
l!av  of  G.ilwav,  4,   279. 
Bel'g.  fa.nilyof,  21. 

BeFlasysc,  Sir  Henry,  aijpnintod  governor  of  Galway,    IC2; 
his  description  of  tlir    I'apiyts,    IC-i  ;    elected   mav.ir,    ih.; 
accused  by  coIojil-1  I'uicell,  ib.   note. 
15ells  in  ,St.  Kicliolas'  church.  248,  »o(c 
lie-mingliam,  family  of,   21,   25. 

,   Richard  de,  defeats  Fedhlim  O'Conor,  54  ;  his 

warlike  character,  ib.  note. 

,  Sir  Richard,  governor  of  Connaught,  his  rigor 

and  exactions,  94. 
Wf.ck  petition  against  the  Catholics,  183,  note. 
r>Iake,  family  of^   7,  25,  50,  54. 


Blake,  Patrick,  esq.  of  Drum,  elected  inayor,  IBS;  dis- 
franchises several  non-resident  freemen,  ib. :  oppposed  by 
Denis  Daly,  esq.  ib. 

,   Sir  Walter,  his  petition  to  William  III.  IC2,  note. 

Bodkin,  family  of,   S,   25,  50. 

IJophin,  castle   of,    built  by  Cromwell,  165;    surrenders,    ib . 

Boundaries  of  the  county  of  Galwav,  99,   note. 

Bridge  of  Galway  built.  57. 

Browne,  family  of,   10,   25. 

Bruce,  Edward,  invades  Ireland,  53 ;  defeats  the  earl  of 
Ulster  and  Fedlilim  O'Conor,  54. 

Burgh,  Sir  William  leigl,  de,  founds  the  Franciscan  abbev, 
Galway,  54  ;  defeats  Fedhlim  O  Conor,  ib. ;  his  death  and 
issue,  ib. 

Burgo,  William  Fitz-Andelra  de,  ancestor  of  the  family  of 
Clanricarde,  arrives  in  Ireland,  44  ;  obtains  a  graiit  of 
Connaught  from  Hen.  II.  45  ;  his  fame  and  power,  ib. ;  his 
death,  ib. 

,    Richard    de,    obtains    a    grant   of    Connaught    from 

Hen.  III.  46;  deposes  Turlouj^h,  and  establishes  Fedhlim 
O'Conor,  ib. ;  afterwards  defeats  Fedhlim,  and  takes  him 
prisoner,  48  ;  builds  several  additions  to  the  castle  of 
Galway,  and  fortifies  the  town,  ib. ;  dies,  ib. 

.   M'alter,  &c.  defeated  by  Hugh  O'Conor,  49;  dies  in 

the  castle  of  Galway,  ib. ;  his  possessions  and  principal 
Anglo-Norman  tenants  in  Connaught,  51,  note. 

,     Richard  de,    the    red  earl   of  Ulster,    succeeds,   49  ; 

imprisoned  in  the  caslle  of  Dublin,  53,  note;  defeated  by 
Bruce,  54. 

Burke,  family  of,   21,   25,   44. 

,  colonel  John,  arrives  in  Galway,  119;  declares  against 

St.  Augustine's  fort,    1 20  ;  demolishes  it,  1 22. 
Butler,  family  of,  21,   25,   65. 
By-laws,  64,   83,  198. 

Castle  of  Galway  built,  39  ;  repaired  and  fortified,  47,  48. 
Catholic  clergy,  severe  tredtment  of,    134. 
Catholic   natives  and   inhabitants   admitlcfl   lo  their  freedom 
150,  151,  152  ;  detenninc  to  support  Janie-.  II.  154  ;  form 
t!ie    garrison,    ib. ;    turned    out    of    the    tow  n,    1 67  ;    re- 
admitted, 163;  again  turned  out,    170;  petition  to  parlia- 
ment, 183. 
Charles  II.  his  letter  to  the  mayor  of  Galway,   I25i;   letter  to 
restore  llie  ancient  inhabitants,  141;  his  ingr.alitude,  145; 
charter,  147. 
Charters  granted  to  the  corporation,  229. 
Claddagh,  account  of,   232,  note. 
Cl.m-na-gail,   English  settlers  in  Galway  so  called,  2. 
Clandonnells,  r.cpt  of  the,  21,  86. 
Ci.anfirgail,  ancient  district  of,  3. 
Clanmorris,  lord,  forced  into  rebellion,  Ilfi. 
Clanricarde,  origin  of  the  name,  55. 


INDEX. 


eianrJcaicle,  Sir  AVilliarn  de  Burgh,  the  last  M-William 
eightcr,  created  carl  oC,  SI  ;  cicliuled  from  all  power  iu 
Galway,  SS. 

,  Rickard,  carl  of,  first  lord  president  of  Connauglit, 

G9,  ?iii(i';  nppointed  governor  of  Galway,  102. 

• ,  Ulick,  manjuis  of,  his  care  to  secure  tlie  puhlic 

peace,  lOJ;  liis character,  ih.  Hoft' ;  composes  the  ililTcrenccs 
between    the    town  j'.ncl   fort,    110;    reduces  the  town   to 
ohei'ience,  111;  succeeds  Ormond  as  lord  deputy  of  Ireland 
I'-'T. 
Clare    Galway    .ahbey    and    castle    Iiuilt,    44,    nolt- ;     castle 
garrisoned,    112;  surprised  by  captain   Burke,   IJO;  taken 
by   Coote,  l'J8. 
riare,    Kicliard  dc,  war  belwecn  him  and  de  Bnrgo,  53. 
Clarence,  duke  of,  marries  l^^lizabetli,   heiress   of  the  carl  of 
Ulster,  57  ;  lays  claim  to  Galway,  ib ;  his  issue,  ib.  noU-; 
inquisition  taken  after  his  death,  ib. 
Clillbrd,   Sir  C'onycrs,  jjresident  of  Connaught,  04,  nutc. 
Cogr.ii,    :\Iilo,  defeated  in  Coimaught,  44. 
Collegiate  church,  233  ;  seal,  ib  ;  chapel,  254. 
Cole,   Elisha,    .\.M.  89;    note;  252. 
Coleman,  family  of,  21. 
Colony,     Dutch,    proposes    to     settle     near    Galway,     101  ; 

frustrated,   102. 
Ccmraercc  of    Galway,  51,  58,  67,   83,    lOG,    138;  declines, 

174;   causes  misrepresented,  286  ;  chamber  of,  200. 
Con)mnn  council,  listof,    187,  note. 
Communication  between  Longh-Corriband  the  sea,  commonly 

colled  Lynch's  folly,  commenced,   70". 
Conflagration  in  the  town,  -11,  C5,   1G,   101. 
Connaught,    8,    99,    not':;    derivation   of  the    name,    ."2;  its 

misernble  situation,  45  ;  divided  into  counties,  91. 
Coote,    Sir    Charles,   del'eats  and  kills  the    R.  C.  archbi!.hop 
of  Tnnm.  1'2'J;  invests  Galw.iy,    1  2S  ;  proposes  conditions, 
l:>0;   town  surrenders,  1.32;  his  severities,    137. 
Corpovj;tion  disputes,    170,   227;  decayed  stiUe,   285. 
Corrib,  lough,   4,   279. 
Costume  of  the  Irish,   202,  nolt: 
Council  of  itate  assembles  in  Galway,  131. 
Craddock,  family  of,  21. 
Crean,  family  of,  21,  25. 

Cromwell,   Henry,  his  description  of  Galway,  23,   158. 
Customs  paid  in  the  town  previously  to  1400,  51,  note. 

Daly,  judge,  measures  taken   by  him   for  the  pacification  of 

the  country.   157. 
,  James,  esq.  of  Carrownekellv,  his  influence  in  Galway, 

187. 
,   Right  Hon.   Denis,    triumplis  over  corporation    oppo- 
sition,   1  89. 
,  .Tames,   esq.   of  Dunsandle,  opposition  against  him  in 

Galway,   \0X 
— — ,   Denis  Bowes,  esq.  disfranchised,  188,    note;  represents 

tile  tO"  n  in  luiriiament,  232. 
Danes,    their    barbarities,   39 ;    destroy    the    ancient    city    of 

Galway,  ib. 
IVarcy,  family  of,   11,  25. 

,  Patrick,   es(j.  addenda, 

l^icane,  f.imily  of,    12,   25,  G5. 

Desmond,  carl  of,  RG,  vol,: 

Disputes  between  the  archbishops  of  Tuam  and  the  collegiate 

clergy,  245,  256  ;  between  the  members  of  the  corporation, 

1 70,  227 ;    between   the  tribes  and   non-tribes,  '256,   258, 

2C0. 
Division   of   Ireland   by   Uebcr   .ind   Ileromon,  the  sons  of 

Milesius,  33. 
Dominican  friary,  270  ;  chapel    built,    ib  ;    nunnery,    277. 


Dune-bun  na  Gaillve,  castle  of  Galway,  so  called,  40. 
Dunio  Castle,  near  Ballinasloe,  built,  39. 

East-tower  gate  built,   103,  note. 

Education   of  the   Irish,  86,  ?iote ;    low    state  of  in    Ireland 

dniing  the  reigns  of  Henry  VIII.  and  Elizabeth,  He,   m...v  ; 

Edw.  IV.  his  charter  to  the  town,  65;    Edw.  VI.  his  charter] 

84;  declares  the  bull  of  Innocent  VIII.  void,  and  re-csu- 

blishes  the  collegiate  church,  240. 
Emon-n-Tuanc  Lynch,   57. 
Englisli  rap.acity  and  want  of  principle,  68,  note. 

mayor  and  sherifts  a))pointed,   136. 

Eocliaidh  reidhlioch,  monarch  of  Ireland,  divides  Connaught 

into  three  parts.  So. 
Essex,  earl  of,  describes  the  ruined  state  of  Galway,   146. 
Etymological  inquiries,    1. 

Excommunication  by  the  warden  of  Galway,   113,  yiole. 
Eyre,  Edward,  his  dispute  with  Robert  IMartin  of  Uoss,  142; 

accused  of  treasonable  words,  ib ;   acquitted   by  the   house- 

of  commons,    1 43  ;  his  answer,   ib.  ^lote ;    obtains  a  leaie 

from  the  corporation,  145,   note. 

,   Stratford,  esq.  governor  of  the  town,.  177;  his  returns 

on  the  state  of  the  fortifications,  ib  ;  complaints  of  hii  rigor, 

ISfr;  hiii  answers,  ib. 

Fairs,  patents  for  holding  at  Galway,  224,  note;  at  Balli- 
nasloe,   2S7,   7iotf. 

Falkland,  lord  deputy,  arrives  in  Galway,  102;  his  muni- 
ficence,  ib. 

Ffallon,  family  of,  21,  26,  65. 

Families  of  Galway  before  Henry  II.  6. 

Finei  paid  by  the  O'Conors,  M'Dcnnods,  O'Kellie*, 
O'Flcndegan  and  O'Fergill,  48,   49,  note. 

Fire-engine  much  w«med  in  Galway,  315,  note. 

Fishery,  salmon,  291;  licrring,  296  ;  sunfish,  cod  and  turbot, 
297. 

Fitton,  president  of  Connaught,  his  severities,  85. 

yitzp<atrick,  Richard,  esq.  M.  P.  supports  the  Daly  interest 
against  that  ot"  Eyre,   188. 

Fitzw  illiams,  lord  deputy,  his  cruelty,  93 ;  visits  Galway, 
receives  submissions  of  the  Irish  chieftains,  and  causes 
several  Spaniards  to  be  beheaded,  ib. 

Flaxseed  first  imported  into  Galway,  290,   note. 

Fleet,   East  India,  arrives  in  the  bay,   168,   190. 

I'font,  family  of,    13,  25,  50 

Foibes,  lord,  arrives  in  the  bay  of  G.alway,  116;  his 
brutal  conduct,    118. 

Fortifications  built,  122;  decayed  state  described,  177  f 
diraolished,    192. 

IVanciscan  friary,  264 ;   chapel  built,  267  ;  nunnery,  274. 

I'recmen,  non-resident,  decision  in  favor  of,  196. 

Ffrench,   family  of,    13,  25,    65. 

Gallimh  the  Irish  name  of  G.alway,   3. 

(ialls,  all  foreigners  so  called  by  the  ancient  Irish,    2. 

Galway,  derivation  of  the  name,  3,  4  ;  ancient  city  of,  de- 
stroyed by  the  Dunes  39  ;  rebuilt  ib.;  surrounded  with 
walls,  40;  modern  state,  279;  act,  172,  174;  supposed 
origin  of  the  family  name  of,  53,  note. 

Gaols,  300,   302. 

Genealogical  JMS.  9,  note. 

George  III.  accession  of,  1 83  ;  hopes  of  the  Irish  Catholics,  ib. 

Ginckle,  general,  resolves  to  beseige  Galway,  158  ;  sum- 
monses the  garrison,  160;  signs  articles,  161;  enters  ibe 
town,    162. 

Gloucester  city  remuncr.tted  by  sale  of  forfeited  houses  in 
Galway,   138. 


inde:^. 


Governor  of  Galway,  remarkable  anecdote  of  a,   12,  mite. 
Grana-weal,  troops  sent  to  besiege  ber  castle,  8G,   note. 
Green,  inclosed  and  planted  witli  trees,   103. 
Grey,  lord  deputy,  arrives  in  Galway,   8 1  ;  receires  submis- 
sions, ib.  ;  liis  exactions,  ib. 
Guild  of  mercbantb  uf  tbe  staple  cstablislied,   100. 

Ilackelt.   f.imily  of,  219,  nite. 

Hamilton,  Jlrs.  corporation  lands,  charter  and  market-duties 
granted  to,    l-iG. 

lU'iiiy  IV.  bis  charter,  63;   Henry  VIII.  bis  charter,  82. 

Ileylyn,  anecdote  respecting  Galway  by,  2i\ 

Hospital,  first  built  in  Higb-street,   77. 

of  St   Bridget  founded  in  the  east  suburbs,   31. 

Howard,  -\Ir.  visits  the  prisons,  infirmary,  charter  and  free- 
schools  at  Galway,   302,  304;  twle,  306,  311. 

Hy-Many  or  Maneach,  O' Kelly  king  of,  slain,  34,  note. 

Independence  of  Galway  asserted,  1  95. 

Innocent  VIII.  pope,  bis  bull  of  confirmation,  GS. 

Inquisition   concerning  the  O' Conor  family,  and  the  enrl  of 

Ulster,  52,  note;  dcfming  the  boundaries  of  the  county  of 

Galway,  99,  note;  finding  the  title  of  Cba.I.  to  Connaught, 

lOj,  note. 
Iretou,  his  letter  to  general  Preston,  128,  note;  to  tbe  citizens 

of  Galway,  129,  note;  Iheir  answer,  130,  note. 
Italian   traveller,  curious  observations  concerning  Galway  by 


James  I.  proclaimed  in   Galway,    97  ;    bis  letter  conccrnin-^ 

the  town,    98  ;  his  charter  99. 
James  II.  favors  the  ancient  inhabitants,  151  ;  ap])olats   lord 

Clanricardc,  governor,  152;  new  charter,  ib. ;  abstr.act  from 

it,    15.1,  note. 
Joyes,  or  Joyce,  family  of,   14,  25,  50. 
Joyce  country,  district  of,   15,   100,  note. 

Kelp,  287. 

Kent,  Nicholas,  his  project  to  plunder  Galway  and  Arran,  Go. 

Killala,    French  land  at,   191  ;  general    Hutchinson  enabled, 

by  the  merchants  of  Galway,  to  march  against  the  enemy,  ib. 
Kirwan,  family  of,    IG,  1.5. 
.  Patrick,  fir^l  reformed  warden,  84;  Richard,  (iditcnda; 

rev.  Walter   15.  Kirwan,  ib. 
Knights  templars,   274. 
Knocktuadh,  battle  of,   77. 

Lacy,   Hugo  de,  defeated  in  Connought,  45. 

Ladies  of  Galway,  SI 5. 

L.ambert,  f;miily  of,  21. 

Licentiousness  of  the  country  gentlemen,   9G ;  resolutions  of 

tbe  corporation  thereon,  ib. 
Limerick,  customs  paid  in,  before  1300,  inferior  to  those  p.aid 

in  Galway,   51,   note;  jealousies  between  the   merchants  of 

both  places,  GO  ;   hostilities  between  tbe  city  and  town,  78  ; 

curious  iu-ticles  of  peace,  ib.  note;   further  jealousies,  79. 
Longevity,  instances  of,  207,   note;  2b I,  jtote. 
Lorrain,  duke  of,  bis  treaty,    127. 
Lougbrea  castle  built,  48,  7iole. 
Loyalty   of    the    inhabitants  of  Galway,  88,   123,   125,   141, 

if  5,    190. 
Ludlow,  bis  correspondence  with  Sir  Richard  Blake,   131. 
Lurgan-loch  supposed  to  liave  been  the  bay  of  Galway,  4. 
Lynch,  family  of,   1 7,  25,  2G,  50. 
■  Jolni,  bis  description  of  Galway,  23  ;  account  of  bis 

life  and  writings,    achUnda. 
Jlac-an-Karlas,  driven  into  rebellion,  85  ;  harrass  the  town, 

ib. ;  destroy  the  country,  86  ;  submit,  ib. ;  sent  prisoners  to 


Dublin,  ib. ;  liberated  and  again  take  arm^,  !b. ;  besiege  tij* 

castle  of  Lougbrea,   88  ;  defc.itid  and  Imally  subdued,  ib. 
Mac  Yeoris,  or  Ucrminghuni,  submits  bl. 
JIagibtrales  of  Galway,  197. 
Maps  of  the  tow  n,  22,    23,   2  t. 

Marble  (juarries  near  Galway,  288  ;  in  Arrun  31 1,  nnte. 
Martin,  f.nnily  of,   18,  25,  50. 
Mass,  celebration  of,  prevented  in  Galway,    IGS. 
JIayo,  principal  inbabiinnts  of,  submit  to  the  lord  deputy,  93. 
M.ayor  and  bailills  first  ekcled,  (>9. 
j\Iedal  to  perpetuate  the  surrender  of  Galway  to  Villiani  III, 

IG3. 
Members  of  Parliament,  231. 
Men  of  genius  and  learning,  viz.  Patrick  Darcy,  John  Lyncir, 

Uouurick    O' Flaherty,    George    L,    Staunton,    Walter    B. 

Kirwan,  and  Richard  Kirwan,  natives  of  Galway,  addenda. 
MiUtia,  U;7  ;  officers  of,  ib. ;  iwte,  170,   17ki. 
Mint,  established  in  Galway,  65.- 
jModern  improvements,  232. 
Moncton,  family  of,  31G. 
Monuments  and  inscriptions  in  St.Nicholab'  church,  252,  253; 

in  St,  Francis'  abbey,   2oS  ;  in  Dominican  abbey  271, 
Moore,  family  of,  21. 
Myrris,  or  Mares,  family  of,    19,  25,  65. 
Muuntjoy,  lord   deputy,  fortifies  Galv.'ay,  9G  ;  causes  tbe  fort 

of  St.  Augustine  to    be   biult,    97  ;    visitt  the   town,    ib. ; 

receives  the  submission  of  several  chieftains,  ib. 
Bluragc  charter,  58. 
jMutton  island,  fort  on,  surrenders,  132  ;   the   island  used  as 

a  commonage  by  tbe  town,  144,  iwte  ;   castle  repaired,  1G4  ; 

fortified,  167  ;  light-house,  280. 

Nagnata,  the  ancient  city  of  Galway,  37. 

Natives  of  Galway,    members  of  the   assembly  of  coufcder.ilc 

Catholics  at  Kilkenny,  123,  note. 
New  rules  regulating  the  corporation,  144. 
Nicholas,  St.  account  of,  23;J,  note. 
Nolan,  family  of,  21,  26,  GG. 

O'Brien,  Dcrmodwwrc,  protects  the  trade  of  Galway,  51. 

O'Briens  lords  of  Arran,  52,  note;  e.\pelled  by  the  O'l'laher- 
ties,  ib. ;  petition  of  the  corporaUon  in  their  favor,  ih.  • 
curious  transactions  concerning  them,  207,  iiote, 

O' Conor,  Roderick,  monarch  of  Ireland,  ma.kes  peace  with 
Henry  1 1.  4  1  ;  dethroned  by  his  sons,  45  ;  dies  in  Cong,  ib. 

Caihal    Crordear^,  defeats    Decourcy,    45  ;  fuundj 

Abbey  Knuckmuy,  ib. ;  defeats  Cathal  Otrragh  O'Conor, 
46;  joins  Miler  Fitz- Henry,  ib. ;  forces  de  Burgo  to  sur- 
render, and  einers  into  a  treaty  with  king  John,  ib.  ;  dies,  ib. 

,  Fedblim,    eatablished,    47;  visits  Henry  Hi.  ib. ; 

takes  the  castle  of  Galway,  48  ;  dies,  ib. 

,  Hugh,  defeats  Walter  de  liurgo,  49  ;  is  slain,  ib. 

,  Fedhlim,  joins  the  earl  of  Ulster  against  Bruce,  54  ; 

puts  his  rival,  Uuilcritk  O'Cunor,  to  death,  ib. ;  slain  at 
tlie  battle  of  Athenrv,  ib. 

O'Daly,  family  of,    112. 

O'Donnell,  Hugh  ruudli ;  destroys  Athenry,  94;  inarches 
towards  Galway,  95 ;  burns  tbe  suburbs,  96  ;  put  to  fii'rlit, 
ib. 

,  Balldearg,  account  of,  156,  note. 

O'Flahcrty,  family  of,    10,  20,  40;  note,  81. 

O'llalloran,  sept  of,  3,  18,20;  note. 

O'Madden,  chieftain  of  Siol-Anmcad,  submits,  81. 

O'Mahony,  Connor,  bis  violent  publication,  123;  curiom 
censure  of  it  by  the  corporation- of  Galway,  ib.  7iote. 

O'Mayle,  chieftain  of  Borishoole,  submits,   80. 

O'Murray,  Donat,  archbishop  of  Tnam,  establishes  the  trar- 
denship,  G8,  £51. 


INDEX. 


Oramnore,     castle    of,     112;     surromlercil,     I'Jl;    taken    by 

■Coote,  12S. 
Ordinances  for  tlie  town  by  Henry  VIII.  SO,  jmlc. 
Orniond,  earl  of,  claims  prisage  of  wine  in  (nilway,  79  ;  in- 

stitutes  proceedings,  bnt  is  defeated,  ib. ;  claim  revived,  91  ; 

cstablislicd,  9L'  ;  abstract  of  tlie  proceedings,  ib.  nulc. 

O'Shaughnessy,   family  of,  L'Ui,   natr.' 

Paper  manufactory,  290. 

Parishes  of  tlie  collegiate  cluircli,  250,  nol: 

Patrick,  St.  destroys'  lite  pagan  annals  of  Ireland,  34  ;  builds 

a  church  near  Galway,  JS. 
Pc-lli.am,    lord  deputy,   arrives  in  the  town.   89;  confirms   the 

charter,  90  ;  stations  the  first  regular  troops,  91. 
Penrise,  family  of,   6,  25. 
Perrot,  lord  deputy,  arrives  in  Galway,  91;  divides  Connauglit 

into  counties,  ib. ;  corrects  many  abuses,  ib, 
Peters,   Hugh,  the  famous  fanatic,  117. 
Pierce  ?Iarlin,    Dame  JIary  Lynch,  the   earl    of  Clanricarde, 

and  Granie  ny  Kcroill,  curious  note  cuncernini?,  81 .    ^ 
Plague  rages.    126,  15.". 

Plantation  of  Galway  by  a  colony  from  Liverpool  and  Glou- 
cester projected,    159. 
Population,    192,  19.3,  194. 
Portnmna  castle,  109;   town  122. 
Possessions  of  the  collegiate  church,  114,  tioU; 
I'resentation  conveitt,   278. 
Presidents  of  Connaught,  \03,  7ioli: 
Preston,  general,  appointed  governor,  128;  takes  shipping  in 

the  bay.  and  goes  to  France,  129  ;  his  letter  to  Ireton,  ib.  iioti; 
Prisage  of  «incs,  81,  83,  91,  92. 
I'rotesi.uit  inhabiiants  removed  out  of  the  town,  155  ;  petition 

parliament,  171,  1  ^<6". 
I'tLilomy.   his  description  of  Ireland,  35. 
I'urcell,  colonel  Tol)y,  bis  ujiright  conduct,  IG4,  note;  opposes 

Sir  Henry  Bellasyse,  ib. ;  accuses  Edward  Kyre,  ib. 

Quarter  episcopals,  what,  247,  jw/c. 
Queen  Eli/ahetli.  her  charter,  8G. 
Quin,  family  of,   21,  2fi,  CC. 
Quo-A\'arranto  against  the  corporation,  152. 

Kecordcrs,  list  of,  230. 

Itcilig  na-Riogh,  .famous  burying  place  of,  S.^. 

Keniarkable  instance  of  inile.vible  justice,  70. 

Ulchard  1 1,  bis  first  cliarter  to  Galway,  Gl  ;  second  charter,  ib. 

III.  his  charter,  ng. 

Uinmore.  battery  erected  at,    120, 

Kintinane.   battery  .at,   ib. 

Kinuncini,  t!ie  pope's  nuncio,  Iiis  violent  proceedings  in 
Galway,  124  ;  takes  shipping  in  the  bay,  and  quits  the 
kingdom,    12  J. 

Uobe,  town  of,  GO. 

RoscoTnmon,  comity  of,   99,  nol^. 

Uoss,  hirony  of,  100,  nnt,: 

Itotherham,  Sir  Thomas,  appeinted  first  ,govrrnor  of  St.  Au- 
gustine's fort,  97  ;  his  character  98  ;  elected  Mayo__r,  ib. 

Russell,  lord  deputy,  visits  the  town,  94. 

.. ,  colonel,  purchases  the  charter  and  other  duties  from 

Mrs.  Hamilton,  147  ;  elected  mayor,  ib. 

Scliools  in  Galway,  175,  note, 
Semiier,   family  of,   21. 

Several  curious  particulars  requiring  reformation,  208. 
Ships  of  G.dway,  Dune  and  Conmacnainara,  41. 
Sliruel,  m.assacre  at,  110,  nolv. 

Sidney,  lord  deputy,  arrives  in  Galway,  85  ;  his  observations 
»in  the  town,  ib. 


Simcockes,  family  of,  223,  nolr. 
Skcrrett,   family  of,  19,  25,  50. 
Smith,  Erasnms,  his  free-school,  310. 
Smuggling  prevalent  in  Galway,  174. 
Spa-well  near  the  town,  281,   note. 
Spanish  pride,  314,  vuii\ 
Speeil,   his  description  of  Galway.  22. 
St.  John,   Sir  Oliver,  his  description  of  Connauglit,  22. 
Staple  for  wool,  &c.  established  in  Galway,  58;  removed,  59. 
Slrall'ord,  lord,   vide  ir,  nliv.ntli. 
Susse.\,  loril  deputy,  arrives  in  Galway,  84.  i 

Streets  of  Galway  first  paved,  77. 

.Stubbers,  colonel,  appointed  governor  of  the  town,  134;  his 
proceedings,  ib. 

Tacitus,  his  observations  on  Ireland.  34. 

Taylor,  Walter,  esq.  his  return,  175. 

Tenures,  singular,    in  GaUva)',  2b2,  note. 

Theatre,  3 1.';. 

Tbomond.   country  of,   added  to   Connauglit,   91  ;  afterwards 

united  to  IVInnster,  ib.  itote. 
earl   of,  arrives  in    Galway,    89  ;    his  loii   put  to 

death,   88,  ho/c-. 
Tierney,   family  of,  21. 

Tirella'n,  castle  of,    1 12  ;•  taken  by  Coote,   128  ;  burned,  159. 
Town-clerks,  list  of,   230. 
— —  clock  erected,    103,  vote. 

Travelling  from  Galway  to  Dublin  dangerous,  84,  note. 
Tribes  of  Galway,  oriL;iii  of  tli's  ap|)ellation,  G. 
Tuam,  titular  archbishop  of,    killed,   122  ;    narrative   of  the 

transaction,    123,   note. 
Tully,  family  of,  21,  26,  6G. 
Tyreonnell,   lord,  withdraws  the  garrison  from  Galw.ay,    154; 

curious  letter  of,   248,  «../<■. 

Ulick,  origin  of  Ibis  christian  name,  54,  note. 

Ulster,     William,    earl    of,    assassinated,    55 ;    consequences 

thereof,  56. 
Union,  declaration  of  the  inhabitants  of  Gahv.ay  in  favor  of 

the,    191. 

Vallancey,  general,  his  derivation  of  the  name  of  Galway,  5. 
Vescy,  archbishop,  his  attempt  to  remove  the  archiepiscopal 

see  from  Tuam  to  Galway,  249. 
Volunteers  of  Galway  189;  reviewed,    190. 

Ware  Sir  J.ames,  his  derivation  of  the  name  of  Galway,  2; 
his  opinion  as  to  the  Irish  tribes  mentioned  by  Ptolemy,  35, 
36,   37. 

Warrant  of  freedom  to  Galway,    127,  note. 

"Wentworth,  lord  deputy,  arrives  in  the  town,  104  ;  proceed- 
ings to  find  the  king's  title  to  Connaught,  ib.  bis  arbitrary 
treatment  of  the  slierid'  and  jury  of  Galway,  105  ;  the 
king's  title  found,   ib. 

West-"ate  and  tower,  built  by  Thomas  JNIartin,  84. 

Will  of  Dominick  Lynch,  curious  extract  from,  235,   ho/c. 

"W'illongbby,  Sir  Francis,  appointed  governor  of  St  .Augustine's 
fort,  98  ;  aiiives  in  Dublin,  and  describes  the  state  of  the 
town,  109. 

,  captain    Anthony,    left  in  command   of  the    fort, 

109;  his  violent  conduct,  110;  burns  the  suburbs,  112; 
defeats  the  pacific  measuies  of  Lord  Clanricarde,  115; 
kills  many  of  the  town's  pcojile  IIG;  surrenders  the  fort, 
121  •  tra"ical  fate  of  several  of  his  men,  ib.  note. 

Wool,  exportation  of,    174,    note. 

Youu",    .\rthnr,  his  tour  through  Ireland,  2D2,  note. 
men,  company  of,  formed,  77. 


z^- 


^^ 


?^ 


J- 


Yd 


7259